Fall Begins

Fall Begins

Prayer

Good creator,

As time flows on and the season turns to fall, you invite us to pause and take stock of who we are and where we’re going. You have laced your wisdom into the cycles of nature, calling us to reset our hearts and realign our lives in accord with your vision of flourishing. While our days often feel long, and our work is quite taxing, help us not to miss the graces hidden in every day’s passing. Instead, let us be eager to notice and respond to your accompanying presence among us, through all the changes. Amen.

World Gratitude Day

World Gratitude Day

Prayer

Loving God,

On World Gratitude Day, we are happy to celebrate all the many benefits that flow from a life filled with gratefulness. For the gifts you give, the blessings taken for granted, the graces that others show us and simply the joy of belonging to your good creation—we truly are thankful. Help us speak and act in ways that reflect our humble gratitude for being in this place and time, serving your good purposes and taking care of your people, and may we all be healed as a result. In mind, body, and spirit, we pray. Amen.

     

 
    Reflection   “Who is like the LORD our God, enthroned on high, looking down on heaven and earth? He raises the needy from the dust, lifts the poor from the ash heap.” –Psalm 113:5-7   Prayer   God who sees us,  You have your eyes trained

Prayer

God who sees us,

You have your eyes trained on those who are most in need of care and concern. Teach us to see with your eyes. In the same way that you see and lift up the needy, giving those who are poor a firm place to stand, empower us to do the same. May we continue to extend your own advocacy for all those who are underserved and underprivileged. And may the communities we serve see our ministry as a sign of hope and a witness to your incredible love for humanity. Amen.

     

 
    Reflection   “Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.”   ~ Harriet Beecher Stowe   Prayer   Faithful God, In your deep and abiding love, you never give up on us, not even in our darkest hours. Help us

Prayer

Faithful God,
In your deep and abiding love, you never give up on us, not even in our darkest hours.
Help us to remember this when we are tempted to give up on ourselves or lose hope in others.
You are always near, gently guiding us toward new paths and more purposeful lives.
Though the road may be difficult, your love endures forever and is our constant source of strength. For this, we are deeply grateful. With hope in our hearts and trust in your presence,
we pray. Amen.

     

 
    Reflection   “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” ~Aesop   Prayer   God of Compassion,  Everywhere we turn, we see signs of chaos and unrest. Our world is in desperate need of more kindness, more love—and that heali

Prayer

God of Compassion,
Everywhere we turn, we see signs of chaos and unrest. Our world is in desperate need of more kindness, more love—and that healing begins with each one of us. We don't need grand gestures to make a difference. A kind word, a held door, a sincere “thank you,” or even a smile to a stranger can reach deeper than we may ever know. Guide our hearts and hands to offer these small but powerful acts each day. May our kindness become the balm that helps the world heal.

     

 
    Reflection   “Be like the dandelion—stand tall, spread your seeds, and let your spirit soar.”   ~Author Unknown   Prayer   Loving Creator,  We were all formed through your boundless love, and for that, we give thanks. Help us to embrace

Prayer

Loving Creator,
We were all formed through your boundless love, and for that, we give thanks. Help us to embrace who we are and who we are becoming, knowing that your love is the foundation of our worth. Give us the courage to share ourselves with others—our gifts, our talents, our love—not for recognition, but to reflect you more clearly in the world. Let your love flow through us, touching hearts and drawing others closer to you. We ask this through the One who loved us first. Amen.

     

 
    Reflection   “A creative person is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others.”   ~Ayn Rand   Prayer   Creative God,  You have blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, calling us to use them not for com

Prayer

Creative God,
You have blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, calling us to use them not for comparison, but for contribution. There is a difference between creating to bring joy and meaning and competing only to surpass others. While both can coexist, remind us that the heart of creativity is found in purpose, not praise. Help us to use our gifts for good, celebrating the talents of others, and making space for every voice to shine. May our work always reflect your Spirit of joy, not rivalry. Amen.