Prayer

God of goodness,

We admit we aren’t like you. You are steadfast towards us, with a love that has no conditions. Yet we find it challenging to love those who are unloving towards us. It is not easy for us to be kind when we are treated without regard. And when gratitude is lacking, serving others can wear us down. Amid such struggles, help us remember that we too can be unloving, unkind, and ungrateful at times. Fill us with your spirit, so that our character may be transformed to be more like yours. And may we do good for others simply because its right, not because of who they are or what we get in return. Amen.

Prayer

Merciful God,

With the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom we honor today, we magnify you and celebrate your goodness. You have truly done great things for us and we continue to proclaim your holiness and mercy. In the confidence that comes from knowing you, we ask you to renew the face of the earth and help us renew it with you. Humbly we pray that those who oppress others might turn to you and be transformed. Let their riches fall to the needy so that all who hunger will be fulfilled. We pray in the name of God our Savior, Amen.

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.