Prayer

All-knowing God,

You know more about us than we know of ourselves. Why do you love us? With our secrets exposed and our weakness made plain? Amazing grace! Help us rest secure in your love. May we learn from those saints through whom you’ve done such great things, not because they knew how but simply because they trusted your love for them. Let us all become such persons of faith—healed of the lie that tempts us to think our sins, doubts, and failures are too much for you. Thank you, Lord, that nothing can separate us from your love. Amen.

Prayer

Righteous God,

We who claim to know you should know better. Truth must find voice! Wherever a conspiracy of silence enables injustice and threatens the dignity of being created in your image, loosen our tongues and put the words in our mouths. Let our hearts burn to see justice made real, in our homes, communities, and world. May every illusion of peace be broken by truth, so the real work of peace can begin. Amen.

Prayer

Eternal Light,

Around the world today, many celebrants will focus their gaze upon the invincible power of candle-flame—an image so vivid it symbolizes hope. Thank you, God, for making this hope secure, as the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. For all those who need hope today, we pray for the gift of faith and the grace to see, now and hereafter: victory over evil, truth over ignorance, life over death. Bring us all to your joy, peace, and happiness. Amen.

Prayer

Healing God,

We admit we are prone to take short-cuts to avoid things we don’t like. We do the same with our pain. Distracting ourselves with diversions, submerging our pain with our schedules, busying the day and never stopping to breathe, lashing out at another—almost without warning. Fill us, Lord, with courage to embrace transformation. Lead us to transform our pain into healing, so we can spread healing, not hurt, to others in need. Amen.

Prayer

Living God,

Today, Lord of Life, we are humbled in mind and heart, remembering all those who died in your mercy. Where are they, God? What has become of them? Thank you for the comfort that comes with your word today—the solace it gives just knowing you hold them. In the palm of your hand, in the peace beyond understanding—unite us, your family spread across time and space. Amen.

Prayer, from the Dominican Litany of Saints

God,

Source of all holiness, you have enriched your church with many gifts in the saints. Direct, O Lord, our actions by your holy inspirations, and carry them on by your gracious assistance, that every prayer and work of ours may always begin with you, and through you be happily ended. Amen.

Prayer

God of Creation,

We marvel today at the change of the seasons. While change is often unwelcome, today it is not. We feel the air turning brisk as we walk down the street; we see leaves letting go, catch the scent of a fire nearby, and—just like that—a change of perspective or a memory triggered. Thank you, God, that we can still be awakened by this world you have given. Help us let go of what hinders, in ways that are healthy and beautiful, in keeping with your good designs. Amen.