Prayer

God our Help and Shield,

Waiting is hard! When filled with great hope, we know that nothing we do can bring the future any closer to us. And when filled with great fear, we know nothing can stop the future from coming. You made us this way, caught within time, perhaps to remind us that we are not in control of all things. Help us learn to wait better by drawing closer to you and to trust in your goodness. May our hearts find the freedom to rejoice in the waiting, as we place our hopes and our fears into your trustworthy hands. Amen.

Prayer

Gracious God,

It is easy for us to get wrapped up in the frenzy of the holidays. Gift-buying, card-sending, invite-replying, house-decorating, package-mailing—and there’s always one more thing forgotten from some list. We know it’s madness. Yet we sincerely enjoy making love tangible for family and friends, near and far. As we share all these gifts, help us remember that words—gracious words—remain among the very best of gifts we could ever give to another. Wherever we go in the days ahead, open our eyes to notice those around us who are most in need of a sweet, kind word. Open our mouths to speak words they can hear, words filled with grace, compassion, and healing. Amen.

Prayer

God of the Humble,

In this season of advent, our hearts are filled with anticipation for the birth of your son, Jesus. And every year we are baffled again by this wonder of wonders, that the God who spoke the world into being did not despise our lowliness, but freely chose to enter our experience—our poverty, weakness, and brokenness. You have bound yourself to us with a love beyond all telling! For when we did not know you and could never deserve it, you took the most radical step of inclusion and became one with us. Humbled by your love, we say thank you. Amen.

Prayer

God over all,

Sometimes it’s obvious that you are at work in our lives. Sometimes it isn’t. It may take a long, long time for us to be able to look back and see the way you accompanied us on our journey. Yet you dare us to trust you and to let go of worry. It’s easier said than done! With gratitude for the example you gave us in Jesus your son, help us to live in freedom from worry and to believe the good news. You are for us not against us, and you work all things for good for those who love you. God, we believe; help our unbelief! Amen.

Prayer

God of Wholeness,

Thank you for calling us into this ministry. To share with others in such meaningful work is truly a gift. One patient at a time, one community project at a time, one carefully strategized budget at a time—you have called us to be agents of healing in the world today. This is a great mission, the success of which requires all our gifts, talents, and energies. As we strive to serve faithfully and selflessly, we are grateful for leaders who are concerned about our own well-being, too. Bless them, as they work through decisions affecting us all, and may we be united in the hope-filled promise you give us, that all will be well. Amen.

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.