Prayer

Almighty and eternal God,

Today, in a special way, we give you thanks for the gift of freedom. Give us the wisdom to know that freedom is not simply the ability to do what we want, when we want, to whomever we want. Help us instead to recognize that freedom is a gift to be used for the good of others, to use our freedom to promote the freedom and dignity of all. May our celebration of Independence Day inspire within us a spirit of gratitude for those who have worked to create a nation dedicated to the proposition that we are all created equal and for all those who continue to work to realize that proposition. Fill our hearts with appreciation for those on whose shoulders we stand and with dedication to the work still before us. Amen.

Prayer

Gracious God,

Your son Jesus loved his friends and remained present to them even after death. But he was also mindful and appreciative of the many who would come later, those who would not have Thomas’ opportunity to see and believe but who believe nevertheless. In our age, it can be hard to profess faith in a world that places such a premium on proof. Strengthen our hearts and minds that we might resist the temptation to require proof. Help us instead to embrace a life of faith, trusting in the wonder of your presence and love. We make this prayer through Christ our risen Lord. Amen.

Prayer

God of freedom and dignity,

On this day in 1776, the representatives of the Continental Congress adopted a resolution declaring independence from Great Britain, a call to freedom grounded in the basic rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Stir within us the flame of solidarity with all our sisters and brothers that we might affirm the life and dignity of all people. May we commit ourselves to living faithfully the call to justice embedded in our nation’s founding document, becoming a country of true liberty and justice for all. We pray in the name of the God who is the source of our being and freedom. Amen.

Prayer

Gracious God,

Your servant Oliver willingly gave his life because of his faith in you. Help us also to be strong in faith. By his intercession and example, may all hatred and bitterness be banished from the hearts of all men and women. May the peace of Christ reign in our hearts, as it did in the heart of Oliver Plunkett, that we might be animated by courage and hope. We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

As we conclude this Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, keep close to you all those who suffer from Alzheimer’s Diseases and all other brain related illnesses. Continue to inspire those who seek to find cures for these tragic illnesses. And give us the courage to live each day fully, grateful for the gift of life and the beauty of memories. We pray in God’s name. Amen.

Prayer

God of vocation,

Through your son Jesus, you called St. Peter and St. Paul to follow the path of discipleship. Both Peter and Paul responded to your call, each in their own way. Open our hearts and minds to your presence that we too might respond to your call for each of us. Inspire us through your Holy Spirit, that like Peter and Paul, we too might walk the path of discipleship throughout our lives. Amen.

Prayer

O God,

You called St. Irenaeus to proclaim the truth of your love, your mercy, and your peace. Grant, we pray, through his intercession, that being renewed in faith and love, we may always be intent on fostering unity and solidarity. We pray in the name of the God who is the source of all. Amen.