Daily Reflections
Prayer
Loving Lord, young Mary of Nazareth trusted in your word and your promise to her. Her trust in you inspired her to dedicate her life to serving the good news of the gospel. Develop within our hearts a spirit of profound trust, a trust that will inspire us to dedicate our lives to continuing the mission of proclaiming and embodying the good news of the gospel in our day. We pray this in your name. Amen.
Prayer
Merciful God, work is at the heart of who we are called to be as people. You call each of us to cooperate with you in your work of ongoing creation. Help us to see our work as an ongoing participation in your work of building a better world. Send your blessing this day upon all those who labor and all those suffering economically in the midst of this global pandemic. May your Spirit help us transform the challenges of today into the opportunities that will allow all people to realize their God-given call to labor on behalf of the reign of God. We offer this prayer with profound thanks. Amen.
Prayer
God of strength and courage, each day is a gift you give to us. Each day is an opportunity to begin anew. Help us to use the gift of today wisely. Through the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, guide our path this day that we might use it to grow closer to you and to reach out in love and compassion to others. We pray this in the name of your Son Jesus. Amen.
Prayer
God of Laughter and Joy, sometimes the burdens of life can weigh us down. Sometimes we can be so intent on meeting the demands of life we can forget to enjoy life. Fill us today with a spirit of joy that we might never be so burdened that we forget to laugh, that we forget to enjoy the gift of life you have given to us. Fill us with the gift of humor and laughter that we might always remember you are with us, guiding us and loving us. Amen.
Prayer
God of all hopefulness, these extraordinary times have called out extraordinary acts of kindness, goodness, compassion, and sacrifice. But these times have also helped us recognize the kindness and compassion so often on display every day in ordinary times. Fill our hearts with gratitude for the many people whose bravery and goodness have been thrust into the spotlight by the times through which we pass. And help us to be more appreciative of the common, everyday acts of decency and compassion that make our world and our lives better. With profound gratitude, we pray. Amen.
Prayer
Compassionate Lord, so much has happened this year. We are not living in the world we enjoyed even as we ushered in the New Year of 2020. There has been much pain, suffering, and sadness. And yet, there has also been much joy, much service, and much sacrifice for others. May we always look to you that as we experience change in our world, we may unite our efforts with others to make the new world a better reflection of your love and goodness. Amen.
Prayer
God of all good gifts, we praise and thank you for the many gifts you have given to us, for your presence in the great and the small alike. Fill our hearts with your love that we might dedicate ourselves to protect the life and beauty of the earth and all who inhabit it. Fill us with your peace that we might live as true sisters and brothers. Fill us with your light that we might appreciate the worth of all that is and use our gifts to advance your vision of life and love. In your name, we pray. Amen.
