Prayer for Neurodiversity & those with invisible disabilities

Reader:

God of fresh starts, of new beginnings,

of renewal and restoration, We awake to your grace,

embraced by unconditional love.

People:

With each morning you birth new possibilities

in us and around us.

Reader:

We are surrounded by sacred potential.There are so many ways to love.

People:

So many ways to exist in this world.

Reader:

Lord, you have said to us, “I came so that you may have life, and may have it abundantly.”

People:

We pray for life abundant for all people. 

Reader:

Especially today, we pray for those who are called neurodivergent to be blessed with abundance and joy. 

People:

Please bless neurodivergent families and individuals with an increase of acceptance, love and hope today.

Reader:

We pray also for those with invisible disabilities. 

Those who pass as able bodied but struggle silently among us. 

Bless them, Lord Jesus.

People: 

Help us as your church to rise to the call to support, love, and learn from them.

Reader:

Lord, we ask forgiveness for the ways we have forced disabled folks to conform to our expectations of them. 

People:

May we feel convicted to ask forgiveness where it is needed.

Reader:

And going forward, may we have ears to hear the aches of those who feel silenced. 

People:

Give us eyes to see the beauty of your intentional diversity.

Help us recognize and celebrate our differences. 

Reader:

And help us to make change where change is needed for the disabled community, in the church, in our own lives, and in the public spaces that we occupy. 

People: 

Help your church lead the way for inclusion and celebration of the diversity you have created.

All:

Lead us in this way we ask of you, Lord Jesus.

Amen.