A tiny mustard seed

grows into a big tree.

Minute grains of yeast

work through and quicken the dough.

Forgive us when we think that what we do

won’t make a difference

and remind us that a small action

can make someone’s day.

One pebble sends circles of ripples

across a lake.

Many droplets of water combine together

to make a vast ocean.

Challenge us ‘to be the change that we want to see’:

to empower those trapped by poverty and unjust systems.

To cast the pebble that creates ripples that upset the status quo.

To pray your anger at injustice and compassion for humanity.

God of the tiny things and God of the bigger picture

take what we have begun to explore

the questions we are beginning to ask

the prayers we have begun to voice

and shape them into your cry for justice.

Neil Paynter Like Leaves in the Sun 2013