Prayer

Lord of all seasons, today begins the winter season. We ask that you transform our hearts as the season transforms the landscape. Encourage us, through the gift of your Spirit, to see in this new season an opportunity for a new beginning. Give us the courage to embrace the time to come, to spend time in quiet reflection and compassionate action, and to let the chill of winter inspire hope for the warmth of spring. Amen.

Prayer

Powerful God, as we conclude our celebration of the sacred season of Advent, encourage us to reflect upon the many ways in which you come to us. You came in a stable 2,000 years ago, you come today through the believing community, and you come to us in each other. Help us to grow ever closer to you that you might come to others through us. With gratitude for your coming, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Joyful Lord, we are passing through difficult and painful times. And though we know that happiness can be fleeting, joy is abiding. Fill our hearts with the joy of your life and love. Bless our days that, despite the challenges and obstacles we encounter, we might immerse ourselves in the joy of your presence and trust in the goodness of your truth. Give us the courage to choose joy and choose it each day. We pray in your name. Amen.

Prayer

Lord of time, we often have clear ideas not only about what should happen but when. We are often shaped by a culture that values speed over everything else. Fill our hearts and minds with the gift of your Spirit, that we might develop the virtue of patience. Life is often difficult and painful. Give us the courage to remain steadfast even when progress is slow and tough, knowing that we can trust in the future to which you are calling us. In your name we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Exalted Lord, too often in our culture we think of greatness in terms of the size of a bank account, the volume of our possessions, or the achievements from our industry. Inspire us by the example of your son Jesus to recognize that true greatness comes from serving our sisters and brothers. Open our hearts that we might offer the gift of your love to all we encounter this day. We offer our prayer in humility. Amen.

Prayer

Living Lord, as the Mexican tradition recalling the trials endured by Mary and Joseph while journeying to Bethlehem reminds us, life can be difficult and filled with obstacles. And yet we trust in your presence with and among us. Give us the fortitude that drove Mary and Joseph forward despite the challenges they encountered, trusting that you are leading us. And renew our commitment to making easier the journey of others, especially people who are poor and marginalized. With confidence in your presence, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Lord of all, the affirmation and promotion of human dignity is foundational to who we are as people and as a ministry. Bless our efforts on this day celebrating the affirmation and protection of fundamental rights to advance the cause of respect for dignity through the work we do and the lives we lead. May we affirm that dignity in all we meet and in all we do. We pray to you, the Lord and creator of us all. Amen.