Daily Reflections
Prayer
Gracious God, in a world that often calls us to be brave, we sometimes do not feel courageous. Fill our hearts with the inspiration of your Holy Spirit that we might realize that sometimes courage is expressed, not in radical deeds, but in the consistent willingness to try each day to be better than the day before. Open our hearts to your presence in our lives that we might live each day confident that you are with us always. With confidence in you, we pray. Amen.
Prayer
Merciful Lord, we know we are not always who you have created and called us to be. Both intentionally and unintentionally, we fall short of the mark too often. Yet, we trust in you. May your forgiveness and mercy inspire us to rise again each time we fall. May your gracious mercy, inspire us to offer forgiveness to others. We pray in your name. Amen.
Prayer
Sustaining Lord, we live in a world of such bounty. And yet we know far too many wake up hungry, struggle for nourishment through the day, and go to bed hungry. May our celebration of World Food Day inspire us to transform this reality, making our own contribution to creating a world in which everyone participates in the bounty of God’s creation. In God’s name, we pray. Amen.
Prayer
Lord of all, sometimes our culture can be hyper-focused on personal independence and strength, tempting us to believe life is primarily about the pursuit of our own desires and will. Inspire us by the words and example of St. Teresa of Avila to recognize and accept that the call at the center of our life is to pursue the will of God. May the example of her life foster within us a profound commitment to God’s will today and every day. We pray in the name of the God who creates and calls us. Amen.
Prayer
Loving Lord, we continue to live in the midst of a global pandemic. Daily reports on cases and deaths, mask wearing and social distancing, have for many become the new normal. Taking the reality and the consequences of COVID-19 for granted, we can sometimes forget that so many still sacrifice on a daily basis to keep us safe and healthy. Stir within our hearts a spirit of gratitude for those who risk their lives to advance our safety and security. Protect them in your love and guide their efforts. Amen.
Prayer
God of all creation, we thank you for the gift of creation and for the goods of the earth. We thank you for each other and the gift we are to each other. Fill our hearts with your truth that we might sense your presence in all that you have created. May we live from a profound respect for the goodness of creation and commit ourselves to its ongoing care. In God’s name we pray. Amen.
Prayer
Gracious God, too often we might think our contribution will not make a difference in a struggling world. Yet, great leaders and visionaries have always reminded us that even the smallest act can have tremendous influence. Give us the courage today to offer our gifts and talents no matter how small we may think them. And give us the wisdom to appreciate that no act of love or goodness or justice is ever insignificant. We pray, trusting in your goodness. Amen.
