Prayer
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Holy
Prayer
Holy Lord, you create us for you and call each of us to be saints. But the holiness you call us to embrace is not one of chanting hymns by candlelight. Rather, your holiness asks us to share with others the good news of your love through the lives we lead. Fill us with your Holy Spirit that we might lead lives worthy of this sacred call. May the quality of our lives point not to our own goodness but to you who are the source of all that is good. With confidence in you, we pray. Amen.
Joy
Prayer
God of joy, we are passing through difficult and painful times. The evening news is often disheartening. Yet, we know you call us to be people of joy. May the happiness we see in the faces of costumed children this day fill our hearts with joy and renew within us an appreciation of the goodness of the life you give us.
We pray in your name. Amen.
Recreation
Prayer
God of leisure,there are times when we can feel overwhelmed by the demands on our time, our energy, and our talent. Yet, we know you have created us to enjoy the beauty of the life you have given. Open our eyes that we might truly see the beauty of the world you have created. Open our minds that we might better grasp the importance of recreation and leisure for leading happy, fulfilled lives. And open our hearts that we might better share the gift of life and love in the company of family and friends. We pray in the name of the God who creates us for joy. Amen.
Solidarity
Prayer
Creator God, you are the source of life and being for us all. Open our eyes and hearts that we might see you in ourselves and see ourselves in each other. Fill us with the inspiration of your Holy Spirit that we may affirm our common humanity and commit our efforts to promoting solidarity with all of our sisters and brothers. May respect for our differences never risk forgetting our oneness in dignity, freedom, and love. In God’s name, we pray. Amen.
Wisdom
Prayer
Eternal God, today, our Muslim sisters and brothers begin their celebration of the birth and life of the Prophet Muhammad. Open our minds to your wisdom that we might grow in our appreciation of the revelation of your presence and love in so many ways and in so many traditions. Encouraged by the words of the prophet, may we all seek the wealth that comes from faith in you and expresses itself in love for others. We pray in thanksgiving for the God made visible in countless faces. Amen.
Trust
Prayer
Faithful Lord, sometimes I feel like I need to have everything figured out before I can commit my life to you. Yet, I also know the only way to learn the piano is to play the piano. Give us the courage this day to trust in your goodness and your love. Fill our hearts with faith that we can commit our lives to you and strive to be your presence in the world. Embolden us by your presence to lead lives of faith, hope, and love. We pray through faith, in hope, and with love. Amen.