Daily Reflections
Prayer
Patient Lord, we live in a world that places a high value on speed. Yet, we are often taught that patience is a virtue. Open our minds to your wisdom that we might rediscover the necessity and power of patience. Help us see that fast is not always the same as good or right. Strengthen us that we might be active in patience and patient in outcomes generated by the grace of God and the efforts of the human family. In confidence we pray. Amen.
Prayer
Gracious God, each day we hear of the spike in Coronavirus cases. We hear of concerns about the spread of the disease as we approach the holiday season. Some suggest the surge is due to easing up on restrictions and forgetting to take appropriate precautions to battle this dangerous disease. But Lord, we must also not forget how much we owe to those on the front lines who serve and sacrifice each day to care for the ill and to keep everyone healthy and safe. Even as times change, may we always remember the debt of gratitude we owe to those on the front lines extending the compassionate care of Jesus to all people they encounter. With gratitude we pray. Amen.
Prayer
Faithful Lord, even in the darkest moments, our trust in your promises can give us confidence and affirm the hope that better days are ahead. Send your Holy Spirit upon us that we might be strengthened in faith. Renew our trust in you that we might lead lives that reflect our hope that you are with us and will never abandon us. May your presence strengthen us, providing us with the courage we need to celebrate your love in good times and trust in your fidelity in times of darkness. In trust, we pray. Amen.
Prayer
Almighty God, today we honor the memory of a saint known for mediation between warring sides and for his efforts at reform. May his example inspire each of us to do what we can to heal divisions in our families and communities, and to create a better world. Stir within us the same spirit of peace and progress that animated St. Laurence and fill us with the confidence that flows from trusting in your promises of life and goodness. We pray in your name. Amen.
Prayer
God most high, in a world of poll numbers, fact checking, and research, it can be difficult to cultivate the life of faith. We may be tempted to search for proof of your existence and care for us. This day we pray that you will open our eyes to your presence in our lives and world and open our hearts to the love you shower upon us each day. May our rightful confidence in science never diminish our faith in you. Amen.
Prayer
God of love and peace, Jesus told his disciples that he had come not to be served, but to serve. We gather in your presence today mindful of the sacrifices made by so many to defend our freedom and promote justice and peace. We thank you for the gift of our nation’s veterans who generously gave of themselves in the effort to maintain our country’s freedom, and encourage it to flourish and prosper. May we who enjoy the blessings of freedom always be grateful to those who help to preserve it. We pray this in the name of God from whom all blessings flow. Amen.
