I found this prayer on the website of the Metropolitan Community Church which is a Gay Christian denomination and found it incredibly moving.
O God, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I have to lie down and rest;
you know when I rise up with strength and courage;
you discern my thoughts when I far away and dreaming of another life.
You search out my path;
you know where I am, mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.
You are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue, O God,
you know me so well that you know exactly what I will say.
You are behind me and in front of me; you hold me on every side.
You lay your hand upon me and from you I draw strength.
Your presence is so wonderful for me.
Where can I go from your spirit?
Or where can I flee from your presence?
When I slip into denial, you are there;
if I shout and sing at the wonder of life, you do it with me.
If I take the wings of the morning
and fly as far as I can go,
even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me fast.
As I get my test results, you are with me in the clinic.
When I hold my lover’s hand, you are there.
You count each pill, each day, each blessing with me.
You hold me as I sleep,
and sit with me when I lay awake at night in worry.
For it was you who formed my inward parts;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.
You intricately wove my body, creating all its parts;
you made my bones, my cells, my heart, my blood, all of me.
You have known every moment of my existence:
you know all that has happened in my life and all that will.
I try to think like you do,
knowing each detail yet aware of the larger picture of life.
It is more than I can comprehend.
I wake up– I am still with you.
O that you would kill that which saps my health, O God,
that all disease would depart from me
and that HIV and AIDS would be gone.
Do I not fight for the sacred life you have created in me, O God?
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
See if there is any hurtful way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
We come before you this day, O Loving God,
mindful of your promise of abundant life,
yet aware that there is HIV and AIDS in your family.
We pray this day that You will awaken within us
the awareness that abundant life is not just about wholeness of bodies,
financial resources or having our needs met,
but that the life abundant comes from celebrating the life within us,
no matter what comes our way in this life.
Help us to celebrate the gift of life itself.
help us to band together in action, in prayer,
in support and in care for our brothers and sisters
who live with HIV and AIDS.
Help us to make the radical statement of love,
and to build bridges of support and care,
this day and always. Amen.
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