Leader: All: Leader: All: Leader: All: Leader: faith will need deeper roots and careful tending. (Pause) We have encountered God in the Word and in reflection. Let us respond by joining in prayer. We begin with a moment of silence, reflecting on our being fearfully, wonderfully made, and on the urgency of our response to the Lord: a response that comes ftom a faith deeply rooted in our hearts. Let us pray together: Now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation. Lord, the demands of everyday life entangle us. Invite us to cast off these nets and readily follow you to fuller life. Now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation. You summon us through the people and events of our lives. Sow your Word in them that we might hear and respond. Now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation. The influences of culture harden our hearts. Help us remember that we are all wonderfully made so that we become rooted and grounded in your love and compassion.