Prayer

God of New Life,

As a New Year approaches, many of us begin to look back and review where we have been and where we currently are. This can be a motivational exercise, but we are also prone to be harsh on ourselves. With great expectations we begin to make plans and set goals and create a whole new existence from scratch in our heads. We have very creative imaginations! Save us from ourselves. Help us be patient with our many self-transformations. May we rely on the gift of self-control, expressed in our day-to-day commitments and faithfulness, to become over time the people you’ve made us to be, to do those things we know we should do, even when we don’t feel like it. Amen.

Prayer

Generous God,

This fourth day of Kwanzaa celebrates the principle of Ujamaa—the social value of shared work and wealth, and the building up of the common good over private interests. May this principle inspire us to be more mindful of the well-being of our communities, even as we set our own private goals for finance and business. May we have the courage to promote change across our society, so that no one need suffer from income disparities and the unjust distribution of wealth. For the sake of everyone’s flourishing, keep us conscious of the way our work and our labor impact the welfare of our sisters and brothers. In a spirit of cooperation and hope we pray, Amen.

Prayer

Compassionate God,

No matter our state, comfort us all with the truth of your word, that you are not deaf to us. Your ear is inclined to our suffering and you respond to our hurt with compassion. For all those who are hurting or crushed by distress, pour out your compassionate mercy on them today. In this ongoing pandemic, make us all more attentive to those in distress, that we may continue being “good help” in their time of need. Amen.

Prayer

God who is Love,

It is easy to say we know what love means. We share those precious words with friends and lovers, “I love you,” and in the next breath profess our “love” for objects and food. Yet to know what you mean by love is a different thing altogether. Your love calls us to a new way of living which, despite its simplicity, is not all that simple. As your holy apostle, St. John the beloved, explained: if we say we love you, but hate someone else, we’re deceiving ourselves and need to look deeper. If we say we know you, we will naturally love all your precious children, all those who are made in your image. Help us to know you better, God who is love, and watch our world heal. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

Thank you for the example of the Holy Family, whose love and generosity we seek to express in our own relations today. Like Mary and Joseph, help us be selfless in our support of each other and remember that we never stop “growing up,” at least not in the ways that matter. May we build each other up our whole lives long, cultivating loving communities that bear witness to the abundant life you came to give us. May your favor be upon us, as we share in a life that is bigger than our own aspirations—a life that overcomes all our divisions and empowers others to grow in faith, hope, and love. In the unity of your spirit we pray, Amen.

Prayer

God with us,

We give thanks to you today, for drawing near to us when we had drifted so far from you. You have come to meet us just as we are, knowing our experience from the inside out, in our very flesh. We are so humbled by your radical embrace! We who were waiting in darkness now see light bursting forth from the lowliest place. From a dirty cramped stable—God in a manger—you have captured our attention and our hearts are filled with joy! Amen.

Prayer

Giver of all that is good,

Many are filled with excitement today and are about to be showered with joy. We bless their celebrations and are glad they will share such wonderful gifts: belonging, generosity, and love above all. Yet there are others today who, for a number of reasons, may not feel the magic of this holiday. Mindful of them, we pray. . .

For those who are working and unable to pause, reward them for their service and restore them for the time they have given. For those who are lonely this season and missing companions, warm them by gestures of kindness from this one human family. For those who are stricken by illness and pain, soothe them in mind, body, and soul and to feel some measure of your liberating love. For those who are poor and least expecting a sign from the heavens—like those shepherds on that first Christmas eve—astonish them with the good news of your peace and goodwill to all. Amen.