Prayer

Saving God,

Your son Jesus is our good shepherd, willing to lay down his life for the sheep. As our good shepherd, he speaks to us and we recognize his voice. Open our ears and hearts to the voice of the good shepherd that we might follow him all the days of our life. May we discern his voice in the midst of a noisy world and dedicate our lives to following where the shepherd leads us. We make this prayer through Christ our Risen Lord. Amen.

Prayer

God of new life,

St. Paul reminds us that we can experience your presence in the beauty of what you have created. May the beauty of new life experienced in so many ways in this season of spring open our eyes and hearts to your presence among us and your love for us. May the new life we experience in this season inspire hope within us and fill us with gratitude for the gift of life and the beauty of creation. In the name of the God who creates all things, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Apache Prayer:

May the sun bring you new energy by day. May the moon softly restore you by night. May the rain wash away your worries. May the breeze blow strength into your being. May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life.”

Prayer

Lord of creation,

You are the source of all life and your presence fills all you have created. Fill us with the strength needed to respond to your call to care for and protect the beauty of creation. Teach us to respect the value of all created things and help us develop relationships based on justice and truth. May we relate to all of creation not with a desire to use and abuse for our short-term gain but with gratitude and love as together we journey to you. We pray in the name of the God who creates us all. Amen.

Prayer

Almighty and eternal God,

Sometimes it feels as if life takes more than it gives and that, on most days, we encounter more setbacks and obstacles than progress. When we confront challenges and difficulties, remind us of your presence among us. Through your Holy Spirit, grant us the gift of perseverance that we might encounter obstacles with faith and confidence in your promises. We know there will be many times in life when we fall. When we do, give us the courage to rise again and continue along in the light of your love. Amen.

Prayer

Compassionate God,

You call us to trust in your goodness and mercy. But, even more remarkable, you entrust to us the mission to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus. The trust you place in us affirms our goodness as human beings created in your image and likeness. Nurture within us the courage to commit ourselves each day to leading lives consistent with the faith you have in us. May your trust inspire us to be good help to others and serve with compassion and mercy the communities entrusted to our care. We pray in God’s name. Amen.

Prayer

God of friendship,

On the night before he died, your son Jesus called his disciples friends. Open our minds and hearts to your presence and love. May we experience your deep friendship for each one of us and reach out to others with loving kindness. May our nurturing of the gift of friendship create communities of compassion and care across our nation and throughout the world. In your name, we pray. Amen.