Prayer

Liberating God,

We remember Harriet Tubman today and her remarkable heroism, as she saved so many others from slavery through the Underground Railroad. To honor her memory, we ask to be given a share in that same heroic spirit today. Help us as one ministry to share bold dreams and commit to seeing them realized: dreams for racial equality and the elimination of disparities in access to those things essential for human flourishing; dreams for a world made whole by peaceful engagements between nations; dreams for a culture where every individual is empowered to make this world better, out of the abundance of gifts and talents you have poured out on us. We pray and dream together, Amen.

Prayer

Living God,

Give us the agility to be innovative as we seek new ways of flourishing in a volatile, ever-changing world. Strengthen our resolve to accept necessary risks at the necessary time, that we may always respond creatively to new circumstances. Help us to foster a positive attitude that can reframe our challenges as opportunities and even blessings in disguise, as we strive to become the people you have called us to be. By your grace, empower us to face every trial with real and lasting joy. Amen.

Prayer

Uplifting God,

We lift our voices today in support of women across the world. We ask you to help us “break the bias” that permits gender inequalities to persist in so many venues. As one people made in your image, we are pained by the way disparities continue to affect women across our societies, in the context of work and family, the arts and culture, indeed wherever people strive to use and express their gifts and talents to make a difference in the world. Help us become the generation that eradicates bias based on gender, and to cultivate together a world where women’s power of self-determination is given full respect, recognition, and support. Amen.

Prayer

God of Peace,

We pray today for all political leaders, rulers of nations who, rightly or wrongly, possess power to make sweeping decisions affecting the lives of so many others. For leaders who use violence and intimidation to further their political aspirations, we pray that you might fill their hearts with a spirit of repentance. Inspire political leaders to exercise the real power of leadership: the power of humility, that we may share common ground and work for the good of the whole human family. Amen.

Prayer

God our refuge,

We are grieved and concerned about the crisis in eastern Europe. It brings us beyond confusion to think that, even today, leaders of nations are reckless enough to claim territories and peoples by force. Help us who are removed from direct conflict be diligent in offering sincere intercession. May we be united in spirit with the vulnerable and the victims, lifting them up in our hearts, trusting that you will provide and protect. On this first Sunday of Lent, we rend our hearts for the sins of our world, the wrongdoing near and far, the pathways of death that still divide us from you and each other. Lead us to place our trust in you, our refuge and fortress, as we hope for Easter’s glorious light. Amen.

Prayer

Redeeming God,

Thank you for those who make it their business to advocate for the protection, security, and well-being of so many across our society. We thank you especially this week for the passion and dedication of social workers, those ministers of health in the broadest sense: ensuring safe homes and neighborhoods, basic provisions and securities, and every dimension of flourishing. We acknowledge them and ask you to empower them daily with your life-giving spirit. Amen.

Prayer

Hope of the Nations,

We are glad to join our voices with women and men around the world today, leading us in prayer and thanksgiving. Inspired by the words from your prophet, we trust ourselves again to your promise of a hope-filled future. Your grace is sufficient for all our weakness, but it has still not been easy these past few years. Hopes and plans have been dashed and our deepest longings have been deferred. We ask you this day to renew us again, as one people united in prayer. Revive our shared sense of hope for what lies ahead.