Daily Reflections
Prayer
God of courage and compassion, You call us to be people of love. But we know that it can be difficult to love others because love requires so much. Inspire us through the example of Jesus that we might have the courage to love others. May the example of people like Maximilian Kolbe, who volunteered to die in place of a stranger in Auschwitz, help us develop the willingness to sacrifice so that love might live. We pray in your name. Amen.
Prayer
Holy God, we know that life can be difficult. We can have difficult days, challenging times, stressful experiences. And yet, we know that you are with us in all things. Strengthen our trust in you. Fill us with the gift of your Holy Spirit, that we might face the challenges of life with courage and hope. Console us in painful times and inspire within us a willingness to always begin again. Amen.
Prayer
Faithful Lord, we know that too often indigenous peoples have been treated unjustly and unfairly. On this day that celebrates the world’s indigenous peoples, we pray that treaties will be honored, agreements will be respected, and other constructive arrangements will be esteemed. May we strive to be just in our relations with all peoples. Give us the courage that we may always act rightly towards one another, shaped by the example of your Son, Jesus. Amen.
Prayer
Merciful God, we know that all too often in life we fall short of the mark. And yet, we trust in your mercy. We thank you for the opportunity to begin again and to strive to become the people you have created and called us to be. Give us the courage not only to accept your forgiveness but to offer forgiveness to those who have harmed us. Enlighten our hearts that we might pursue reconciliation with all our sisters and brothers. Amen.
