Daily Reflections
Prayer
Lord of all, today is a day of remembrance, remembering a dark day in our nation’s history but also of those who sacrifice in the service of our nation. May our recollection of what occurred on this day and the memory of those who gave their lives inspire us to sacrifice in the service of our sisters and brothers, especially those who are poor, sick, and vulnerable. Amen.
Prayer
Lord of all, today we celebrate with our Sikh sisters and brothers the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. Stir within us the same respect and appreciation he had for your presence in all that exists. May his commitment to equality, love, goodness, and virtue inspire us to model our behavior reflecting these eternal truths. Fill us with the same spirit that animated Guru Nanak and move us to lead lives of selfless service, commitment to social justice, and the affirmation of human dignity. Amen.
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.
Prayer
God of love and peace, Jesus told his disciples that he had come not to be served, but to serve. We gather in your presence today mindful of the sacrifices made by so many to defend our freedom and promote justice and peace. We thank you for the gift of our nation’s veterans who generously gave of themselves in the effort to maintain our country’s freedom, and encourage it to flourish and prosper. May we who enjoy the blessings of freedom always be grateful to those who help to preserve it. We pray this in the name of God from whom all blessings flow. Amen.
Prayer
Gracious God, as we watch the news with anxiety, we remember the many people on the front lines who work each day to keep us safe and healthy, provided for, and encouraged. Keep close to you today all those workers on the front line who risk their health and safety to protect us. Fill them with your Holy Spirit that they might continue to perform their sacred mission and fill our hearts with gratitude for the service and care they offer. Amen.
Prayer
Loving God, your Son, Jesus, said that he had come not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. May the example of Jesus inspire within us a spirit of selfless service. May your Holy Spirit inspire us to not seek personal gain or prestige, status or power, but the opportunity to benefit the lives of others. Fill us with a humble heart that we might offer our lives in service for others. We pray this in the name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.
Prayer
Eternal God, too often in our society we celebrate the grand, the great, and the famous. Such emphasis can tempt us to undervalue our own contribution and significance. Yet, we know it is more often in the simple, the ordinary, and the everyday through which people’s lives are changed and transformed. Strengthen us today to believe in, and act upon, our ability to contribute to the lives of others in simple and ordinary ways. In confidence, we pray. Amen.
