God of grace and hope,
Where the warmth of a smile eclipses the sinister sneer –
Let hope stand triumphant.
Where an act of kindness
undermines an evil deed –
Let hope stand triumphant.
Where a word of peace
silences the terrorist’s threat –
Let hope stand triumphant.
Where difference is diversity
in place of disunity –
Let hope stand triumphant.
Where youth is innocent
and age is wisdom –
Let hope stand triumphant.
Where love is real
and faith is kindled –
Let hope stand triumphant.
Praying that praise and protest
would be partners in our living and in our praying,
that your kingdom may come among us.
Amen.