Daily Reflections
Prayer
God of generosity and goodness, your Son Jesus came not to be served but to serve. Inspire us by the example of Jesus to lead lives of faithful service to others. Move us to dedicate each day to serving our co-workers, our clients, our communities, our friends, our families, and especially people who are poor, sick, and vulnerable. Open our minds to the knowledge that our purpose on earth is to live in service to others. We pray this in the name of your Son Jesus. Amen.
Prayer
Gracious God, we know that happiness can be fleeting but joy endures. Give us the courage to face the challenges we confront each day. Keep us ever mindful of your promises and strengthen our trust in you. Fill us with your Holy Spirit that way we always remain steadfast in faith and that, no matter what struggles we may encounter, our hearts will always be filled with the joy that flows from your love. Amen.
Prayer
God of all hopefulness, when we look back on our lives, we are confronted with the faces of so many who have helped us become the people we are. Fill our hearts with gratitude for the many who have contributed to our lives. We especially thank those at this time in our history who risk life and well-being to create a safe and healthy world for all. With profound gratitude, we pray. Amen.
Prayer
Gracious God, too often we can spend our energy dreaming and have little left for the doing. Open our minds to the truth that dreams remain mere fantasies if we do not work to make them reality. Grant us the passion to dream big and the desire, persistence, and perseverance necessary to pursue our big dreams. May the dreams we pursue advance your vision for us and promote a world of justice, goodness, and peace. Amen.
Prayer
God of wisdom and truth, bless our celebration of Women’s Equality Day in remembrance of the certification of the 19th amendment which affirmed women’s right to vote in the United States. Strengthen our voices that we may always have the courage to speak out for what is right and good and true. Fill our hearts with gratitude for those who came before us, who worked tirelessly to make the world more just. May their example encourage us in our efforts to create a better world. We pray this in your name. Amen.
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.
