Prayer

Gracious Lord,

We thank you this day for the heroes among us, especially those who have served this country by defending our freedom. In your name, God, we ask you to bless them and inspire us, to honor their example by approaching our own mission here at BSMH with the same attitude. Without drama or need of fanfare, help us bring good help to those in need. In humility we pray, Amen.

Prayer

God of Justice,

No heart can hide from your gaze. You gave us this life and give us each breath, and in the end you will ask what we’ve done with these gifts (and others besides). Let such a reality inspire us rather than cause us concern. For a day will come when—despite our many failures at fairness—the wrongs will in fact be put right and the powerful will be held to account. Until then, loving God, let us be glad for your provision, trusting that you never play favorites like we do, and your eyes are fixed on all. Give us today all that we need to do what is right, take care of each other, and seek justice. Amen.

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.