Prayer

Eternal Lord, the magi did not follow a sign unavailable to others. They were wise enough to understand the importance of a sign visible to all. Fill our minds with your wisdom that we may notice and understand the signs of the times within which we live and the signs of your presence, active in the world. Inspire us to lead lives that, like the star that led the magi, we might lead others to you. With gratitude for your guiding presence, we pray. Amen.

Gracious God, fill us with your Holy Spirit, that we might begin this new year filled with gratitude for the many gifts you give to us, for the many blessings you bestow upon us. Keep us mindful of the many who risk and sacrifice to keep us healthy and safe. Guide us in your ways that we might always be thankful for family, friends, and meaningful work. We pray in your name. Amen.

Prayer

God of goodness, Mary your mother stands as a shining example of fidelity, courage, perseverance, and discipleship. Inspire us through her example to deepen our faith in you, face the challenges in our lives with greater resilience and courage, and to be more committed to following in the footsteps of your son Jesus. May our celebration of this solemnity remind us of what is possible when we trust in you to whom we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of new life, it seems that for many of us, we cannot say goodbye to 2020 quickly enough. And truly, we have endured much in the past year. COVID-19, racial injustice, and battles swirling around election outcomes are but a few of the shards that have marred the past year. But in abandoning those shards, we would also jettison the courage of so many to build a healthy world, the efforts of so many to cultivate racial harmony, and the work of those who wish to change the tone and tenor of our politics. As we welcome 2021, let us learn from the pain and sorrow of the past year and be inspired by the goodness and compassion displayed by so many. Fill our hearts with your love that we might build a new year on the foundation of the shards of courage, humility, goodness, and hope. With thanks for a new beginning, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Lord of heaven and earth, we seek happiness but often struggle with what will realize it and what path to follow that will bring it. Too often, looking ahead to tomorrow robs us of the pleasure of today. Fill our hearts with a profound appreciation of the now. Help us to experience your love in the present moment and to expend each moment sharing that love with others. May we always know that happiness begins with faith in and love for you. With confidence in your presence and care, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Creator God, today continues the weeklong celebration of Kwanzaa. The celebration of Kwanzaa seeks to bring forward the best of culture, ancient and contemporary, as a foundation for the discovery of principles and possibilities that can enrich and expand our lives. May this rich celebration of culture and excellence inspire us dedicate our lives to pursuing the noble possibilities of human existence, giving of ourselves that those possibilities might bear fruit in the form of justice, peace, dignity and freedom. We pray to you, the Lord of possibilities. Amen.

Prayer

Lord of life, today, as we recall the killing of the innocents in the aftermath of Jesus’ birth, we remember all those who have suffered throughout history and who continue to suffer under the weight of power unjustly exercised. May this story remind us of the need to promote justice and peace in our world. Fill our hearts with the courage to give our lives in the effort to advance the cause of human dignity and the common good. With trust in you, we pray. Amen.