Daily Reflections
Prayer
God of all good things, like the prodigal son, too often we go out searching for happiness only to discover that true happiness resides with you. We pray today for the courage to pursue true happiness. Strengthen us that we might resist the temptations that promise happiness but often leave us feeling lost and alone. Guide us through the gift of your Holy Spirit to desire true happiness and possess the willingness to seek it in honesty and sincerity. In your name, we pray. Amen.
Prayer
Merciful God, we know we do not always live up to our noble calling to reflect your presence and love in the world. Fill us with your Holy Spirit that we might be willing and ready to forgive those who have wronged us. Help us to develop hearts open to the forgiveness offered to us by those we have wronged. May our willingness to forgive and be forgiven help to reconcile a broken world. Amen.
Prayer
God of love, we are able to love others because you first love us. Fill us with gratitude for the gift of your love, a gift that makes all things possible. Inspire us by the example of your Son Jesus that we may lead lives shaped by love. Guide our hearts that we might always strive to be better reflections of your love in and for the world. We pray this in the name of your Son Jesus. Amen.
Prayer
Faithful God, sometimes we want to know, to understand, to see before we can commit to faith in you and your promise. Yet, we know that knowledge, understanding, and sight come through faith and an openness to your presence in our lives. Strengthen our faith this day that we might see you in others, encounter you within ourselves, and dedicate ourselves more courageously to your call. Amen.
Prayer
God of goodness and peace, Your love for us is unwavering. In good times and in bad, on days of sunshine and days of rain, your love remains. Help us to be mindful today and all days of the bounty of your love. Fill us with your Holy Spirit that we may respond with commitment and courage to your call to love others as you love us. Stir within us a spirit of thanksgiving for your goodness and an openness to share your goodness with others. We pray in your name. Amen.
Prayer
Gracious God, history books are often filled with grand moments and the people who shaped those moments. But our personal histories and the histories of our communities are often written in simple stories, everyday experiences, and ordinary encounters. We thank you, Lord, for the kindness we have experienced in life. And we ask that you fill our hearts with your love that we might reach out in kindness to all we encounter today. Amen.
Prayer
God of life, the beginning of a New Year is often a time of great optimism and hope. As our Muslim sisters and brothers celebrate the birth of a New Year, may we dedicate ourselves to the exploration of joy and the firmness of resolution. Open our hearts and minds to your presence and truth that we might pursue the year ahead with compassion and love. Amen.
