Prayer

God our friend,

We owe you great thanks for friendship, but even more so for friends! In times of rejoicing, it’s often quite easy to gather a crowd and celebrate. But in times of great challenge, in the struggle of pain or real fear, the gift of a friend can sometimes be hard to come by. Thank you for putting those lovely few souls in our lives, the ones who know what it means to carry our burden and sit by our side. Help us each become such a friend. For the friendless especially, empower us to love them the way you love us—without counting the cost, without expecting reward, and without hesitation. Amen.

Prayer

Holy God,

The world you have made is splendid and lovely, yet we have not always appreciated its beauty, nor have we taken care of it in the ways that we should. For our many desecrations, we ask your forgiveness.

As we work to restore a more hospitable world, open our eyes to see the places we live, work, and play in a new light. Let them be transformed in our experience into sacred sites once again, where faith, hope, and love are shared in communion with others. May we be inspired to join you in renewing the face of the earth. Help us take simple steps to preserve and protect the places where our lives unfold, knowing that even the smallest gestures can make a big difference. Amen.

Prayer

Light of the World,

You called us out of darkness and into your marvelous light. But still there are shadows and the journey takes time. As we seek to remain on the path you have shown us, help us to trust you will lead us through times of great darkness. Remind us that nothing can separate us from your love and inspire us to believe that our trials are nothing compared to the joy set before us. For the sake of those whose way has grown especially dim, fill them with hope and build their resilience. Help us to serve them by sharing the light in our hearts. Amen.

Prayer

God,

There are times when our lives become so chaotic and stressful, and all we want to do at the end of the day is “check out” from reality. We know its unhealthy, just as we know there’s a difference between needing good rest and just wanting escape. When the chaos and stress come our way, give us the strength to choose wisely, and learn again to rest in the simplest of things. With the ease of a child, help us take joy in the smallest of wonders and find peace with the world once again. Amen.

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.