Prayer

God of relaxation and fun,

We are often reminded to rest so that we will be more productive. We are taught to relax so that we can do our jobs better or tackle the next task with renewed vigor. Though in some sense true, rest and relaxation are goods in and of themselves and not because they make us better workers. Move us to enjoy time for rest not for any purpose other than the joy of rest and relaxation. Help us create time to rest in your presence and in the presence of family and friends, pursuing activities we enjoy and people we cherish. Amen.

Prayer

Just God,

Words, it is said, can be cheap. It can be easier to say the right thing than it is to do the right thing. Give us the strength to not merely speak words of justice and peace, of compassion and care. Help us to embody those words in the actions we take, the commitments we make, and the habits we form. Fill us with the courage to lead lives consistent with the words we speak. In God’s name we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

We recognize that being human is both a reality and an ongoing task. Though created in God’s image and likeness, we can act in ways inconsistent with the gift God has given us. Too often we are confronted with images, stories, and experiences of our inhumanity towards each another. Fill us with your Holy Spirit that we might lead lives consistent with our dignity, lives that embody our fundamental humanity, and that affirm the dignity and goodness of all. We pray in the name of the God who has created us all. Amen.

Prayer

God of thanksgiving,

Too often, we are tempted to focus on the negative. The one negative comment out of a hundred sticks with us. The one negative experience out of a thousand we recall with vivid clarity. Yet, we know we have so much for which to be thankful. Help us to be ever mindful of the gifts you have given to us. May our lives reflect our gratitude to you for the many blessings you freely bestow upon us. We pray in God’s name. Amen.

Prayer

Creative God,

You have created all that is and all that exists is filled with your light and love. Open our eyes and hearts to your presence in the created order. Inspire us to treat all that exists with the same love and tenderness with which you brought it into being. Help us to answer your call to be good stewards of the world you have created and committed to pursuing justice for others and for the natural world. We pray in the name of the God who is the source of all life. Amen.

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.