Father in Heaven,

As the holidays approach
Both wonder-filled anticipation 
And worry-full apprehension 
Are held in my heart, my mind, and my body.

Grant me the strength of heart to notice and name 
The unholy holiday temptations
That pull my heart from being present
To You, myself, and my neighbor.

Spirit of God,
Tune our hearts to hear You.

Help us hear with intention and attention,
Listening longer to those who labor beside us.

Help us hear the weight in the weary words
Of the waiter, grocer, or warehouse worker.