Prayer

Eternal and ever-living God,

It is often our instinct to notice and remember the negative, to notice the clouds rather than the sun, the one critique rather than the 99 compliments, the struggles rather than the blessings. Open our eyes to the blessings in our lives, helping us to see the flowers we sometimes miss. Open our hearts that we might be the flower in someone else’s life. Shape us through your spirit that we might always be attentive and aware of the gifts you freely give and the flowers that are always present in our lives. We make this prayer in the name of the Lord of all creation. Amen.

Prayer

God of goodness,

In this time, marked in part by the experience of division, hostility, and animosity, you call us to be instruments of your goodness and peace in the world. Fill us with the courage of faith that we might recognize your presence in each other. May we strive to extend your gentleness, kindness, and goodness to all we encounter, seeking to strengthen the ties that bind us together as one human family. We pray in God’s name. Amen.

Prayer

Lord of life,

In business, it is often said we discover what we value by examining our budgets. Saint Clare believed we become who we love. Fill us with the gift of your Holy Spirit. Inspire us by the example and wisdom of Saint Clare to love you and through our love for you become more like you. By becoming more like you, may we come to value what you value and love who and what you love. Amen.

Prayer

Compassionate God,

Today, we celebrate the feast of Saint Lawrence, a deacon and martyr whose dedication to you was fired by his love of scripture. Open our ears that we might encounter your word in the pages of scripture and our eyes that we might encounter your presence in others and in the beauty of creation. May our experience of your presence console us in difficult times, cheer us in times of joy, and accompany us as we seek to do your will in our lives. We pray in God’s name. Amen.

Prayer

God of all,

Today, as an international community, we celebrate the culture and heritage of the world’s indigenous peoples. Open our eyes and hearts that we might see and promote the value of all cultures and peoples. May we dedicate our efforts to righting the wrongs perpetrated against indigenous peoples at home and abroad. Stir within us the flame of love that we might seek to build a rich and diverse community, respectful of and in solidarity with all peoples, especially the indigenous peoples of the world. We pray in the name of the God who is the God of all. Amen.

Prayer

Just God,

We know that the blessings of liberty evade far too many people in our communities and around the globe. Strengthen us in the service of realizing liberty for all by contributing our efforts to extend the gift of liberty. Give us the courage to participate in the building of a world of equality, dignity, justice, and freedom. We make this prayer in your name. Amen.

Prayer

Loving Lord,

Friendship is a profound interest in the good of the other. Plant within us hearts dedicated to pursuing the good of all those we encounter. Help us recognize that pursuing the good of others is an expression of our friendship with you. Moved by your presence and love, may we strive to pursue the good of all we meet and strengthen the bonds of our friendship with you. Amen.