Prayer of David

“Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior,
and for you I wait all the day.” –Psalm 25:4-5

Prayer

Joyous Creator,

Heal our eyes so that we may see you again in all things. Like children, dazzled by the simplest of things—rocks, sticks, grandpa’s glasses—may our sight be restored to witness your glory reflected in the world you have made. Heal us especially of the kind of looking that becomes a kind of judging—as if we could so easily measure another person’s value with the speed of a glance. Forgive us, Merciful God, for such reckless acts of judgment. Lead us instead to behold you in the most unlikely places, and especially in those faces we are otherwise prone to overlook. Amen.

Prayer

All-seeing God,

To be known and loved by you is truly the greatest gift. You see us as we really are, and you love us anyway! Help us share this same gift with and for each other. Let there be no strangers among us, as we practice seeing every one of our neighbors as an icon of your presence. May we be attentive, one to another, and grace each other tenderly with such a simple but generous gift of attention. Amen.

Prayer

Gracious God,

Thanksgiving occupies such a powerful place in our hearts. For some it is a source of love’s warmth, as we gather together and offer our gifts of thanks, for each other and the good things that fill our lives. For others, these same gatherings are painful and strained, as we are confronted all over again with the wounds of old stories. Above all this difference, God, we ask you to bless every heart with a sense of your faithfulness to us. We are one human family in need of your grace, and you have not left us empty. And so with thanks in our hearts, we ask you to bless every table, whatever the fare, so that all might enjoy an abundance of peace today and a real sense of belonging. Amen.

Prayer

God of the Living,

Your love and concern for us is such a comfort. Our fellowship with you is life itself. Yet you have also made plain that not all will be roses for us. In fact, you assured us: in this world we will have trouble. Even so, God, may we rest in your greater promise, that the darkness will never overcome the eternal light you have shone in the world and into our hearts, the same light in which we will one day see you face to face. In the hope of such a thought, today we remember the Vietnamese martyrs who stood firm in their faith unto death. We ask them to pray for us, that we too may come through our trials unscathed, and share in the joy awaiting us all. Amen.

Prayer

God of Creation,

When we feel distant from you, lead us to embrace your creation and the creatures you have made. Like St. Columbanus, whose life we remember today, lead us to find ways to be close to you by being close to the world you have made. Few of us will embark upon the disciplined life of a monk, yet each of us in our own way can discover the joy of quiet times with nature, watching the birds and animals, exploring your rivers and streams. In so doing, may we be surprised to find you there. Amen.

Prayer

God of Freedom and Love,

Our souls are often restless and anxious. Real rest is hard to find, and though our work is joyful, it is also very taxing. In the midst of it all, you provide us with joy-filled moments of delight, which seem to come from nowhere. When we least expect it, a scene unfolds; the tension cracks; and our smiles cannot be contained. We laugh and feel refreshed. These moments are like little presents to us—good, healthy, and cleansing. And so in our darker days of stress and strain, we thank you for these sweet occasions for joy, levity, and laughter; and we humbly ask for more. Amen.