Prayer

God with Us,

The thought of you rejoicing over us is so humbling! In fact, it’s hard to believe. The Maker of heaven and earth, singing like someone at a concert. . . because of us? Such images stretch our imaginations, even as they fill us with hope. When we feel like our struggles are too much and our failures too obvious, help us lean into your promise of renewal, liberation, and freedom. May we have strength to believe this incredible news, that somehow our deliverance brings you gladness. Amen.

Prayer

God of Health,

Your blessings to us are beyond counting. To wake in the morning with air in our lungs. . . To put feet on the ground and walk, move, or run. . . To be energized with the rhythm of blood and the flow of nutrition borrowed from the circle of life. . . All this is gift, and we are right to give thanks. Help us each day to be mindful of those who lack such gifts and may we all be more faithful to steward our bodies conscientiously. In gratitude to you, the Author of Life, Amen.

Prayer

Creator of all,

Today we recommit to upholding our bond as one human family. “We can only be human together.” Desmond Tutu’s words both inspire us towards the future while convicting us of the past. Our histories reveal so many instances when we have failed to be human together. Give us the strength to confess our wrongs to each other. And as we seek to move forward, give us the courage to defend the rights of all humankind, especially those who are most vulnerable, here and around the world. Amen.

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.