A prayer for Pride

God who delights in us,

You search us and find us out.

You love us from the inside.

Every thought and feeling, uttered and held in silence

Is known to you and precious to you. Dwell within us.

Help us discover that you mean us to grow into who we are

And no other.

To be real, not to pretend,

To know love – given and received,

And to blossom in its liberating power. Shelter us in your protective shadow From those who will not accept us,

Who know us only from the outside. Give us the peace that passes

All misunderstanding, fear and rejection Knowing that you alone behold us, desire us, and declare us to be your own. Amen