Prayer

Almighty God,

It is often easy to identify that which distinguishes and divides us. We belong to different political parties, different religious traditions, different ethnicities, races, and genders. Yet, we remain united in and by our common humanity. Keep us steadfast in your love that we might be moved by a spirit of solidarity to affirm and promote, despite our differences, the dignity of all. We pray in God’s name. Amen.

Prayer

God of goodness,

Keep us mindful of the many who continue to risk and sacrifice that we might enjoy the benefits of health and security. We give thanks in a special way for all frontline workers in healthcare, for those working in grocery stores and pharmacies, for first responders and caregivers, who continue to work tirelessly in this time of pandemic. May we never forget their contributions to our lives or fail to be inspired by their courage and commitment. We offer this prayer in the name of God. Amen.

Prayer

God of mercy and compassion,

We thank you for the gift of your presence in our lives and world, for the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, and for the witness and charism of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy. We thank you for this time to gather today to renew our commitment to celebrate our common call to continue the compassionate ministry of Jesus advanced so faithfully and courageously by the Sisters of Mercy. We thank you for calling each of us to contribute to this work of our shared ministry that, together, we might build a world of justice and peace. Confirm us in our mission, clarify our vision, and deepen our values. Bless us always with your mercy and love. Amen.

Prayer

Eternal God,

Our culture often encourages us to engage in shameless self-promotion. It is a spirit that often encourages us to focus more on who claims the credit than the good being pursued. Fill us with your Holy Spirit that we might be pure in our intentions and focus upon the good you call us to do. Grounded in your compassion, grant that we might respond generously to your call to serve the needs of our sisters and brothers. In faith, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Joyful Lord,

Often in life, we can find ourselves waiting for good things to happen to us, things that will make us happy or that will bring us joy. And yet, we know that joy is not something that happens to us. It is something we choose. Fill our hearts with courage, Lord, that we might be brave enough to choose joy each day. Bless us with a spirit of openness that we might live each day in the light of your abundant grace. Amen.

Prayer

God of peace,

Each day, the news is filled with stories of violent conflict. Whether the violence finds expression in our homes, in our communities, through acts of terror, or war between nations, our world is filled with the many who suffer from acts of violence. Fill our hearts with the gift of your peace. Make us stewards of peace, committed to the resolution of conflict in peaceful ways. On this International Day of Peace, inspire us to be instruments of your peace at home, at work, in our communities, and throughout the world. We pray in the name of Jesus, our crucified Lord. Amen.

Prayer

God of wisdom,

We live in a contentious world, full of division, animosity, and spite. But we know that is not the path to which you call us. Cleanse our minds of the negativity that afflicts our age and purify our hearts that we might seek only to love others. May your spirit of gratitude and kindness soften the hardness of our own hearts and the hearts of others. Help us recognize our common humanity and commit ourselves to being faithful to your call to walk humbly and do justice. Amen.