Prayer

Gracious God,

The world you have made is undoubtedly good. But in its current state, so many are born, live, and die with unique challenges that require daily help to surmount. Nature’s lottery is hardly fair, and through no fault of their own, some people are more disadvantaged than others when it comes to securing health, stability, and life’s necessities. May we remain always conscious of them, working to serve and protect the most vulnerable among us. We pray especially today for those who suffer from diabetes and ask that your mercy be with them to comfort and heal. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

Like the example of Mother Cabrini before us, make us always ready to share your love with those in need. We pray especially today for all those who do not know you or, for any number of reasons, have forgotten you. May your presence fill us, so that we may be reminders to them that you have not forgotten them, that your mercies are new every morning, and that, whatever the reason for their absence, you are ever watchful for their return. Amen.

Prayer

Gracious Lord,

Your words are spirit and life. Teach us how to use words as you do. For building up one another, for encouraging each other in spirit, for speaking new life in places of decay. Empower our words to do your good work in the world! Amen.

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.