Prayer

God of wisdom and truth, your son Jesus grew up in the embrace of a loving family and was shaped by their example of fidelity to you and your law. Help us to be examples of love and fidelity to our own families and friends. May the example of the Holy Family inspire us in our work to share your love and compassion with all those whom we encounter. In thanksgiving, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Living Lord, following the example of your son Jesus, Stephen died with words of forgiveness for his executioners and trust in you on his lips. Open our hearts that, inspired by Stephens example, our trust in you might grow and that we will pursue forgiveness and reconciliation in our own lives. Give us the courage of our convictions and strengthen us that we might give of ourselves in the effort to create a better world for all. We pray in the name of your son Jesus. Amen.

Prayer

Lord of love, you love us so much you sent your only Son that we might have life and have it to the full. Bless our celebration of Christmas. Bless our celebration of Jesus’ birth 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem and his birth in our hearts today. Fill us with your Holy Spirit and kindle within us the flame of your love. Jesus’ birth changed the world. May our celebration inspire us to renew our commitment to be people of the justice, peace, and hope Jesus came to offer. In the name of our Lord born today, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Heavenly Lord, the stillness of the night sky erupted in praise and the proclamation of the good news of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. Inspire us through the gift of your Holy Spirit to add our voices to the heavenly chorus. Open our hearts and minds to your presence with us that we might lead lives that give glory to your name and bring peace on earth. We pray from hearts overflowing with joy. Amen.

Prayer

Prince of Peace, our lives can often be beset by fears. Financial worries, health concerns, fears we harbor for our loved ones, and doubts about the meaning of our lives, can disquiet our hearts and torment our sleep. Help us to know deep within our hearts and minds and spirits the peace that only you can give. May our trust in your presence and love still our troubled and fearful hearts, filling them instead with faith in you and hope for tomorrow. With confidence in your presence, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Lord of the future, COVID-19, struggles for racial justice, and staggering unemployment have shaped our daily lives this past year. But we have also witnessed extraordinary bravery in the face of the global pandemic, renewed commitment to justice for all, and communities coming together to support each other through rough times. May these acts of courage, justice, and compassion for one another inspire within us the hope that light will always prevail over darkness, love will overcome apathy, and that good will speak the final word of human existence. We pray to you, the Lord of the past, present, and future. Amen.

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.