Prayer

God of true freedom,

As we celebrate this day that commemorates the end of chattel slavery in the United States, help us to be attentive to the many ways people remain enslaved in our world. Inspire us through the gift of your Holy Spirit to affirm the common humanity we share, to commit ourselves to the liberation of our sisters and brothers, and to dedicate our lives to building a world of justice and peace. We make this prayer through Christ Jesus, our risen Lord. Amen.

Prayer

Loving Lord,

Sometimes we conceive of the future with eagerness and joyful anticipation. Yet, at other times, we may ponder the future with concern and fear. Give us the courage to anticipate the future with confidence and hope, trusting that the future is in your hands. Stir within our hearts the flame of your love that we might be people of hope, trusting in your faithfulness and that path of life will always lead to you. In hopeful confidence, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of joy,

It is easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of suffering we encounter in the world. Many of us may struggle with compassion fatigue as we strive to respond to the suffering we experience. But, let us also remember that God calls us to enjoy the gift of life, to have fun, to laugh and joke and sing with family and friends and co-workers. Fill us with your Holy Spirit that suffering may never overwhelm us but rather we might serve others with joy and gladness. We pray in the name of the Lord of life. Amen.

Prayer

Gracious God,

Sometimes we can be hyper-focused on the negative and fail to see the positive which surrounds us. Give us the confidence that flows from knowing you are with us, that you will never abandon us, and that you will help us navigate the obstacles in our path. We thank you for the gift of your grace that fills us with assurance and faith. We make this prayer in the name of the God who is the source of our being and dignity. Amen.

Prayer

Almighty and ever living God,

Sometimes, either because of the issues confronting the world or the challenges we experience in our personal lives, we can struggle to understand and accept that our lives have meaning. Yet, we trust in faith that, despite the difficulties we encounter, our lives possess inherent worth, meaning, and purpose. Help us to hold firm to such faith in the midst of the trials of life and fill our hearts with trust and hope. We pray in God’s name. Amen.

Prayer

God of life,

In faith, we believe the blood shed by your son Jesus is the source of salvation and life. Today, as we celebrate World Blood Donor Day, may we mingle the offering of our blood with his in the hope that we too might share in giving the gift of life. May this day renew our appreciation of the importance of donating blood and renew our commitment to sharing the gift of life with others. We pray in gratitude for the life-giving gift of blood. Amen.

Prayer

Lord of creation,

Your son Jesus taught us about the depth of your love and the bounty of your goodness through the wonders of creation. Open our hearts to your presence among us through the wonders of the natural world. Strengthen us in our commitment to care for the environment and open our minds to your gracious presence in the beauty of creation. Amen.