Prayer

Liberating God,

Break our hearts today, for the forty-plus million trapped in slavery across the world. Break our hearts for the women and men and children being forced into sex work and labor servitude, living in conditions worse than our nightmares. Break our hearts with awareness, but do not stop there. Do not let us stop there. Beyond awareness, move us with a passion for justice and a longing to see freedom come for all. Keep us from insulating ourselves, as if contemporary slavery were something far and remote only. While we may not all be engaged in liberation, make us all more vigilant to guard our communities, watching for signs of enslavement in our daily interactions and, if necessary, to defend and protect all those in need. Amen.

Prayer

Righteous God,

We often feel wounded when we strive to do good and to be responsible, only to have the world respond with a string of bad luck that we just didn’t count on. Or so it seems. . . When feelings of woe and self-pity befall us, purge us of false expectations and bring us perspective. Help us to see the world’s brokenness for what it is and to remember our own brokenness, too. Let our hearts be consoled with real joy, knowing that no matter the outcome, serving the cause of the good is its own reward. Give us courage to stay the course and may all those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake receive your blessing today. Amen.

Prayer

Healing God,

We often fail to notice your healing gifts to us. We overlook the multiple ways you provide for our spirits’ renewal. The glimpses of beauty, the freshness of a breeze, the needless kind word or smile—all these little invitations to open our hearts and be cleansed by your goodness to us, from the inside out. Help us not to neglect these signs of your constant devotion, so that we may be more ready to receive those special occasions in which you fill us in grace. Like the first believers who awaited your son—ready and watchful, preparing their hearts to find you in their midst—may we open our hearts more and more to receive and be freed by your unceasing love. Amen.

Prayer

Compassionate God,

We give thanks today for those who put themselves in harm’s way for our sake. First responders, emergency personnel, caregivers, physicians, nurses, staff, and custodians—all those who know the costs of showing up for work and yet still do it anyway. May they sense our gratitude deep in their hearts. And if they are ever tempted to feel their work is in vain, inspire them with the thought, that for the person they are serving right now, their presence and service can genuinely make a world of difference. For all the healing encounters they bring into this world, we give thanks. Amen.

Prayer

Merciful God,

When you walked among us and lived in our midst, you showed us your heart for humanity. Through your example, we were taught that real power is shown in service to others, that true love is shown in selfless sacrifice, and that divine justice means showing partiality towards those who are poor. Help us remember we all are poor in some way, since we all are in need of your mercy. Fill us again (and again) with compassion, straight from your heart, to keep our attention fixed on the poor. Remind us that our community’s health is reflected in the way the poor among us are faring. Amen.

Prayer

God of creation,

You guided the magi by a star, leading them to encounter your son, Jesus. You continue to guide us to Jesus through your word, through sacraments, through events in our lives, through the community of faith, through good books and movies, through music, through the beauty of creation, and most especially through the goodness and compassion of others. Inspire us, through the gift of your Holy Spirit, to be a light for others, guiding them to your presence and love in their lives. We pray in the name of our loving God. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

We want to believe there is purpose and meaning in the world, but when tragedies come our conviction is shaken. In such moments, strengthen our faith and help us remember our calling. As those who are made in your image, we bear a purpose and meaning and are called for a reason to the places we live and work. Help us all to take heart today, recalling the words of St. John Neumann: no matter who we are or where we are from, we each have a part to play in re-ordering the world in the way it should go. For the sake of our communities and the success of your own good plans for our future, we pray. Amen.