Prayer

Merciful God,

We know that life can often be a challenging journey and that we can all experience pain, disappointment, sorrow, and loss. Fill us this day with your Holy Spirit that we might draw consolation from your presence. May your presence grant us strength and courage during challenging times, inspiring us to be sources of hope for others as they confront their own challenges and vulnerabilities. We make this prayer in your name. Amen.

Prayer of St. Ignatius

Lord,

Teach me to be generous, to serve you as you deserve, to give and not count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to look for any reward, save that of knowing that I do your holy will. Amen.

Prayer

God of friendship,

We live in such divisive times and we are often encouraged to see each other as enemies rather than friends. On the night before he died, your son Jesus called his followers friends. Inspired by his example, let us extend the bonds of friendship throughout our communities, promoting a sense of solidarity and love, even when we disagree. May we recognize we all have our origin in you, liberating us to knock down barriers and erect bridges. May our recognition of your presence in one another affirm our common humanity and strengthen the foundation of our communities. We offer this prayer in the name of God who calls us to friendship. Amen.

Prayer

God of thanksgiving,

There is so much in our lives for which we are rightly thankful, so many people who populate our lives for whom we are exceedingly grateful. Encourage us this day, and every day, to express our gratitude for the many gifts you give us, for the many blessings you bestow upon us. May we express our gratitude in a special way for all front-line workers who continue to risk and sacrifice to create healthier, more equitable communities. We make this prayer through Christ our risen Lord. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

Your son Jesus revealed to us your compassion and love and also gave us a template for faith-filled and faithful leadership. Regardless of our title or circumstance, we are each called to exercise leadership, to have an impact in the lives of others, to positively influence one another, and to inspire each other to share your compassion and love with all we meet. Plant within us the commitment to offer leadership that will strengthen the bonds of community and grow the seeds of justice. We pray in the name of the God who leads us all. Amen.

Prayer

God of the seasons,

Each season in its own way reflects the beauty of your presence and love. May the unique magic of the summer season fill us with appreciation for the bounty of your creation. Open our eyes and hearts that we might perceive you in a special way this summer. And may the blessings of this unique season bring refreshment and renewal to our hearts and lives. We pray in the name of the God who is at the heart of all the seasons. Amen.

Prayer

Creator God,

On this day when we recall the memory of the parents of Mary, the mother of your son Jesus, we thank you for the gift of our parents. We thank you especially for their presence in our lives and for all they have given us and helped us become. Filled with gratitude, may we share with all whom we meet and encounter the love they so freely shared with us. We pray in the name of the God who is the source of all life and love. Amen.