Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Prayer

Gracious God, we live in times of deep division, mistrust, and violence. Bless in a special way our celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Open our hearts and minds to your truth and renew our commitment to justice and peace, pursued through cooperation and love. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, that we might realize and accept that we are all members of the same human family, created in your image and likeness. May the example of Dr. King inspire us to see in one another sisters and brothers with a common origin and destiny, guided by the conviction that together we can nobly fulfill the promise of our nation. We pray in the name of the God who is our creator and who calls us to create communities of justice, freedom, and peace. Amen.

Reflection “When Samuel went to sleep in his place, the Lord came and revealed his presence, calling out as before, “Samuel, Samuel!” Samuel answered, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” ~ 1 Samuel 3:9-1 Prayer Almighty God, th

Prayer

Almighty God, there are so many voices constantly vying for our attention and devotion. It is often difficult to distinguish your voice amidst all the others. Open our ears and give clarity to our listening that we might discern your voice and your call for each of us. Fill us with your Holy Spirit that we might hear your voice and have the courage to do your will. In your name, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” ~ Thomas Jefferson Prayer God of wisdom, the times through which we pass are as extraordinary as they are sad and troubling. Pour out your Spirit upon our elected lea

Prayer

God of wisdom, the times through which we pass are as extraordinary as they are sad and troubling. Pour out your Spirit upon our elected leaders that they may have the courage to do what is right and dedicate themselves to truth. Bless the citizens of our nation with your wisdom that we might pursue peace and justice, respecting the dignity of all and the sacredness of our democratic institutions. Open our hearts and minds as we pass through these difficult times that we might be beacons of goodness and compassion. Amen.

Reflection “The most powerful leadership tool you have is your own personal example.” ~ John Wooden Prayer Eternal God, leadership can be exercised by anyone, whether in the board room or the classroom, at home or on the playgrou

Prayer

Eternal God, leadership can be exercised by anyone, whether in the board room or the classroom, at home or on the playground, in a hospital or a church. Inspire us by the example of your son Jesus to offer leadership in the places we find ourselves. May the leadership we offer always seek to advance the cause of human dignity and the common good. Bless us with the vision and courage to give of ourselves that we might improve the lives of others. In your name we pray. Amen.

Reflection “Moral courage is a rarer commodity than courage in battle or great intelligence.” ~ Robert F. Kennedy Prayer Courageous Lord, we are often tempted to go along with the group, to honor convention, or pursue the path of

Prayer

Courageous Lord, we are often tempted to go along with the group, to honor convention, or pursue the path of least resistance. This can be true in our political discourse, in our work, and in our families and friendships. Bless us Lord with the wisdom to know what is right and with the courage to pursue it. We pray in gratitude. Amen.

Reflection “For me, prayer is a surge of the heart. It is a simple look turned toward heaven. It is a cry of recognition and of love embracing both trial and joy.” ~ St. Therese of Lisieux Prayer God of all, though we often recog

Prayer

God of all, though we often recognize your centrality in our lives, time spent with you can often be placed on the backburner, something we do after we have completed all our other tasks. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, that we might recognize that the meaning of those other tasks flows from our relationship with you. Amen.

Reflection “True happiness is found in simple, seemingly unremarkable things.” ~ Eckhart Tolle Prayer Faithful God, holiday stress often comes from the pressure we place upon them to deliver a spectacular experience of happiness.

Prayer

Faithful God, holiday stress often comes from the pressure we place upon them to deliver a spectacular experience of happiness. And yet, we know that happiness often comes in the simple, seemingly mundane experiences of life: time spent with family and friends, the enjoyment of a good book, being there to help when someone we love is in need. Grow within us a heart open to, and appreciative of, the simple things in life that are so often the source of true happiness. We pray in your name. Amen.