Hope

Light

Light

Prayer

God of light and goodness, today, we join in prayer in a special way with our Jewish sisters and brothers as they begin at sunset this evening the Feast of Chanukah. Chanukah celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, of good over evil, of knowledge over ignorance, and of hope over despair. May this eight-day festival of light inspire each of us to become instruments of God in helping to overcome darkness, evil, ignorance, and despair. Bless our efforts, as individuals, as communities, and as a ministry, to advance the cause of light, goodness, knowledge, and hope. With unshakeable trust in you, we pray. Amen.

Inspiration

Inspiration

Prayer

Loving Lord, today, we recall the assassination of President John F. Kennedy 57 years ago. We thank you for the wisdom he left us, for the inspiring role he played in so many lives, and for the symbol of hope he has become in the years since his death. Committed to public service throughout his life, may we draw inspiration from his example as we continue to pursue your work on earth. In confidence, we pray. Amen.

Hope

Hope

Prayer

Faithful Lord, even in the darkest moments, our trust in your promises can give us confidence and affirm the hope that better days are ahead. Send your Holy Spirit upon us that we might be strengthened in faith. Renew our trust in you that we might lead lives that reflect our hope that you are with us and will never abandon us. May your presence strengthen us, providing us with the courage we need to celebrate your love in good times and trust in your fidelity in times of darkness. In trust, we pray. Amen.

Hope

Hope

Prayer

Eternal God, sometimes it is difficult to do your will. The many burdens of life can drain us of energy and hope. Yet, with St. Charles, we must strive to be conscious of your presence with us as much as possible. Open our hearts to your presence that we might begin today and every day with eagerness and hope. Fill us with the joy that flows from sharing your love and compassion with others. Amen.

Trust

Trust

Prayer

Faithful Lord, sometimes I feel like I need to have everything figured out before I can commit my life to you. Yet, I also know the only way to learn the piano is to play the piano. Give us the courage this day to trust in your goodness and your love. Fill our hearts with faith that we can commit our lives to you and strive to be your presence in the world. Embolden us by your presence to lead lives of faith, hope, and love. We pray through faith, in hope, and with love. Amen.

Peace

Peace

Prayer

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, let me sow pardon. Where there is doubt, let me sow faith. Where there is despair, let me sow hope. Where there is darkness, let me sow light. Where there is sadness, let me sow joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love, for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

Meaning

Meaning

Prayer

God of meaning and hope, we know that sometimes life can be hard to manage. Sometimes the stresses and strains of work and home life can tempt us to despair, to question the meaning of it all. But when we turn our hearts to you, O God, we rediscover life’s purpose. We experience gratitude for the blessing and the meaning of life. Fill us with a sense of your presence and strengthen our belief in the goodness and meaning of life. Amen.