Prayer

Almighty and eternal God, no matter what title we might possess in life, the most important is that of servant. Your son Jesus taught his disciples that the leaders of the world often lord it over others and want to make their authority felt. In a world that often extols the need for, and promotes the prestige of, leaders, we know you call us not to exert authority over others but to serve the needs of our sisters and brothers. Inspire us by your Holy Spirit to answer your call to be servants, to seek not the pursuit of power but the path of love. In gratitude for your call, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Lord of time, watching the news can often remind us of the seemingly insurmountable problems we face but not of the fundamental goodness of the people committed to surmounting them. As we confront the difficulties we face, console us with your abiding presence and give us the strength to trust in the goodness of your promises and your people. May we always look to you for inspiration and guidance and renew our hope that our contribution will help move us to a better day. In hope, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Faithful God, you call us to be people of integrity. May all we are and all that we do reflect our response to your call. May your faithful interactions with we your creatures inspire us to relate with others in ways faithful to the values we cherish. Inspire us all we say and do and in all we are to act justly, to treat others with respect, and to affirm the dignity of all. In God’s name, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Ever-present God, today, we celebrate the nighttime journey of the prophet Muhammad to Jerusalem where he ascended to heaven and received the instruction for Muslims to pray five times a day. As our Muslim sisters and brothers celebrate this profound day, may their faith enliven our appreciation of the need to deepen our relationship with God through prayer. May our unity on faith and belief in the power of prayer strengthen the bonds of affection between all peoples. In celebration, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of goodness, we know from our own experience the power of an act of kindness to transform us. Fill our hearts with your love that we might treat all whom we encounter today with loving kindness. May the acts of kindness we offer and those we receive gather together to spread to create communities of kindness, goodness, and hope. In your name, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Creator God, fill our hearts and minds with awe at the beauty of the natural world. Help us to accept our ancient responsibility to care for the earth and use its resources wisely and justly. Stir within us respect for the gift of the earth and all who inhabit it. May our appreciation of the goodness of God’s creation inspire us to act in ways that cherish and renew it. In thanks, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Almighty God, today, we celebrate International Women’s Day. Help us to promote in word and action your reflection in all women. Inspire us as individuals, as societies, and as nations to honor, defend, and affirm the full equality of women. Fill us with gratitude for the contributions of women to the life we share on this planet and stir within us a renewed commitment to the dignity, freedom, and equality of all women in our homes, in our communities, in our nations, and around the world. In gratitude for the gift of women, we pray. Amen.