Gentle Father, who knows the struggles of your children, in this season when some wrestle with grief instead of joy, loss instead of abundance, bring your comfort and grant space to those that hurt, that as they pour out their hearts, they might find space inside to receive goodness and a capacity to hold onto the good, through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, who knows our sorrow and is with us in our pain. Amen. ‘The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me … to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion– to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, to display his glory.’ – Isa. 61:1-3