Prayer

God of all good gifts,

We are often confused about what matters most in this life. We are so preoccupied with our individual projects and reputations that we forget to embrace the simplest of gifts, the things that make life worth living: the tears we share when moved with compassion, the laughter we share when surprised by life’s joy, and the feelings of hope and belonging that new life inspires. Keep us rooted in the experience of being human. Help us be mindful and attentive to the things that matter. Amen.

Prayer

God of the Possible,

For those whose dreams have grown dim, revive them with hope and vitality. For those whose dreams feel impossible, strengthen their faith and persistence. For those who are bashful about naming their dreams, build up their boldness and give them a voice. For all of us, set free our desire to believe in our dreams and renew our commitment to bring them to pass. Above all else, may we have a share in your dreams for us and the future of our communities. Empower us to trust that you can make a way where there seems to be no way. Amen.

Prayer

Saving God,

This season is cause for celebration, joy, and anticipation. We look forward to warm gatherings over the holidays. As we prepare for such joyful occasions, help us prepare our hearts to make room for you amid all the busyness of our lives. Lead us to take advantage of moments away from the frenzy and festivity, that we might welcome your presence and be filled with your spirit. May we be mindful to share your grace with neighbors near and far, spreading peace and goodwill with a world in need. Amen.

Prayer

God of wisdom and knowledge,

We have access to more knowledge about our world than in any previous generation. In an “information society” stuffed with so much learning, help us remember that knowledge is only as good as the actions it determines. Let knowledge come alive as we use it for the sake of love above all else, building up each other and working towards the common good. May we in this ministry steward our knowledge carefully, pursuing the kind of learning that helps us bring good help to those in need. Amen.

Prayer

All-Good Creator,

Today we are humbled by the courage, tenacity, and passion displayed by those persons among us, who have refused to let any perceived limitation or diagnosis define their life’s possibilities. May the rest of us—we who are so unconsciously abled—be forgiven, for all the times we have failed to recognize the full humanity of all our brothers and sisters. In pursuit of healing and inclusion, lead us to listen more to the lived experience of those with disabilities. Keep us alert to the fact that much of the disadvantage implied by “disability” is our own fault, as we continue constructing spaces that make a challenged life only that much more challenging. Inspire us all, God, as one human family, to overcome prejudice and discrimination and to build a world hospitable for everyone. Amen.

Prayer

Merciful God,

We wake again with a new day before us. Sometimes, though, we must admit it all feels the same. Days upon end stack on top of each other and we feel our hearts growing numb: waking and sleeping, working and playing, driving here, eating there, cleaning house and paying bills and preparing just enough for the next day so as to avoid disaster. Oh God bring us closer to you. Open our hearts to believe in the adventure of a new day. For in your great goodness you have promised: every morning is waiting for us with fresh mercies from you. Renew our sense of expectation, and may we give thanks to you for your unending faithfulness, day after day. Amen.

Prayer

Healing God,

Today we devote our attention to the many victims, past and present, of HIV and AIDS, like Ryan White. May we honor them by uniting with their cause and sharing their struggle together, to fight this awful disease and the stigma that still surrounds it. On this first ever global health day, we ask to be renewed in our commitment to work towards prevention, finding a cure, and surrounding all those affected with compassionate care, for those who are ill as well as their family and friends. Amen.