Prayer

Loving God,

On this Ascension Day, celebrating Jesus’ return to you, we are reminded from where we come, with the hope of one day returning home to you. Guide us through each day to love as you love, and to care for one another without limits.  In glorious celebration for your love for us, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Patient God,

We often pray for more patience, especially when we are down to our last nerve with certain situations.  Help us to see that these situations are ways to practice patience rather than trying our patience, guiding us to navigate future situations in a less stressful way.  For more times of patient waiting, we pray. Amen. 

Prayer

Gracious God,

As we celebrate nurses during this National Nurses Week, fill our hearts with gratitude for the many blessings you bestow upon us through the gift of our nurses. May their embodiment of our core values of service and compassion inspire each of us to lead lives of meaning and purpose. May we embody a spirit of thanksgiving for the healing touch they bring to the lives of others. And may our nurses continue to find support in our community and in one another. Amen.

Prayer

Dependable God,

On this Holocaust Remembrance Day, help us to always remember the strength and courage that so many of our Jewish brothers and sisters displayed when faced with such fear and anxiety.  Their dependence on you is a great example for all of us as we face a variety of trials each day.  Guide us to always remain faithful to you, knowing you are with us each step of the way.  Allow our example of faithfulness to be an example to others. We ask this in your name. Amen.

Prayer

Compassionate God,

As we begin our celebration of National Nurses Week today, help us always to be mindful of, and grateful for, the dedication and caring of our nurses. Through their selfless service, they inspire us all to care for one another, extending your compassionate ministry in all our facilities and communities. Fill them with the satisfaction of knowing the difference their gentleness and care make in the lives of others and with the knowledge of how greatly they are appreciated and valued by their patients and colleagues. Amen.

Prayer

God of Creation,

You created all things on this earth: humans, plants and animals, and then you stepped back and saw that “It was good, it was very good.” Help us to live each day in gratitude of all that you have given us, especially the animals in our lives.  Whether these are family pets or creatures in the wild, they all have a wonderful purpose on this earth, and bring us great joy. In thanksgiving for all living creatures, and in appreciation for the joy they bring to the world, we pray. Amen. 

Prayer

God of tomorrow,

All throughout your earthly ministry you were concerned to empower and authorize those who followed you, to take your ministry forward in new directions. Your example inspires us as we reflect on our call, today and each day, to serve as your hands and feet in the world. Not as individuals alone, but collectively, and in such numbers that we have reason to marvel at the “greater deeds” that have indeed flowed from the work that you started. With joyfulness, gratefulness, and faith-filled expectation, we pray together: More, Lord! Let your kingdom come, and your will be done through us, especially on behalf of those who are poor, dying, and underserved. Amen.