Prayer

Creator God, 

Today continues the weeklong celebration of Kwanzaa. The celebration of Kwanzaa seeks to bring forward the best of culture, ancient and contemporary, encouraging the discovery of principles and possibilities that can enrich and expand our lives. May this rich celebration of culture and excellence inspire us to pursue the noble possibilities of human existence, that we might give of ourselves to secure justice, peace, dignity and freedom. We pray to you, the Lord of possibilities. Amen. 

Prayer

Empowering Spirit,

Hanukkah reminds us that your ways are higher than our ways, and that your plans for us will not be thwarted by any mechanism of human power or might. As our Jewish brothers and sisters continue to celebrate Hanukkah, may we all take this opportunity to remember your gracious provision and protection over us, and how we depend upon you for every dimension of our safety, comfort, and peace. Inspire us with gratitude, that we might rededicate ourselves to serving you by serving those you put in our path, especially those who are most in need. Amen.

Prayer

Gracious God,

What a joyous day it is! With you and angels and saints, we gladly celebrate the birth of your son, Jesus, through whom divine grace has been revealed, in our very flesh, opening a new way of life for all of us! May our celebrations today fill us with hope and make us ever more eager to do what is good. Amen!

Prayer

Merciful God,

Many are filled with excitement today as they share the most blessed gifts of connection, community, love, and generosity. We praise you for such celebrations! Yet there are also others who, for any number of reasons, may be grieving this time of year or are otherwise struggling. We are mindful of them and pray that you would show them your mercy. Grant them peace and comfort and send us to show them your goodness. We are mindful as well, of all those who may be working and unable to pause during Christmastime this year. We pray you would reward them for their service and restore to them the time they are sacrificing for the sake of others. With peace and goodwill, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Spirit of Kindness,

It’s the time of year when schedules stretch thin and our pace gets hasty. Amidst all the busyness, help us hold on to the things that matter most and the values that keep us human together, especially the value of kindness. Empower us as a ministry, not just to extend your healing effectively, but to do so with genuine kindness. In all that we do and say for patients and families, and our wider communities, keep us kind, especially towards those who might be the most challenging or those we are tempted to ignore and neglect. May we sincerely strive to beautify the people and places around us with kindness today. As a people on mission, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

On this final Sunday of Advent, we focus attention on the love you have so generously lavished on us, in sending to us your son, Jesus. Humbly we ask you to continue showering your lovingkindness towards us. Continue to look down from heaven and see us, take care of us, and protect us, especially those who are most vulnerable and suffering through various challenges. May we who extend Jesus’ ministry today open our own eyes and be willing truly to see those most in need of our protection and care. Make us willing to do whatever is necessary to provide these gifts, out of gratitude to you. Amen.

Prayer

God of life,

Even in winter, so much is happening beneath the surface of the earth, lying in wait, until springtime will burst forth with new life. As we reflect upon the gift of creation and the way you sustain the whole web of life in every season, guide us to greater degrees of trust in you and your faithfulness towards us. May we grow ever more eager to respond to your provision by proving ourselves faithful in return, standing up as stewards of creation, looking for effective ways to nourish the landscape we share as one human family and as a ministry called by your name. Amen.