Prayer

God of stillness,

The world around us can be so noisy and chaotic. Our schedules can be so busy and hectic. Yet, we know you are with us always. Deepen within us the desire to step away from the hectic schedule and the noisy world to be with you in the quiet. May we encounter you in the stillness, that we might better recognize your presence in the midst of the everyday moments of our lives. Amen.

Prayer of St. Brendan

Gracious God,

Help me to journey beyond the familiar and into the unknown. Give me the faith to leave old ways and break fresh ground with you. Christ of the mysteries, I trust you to be stronger than each storm within me. I will trust in the darkness and know that my times, even now, are in your hand. Tune my spirit to the music of heaven, and somehow, make my obedience count for you. Amen.

Prayer

Almighty and ever-living God,

On this Armed Forces Day, we thank you for the gift of those who have accepted the call to serve our nation in the armed forces. We thank you for the women and men who generously give of themselves in the effort to maintain our country’s freedom and encourage it to flourish and prosper. Bless all those who serve and their families and friends whose untiring efforts make their service possible. May we who enjoy the blessings of freedom always be grateful to those who help to preserve it. We pray in God’s name. Amen.

Prayer

God who calls,

Matthias was called to be an apostle not by Jesus but by the early church. The church continues to call women and men to serve the gospel and to lend their efforts to building the reign of God. May our celebration of the Feast of St. Matthias inspire us to recommit ourselves to the noble service of God’s kingdom. May the example of Matthias’ life and martyrdom affirm our willingness to sacrifice and serve for the good of others. We pray with confidence in your love and presence. Amen.

Prayer

Living Lord,

Today we celebrate the ascension of Jesus. We know the ascension of your son is not about his departure from earth but about his ability to be present to us in all places and times. Open our hearts and minds to the presence of Jesus that we may lead lives that reflect his ministry of selfless love and service. May we call upon him in friendship and allow him to renew our faith that we might be hope-filled disciples of the good news. We pray in the name of Jesus, our ever-present and ever-living Lord. Amen.

Prayer

God of joy,

We often feel as if we are drowning in a world of problems, division, hatred, and violence. And we are rightly called to contribute to the resolution of problems, the easing of tensions, and the promotion of unity and peace. Remind us this day also of our call to enjoy the life you have given us. Though taking the problems of the world seriously, let us never lose touch with your call to have fun and celebrate each day. Bless our efforts to make the world a better place for all but also bless our play and the fun we have with family and friends. Amen.

Prayer

God of liberation,

Your son Jesus proclaimed that the Spirit of the Lord anointed him to bring glad tidings to the poor and liberty to captives. Those who believe in Jesus are still called to proclaim the good news of your liberating love to people who are poor, vulnerable, and enslaved. Free us from all that binds us, liberating us to lead lives of love and goodness. We pray in God’s name. Amen.