Prayer

Gracious God, this year has been challenging for us all. Some may be suffering from financial difficulties, others may be struggling emotionally and psychologically due to social isolation, still others suffer from the coronavirus itself, while others mourn the loss of loved ones. Fill us with your love, O Lord, that we might be filled with the persistence and perseverance needed to confront the challenges we face and maintain our hope for a better tomorrow. With trust, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Lord of goodness, in prayer, we reflect on the past year and the challenges and triumphs that have punctuated our shared experience. Each day, we pass milestones of time and suffering. Yet, we continue to be grateful for the dedicated service of so many working daily to build communities of health and safety, communities where neighbors reach out to help neighbors. As we continue to live in the shadow of pandemic, bless those who care for people who are sick, poor, and dying and provide us with hope in the human spirit and the possibility of the dawning of a new day. In gratitude, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of glory, as we continue our celebration of the season of Lent, we ask you to open our hearts and minds to the transformative power of your love. As Jesus was transfigured before his disciples on the mountain, stir within us the gift of your Holy Spirit that we too might be transfigured. May who we are and what we do better reflect your love and the possibility of new life. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayer

Compassionate God, today, as we approach the conclusion of our celebration of Black History Month, may our celebration remind us of God’s word to each of us, and to our nation and world, how vitally important it is to build a world of equality, justice, inclusion, and freedom for all. May our compassion for one another help us to be truthful about the sins and crimes of our past, to be honest about the challenges we face in the present moment, to be hopeful about the future we desire as a people, and to recognize and accept that both require us to be a courageous and virtuous people in the here and now. May we as individuals and as a people exemplify the compassion embodied in the ministry of your son Jesus as we seek to pursue the dawning of a new and better day for all. In trust and humility, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of joy, as we look forward to the coming weekend, remind us that you create us for happiness and joy. Encourage us to take time to rest and relax and enjoy the beauty of the world in which we live. May the struggles and challenges we face as individuals and as a people never lead us to undervalue the importance of the joy and fun you call us to experience. In God’s name, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of boundless love, we know that life is not about us but about the good we can do for others. Cultivate within our hearts and minds a spirit of selfless service. May we dedicate ourselves to improving the lives of others. Through our commitment to others may we experience the fulfillment your love promises. In appreciation, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of courage, we know that life is not perfect for anyone, no matter how it may appear on the surface. The longer we live, the more defeats we experience. Encourage us, through the gift of your Holy Spirit, to recognize that though life may involve defeats, we are never defeated because of your unfailing presence and love. Help us to live this day and every day with hope, affirming your goodness and trusting always in your promises. With trust, we pray. Amen.