Prayer

Righteous God,

Every day in our world, so many people are treated unjustly and then left to fend for themselves. Their voices are silenced by apathy and the social arrangements that fail to protect their dignity. We know that silence in the face of injustice is the same as complicity. Inspire us this day to speak for the voiceless, defend the oppressed, and take care of those who are so often forgotten. In the power you have already given, we pray, Amen.

Prayer

Living God,

It’s awesome to think of all the gifts and talents you have placed within this ministry. So many skilled and devoted people, united in a mission that is more than human: to extend your own compassion to a world in need, improving the health and well-being of our communities, and bringing good help to the most vulnerable among us. We already know this is about more than just bare survival. . . That’s why we signed up! With the immensity of this calling in mind, we also know we need your help to succeed, today as much as yesterday. Be gracious to us and fill us with your spirit, so that regardless of our role we can share with our sisters and brothers a reason to live and, in some small way, help them to live more abundantly. As one family we pray, Amen.

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.