O God, our creator, all life is in your hands from conception until death. Help us to cherish each person, and to reverence the awesome privilege of our share in creation. Bless all those who defend the rights of the unborn, the handicapped, the victims of abuse, terrorism and war, the homeless, those on death row and the aged. Enlighten and be merciful to those who fail to love, and give each of us the wisdom and peace that we need so that all may know your holy truth about the sacredness of life. Let freedom be tempered with responsibility, integrity, justice and love. We ask this prayer through Christ, our Lord. Amen.