Prayer

Faithful God, as we celebrated the New Year, many were delighted to put 2020 in their rearview mirror. Flipping the calendar has not lessened the impact of the pandemic on our lives and world. People are still contracting the virus at an alarming rate and so many families are dealing with the illness or death of loved ones. Remind us Lord, in the midst of such news, to continue to be grateful for the heroic efforts of those on the front line who sacrifice daily to keep us and our world healthy and safe. Give to them the peace and consolation of your presence as they battle exhaustion, as they continue to sacrifice, and as they confront their own fears and concerns. Bless them as they continue to extend your ministry of compassion to all for whom they care. We pray in your name. Amen.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.