Prayer

Lord of All,

You created us with an instinct for curiosity, discovery, and a natural desire to pursue truth, goodness, and beauty—wherever they may be found. Help us all remember today that this pursuit is unceasing, that none of us will ever attain a full comprehension of your revelation, and that our fundamental vocation is to remain ever open to you—receptive and responsive creatures, made in your image. May we always and everywhere give you thanks and praise for bringing us into your light, and may we find the courage to walk faithfully the paths you have shown us. Amen.

Prayer

God of Peace and Truth,

Our society today struggles so often with division, animosity, and an inability to speak meaningfully with each other. Help us commit to working together, again and again, to find genuine and authentic forms of civil discourse. Exhort us in heart and mind, to listen thoughtfully to the experience and opinions of those with whom we disagree. Enable us to believe once again that we all are in search of a meaningful world and that, despite the challenges, it is worth finding together. By your grace we pray and in your name, Amen.

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.