Prayer

Almighty and eternal God,

The challenges we confront on a daily basis seem so large and our efforts in response can seem so small. Fill our hearts with courage that we might confront the seemingly impossible task of making our world more just, more equitable, and more compassionate. Help us to reject the temptation to surrender to the impossible and stir within us the desire to make all good things possible. Amen.

Prayer

God of compassion and life,

Bless us this day as we celebrate the legacy of the Sisters of the Humility of Mary. Inspire us to respond with integrity and faith to your call to continue their good work amidst the unique issues confronting our time. Give us the courage to embody in action each day our commitment to be your presence to and for others. Open our hearts and minds that we might discover new and innovative ways to bring your healing mercy, your compassion, and your love into our suffering and broken world. Send your Spirit upon us and teach us the way of humility that we might serve others with gratitude and hope. To you be praise and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer

God of fortitude,

Sometimes serving the gospel of your son Jesus can be difficult. It can feel at times as if we are all alone in that effort. Yet, we know that if we continue, we will find ourselves in the company of brave women and men dedicated to proclaiming your goodness in word and deed. Fill us with the fortitude to remain faithful to the path we are on and be open to meeting the friends we will gain along the way. We offer this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer

God of justice and right,

Today, we celebrate the memorial of St. Bonaventure, a doctor of the church committed to the integration of faith and reason. Living in an age that seeks to reject such integration, open our hearts and minds to the truth that can be perceived through the gift of faith and the posture of reason. Help us to recognize and pursue the many paths that can lead us to you. In God’s name we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

Today we celebrate the memorial of St. Kateri Tekakwitha. The first Native American to be canonized a saint in the Catholic Church, Kateri was known for her chastity and for her fidelity to you no matter the personal cost. Inspire us through her example of generosity and courage that we might dedicate ourselves to doing your will, no matter the cost. May her life strengthen our commitment to contributing to the building of your kingdom and bringing peace to your people on earth. We pray in the name of the God who has created us all. Amen.

Prayer

God of goodness and love,

Sometimes we might be tempted to feel overwhelmed by the many issues with which we are confronted on a daily basis. Sometimes we might be tempted to doubt the presence of goodness in others. Give us the courage to overcome these feelings of doubt. Strengthen us that we might see the good in one another, contributing our energy to creating an environment in which the goodness of others can combine to make a better world in which justice and kindness can thrive. We pray in God’s name. Amen.

Prayer

Creator God,

Too often, we use our intelligence and talents to develop ways to divide and separate rather than unite. Enliven in our hearts a spirit of solidarity that we might see in each other the same human spirit that animates us all. Fill us with your Holy Spirit that we might grow in gratitude for the uniqueness of each other and foster relationships that affirm the fundamental dignity of all. We pray in the name of the God who is the source of all life. Amen.