Prayer

Liberating God,

President Kennedy spoke these words when the Berlin Wall was still intact. Today we commemorate its fall as a symbol of freedom’s victory. Yes, God, we know and believe that every form of government is doomed ultimately to fall wherever the infinite value of the human person is not recognized, protected, and defended. Together, then, we pray today for those who are still under tyranny, near and far. Give us the courage to live in solidarity with all those enslaved, and to work for the realization of our indivisible freedom. Amen.

Prayer

Joyful God,

Thank you for the gift of laughter! With utmost seriousness, may we never neglect the simple and subtle gifts you have provided us, as one human family, to break down walls and build up our fellowship. We have been made so as to find, celebrate, and share the joy you have laced through this world. With real gratitude for such frivolous things as laughter, we ask you to bless our unity and make us more united. Amen.

Prayer

God of all Goodness,

Your ways are higher than our ways and your goodness to us has no limit. Made in your image, we know right from wrong and you’ve made us to naturally desire the good. Yet the world is broken, and in our diverse locations and many vocations we need you to come. Prone to wander, Lord, we feel it, and we see the effects of our waywardness. Fill us anew with your Spirit. With focused awareness this week especially, we ask you to build in us habits of excellence in all your ways, and a steady commitment to seek what is right, true, and just. Amen.

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.