Prayer

God among us,

Today we celebrate St. Patrick and his incredible ministry and legacy, which continues to inspire such a rich and deep spirituality, inviting us to see your presence in all things. Yes, even the most mundane things are transparent to your goodness and love to us. If we are looking! Grant us, then, a share in Patrick’s vision, as we welcome you and acknowledge you in all our doing and being today. Amen.

Prayer

All-wise Creator,

We are now able to control so much of the environment in which we live. It is easy to go an entire day, through work and play, and never experience the beauty of nature or the rhythms of your creation. Give us wisdom to know that it is good for us to stop, notice, and learn from nature. Help us remember we are not machines of labor, but living, breathing creatures made in your image. Lead us to rest and trust in the process of growth and development that you have designed for us. Amen.

Prayer

Joyous Creator,

It may be cliché but its nonetheless true: our time here on earth is so short. Life is precious and every moment a gift. For all of those times when we neglect time as gift and have chosen to hold on to bitterness and anger, perpetuating wrongs done to us—forgive us. And as we journey through Lent, give us a spirit of resilience that resists taking offense at the things people sometimes can say and do, the trivial things that otherwise rob of us time spent in joy, laughter, and peace. Make us whole again this season. We pray, Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

It’s all too easy for us to adopt a “fix-it” kind of mindset with people. We are so skilled at healing bodies, yet we struggle at times with patiently attending to the deeper ailments voiced by many of those we encounter every day. Help us always remember to acknowledge and welcome the whole person who stands before us. May we perceive and respond to each person in all their depth—of mind, body, and spirit, showing everyone the inherent respect and dignity they possess as your children. Amen.

Prayer

God our deliverer,

We know and believe that you hold us in the palm of your hand. But for the past several years, it has been especially challenging to hold on to hope. A virus has maimed us, nations and peoples have been upended, the planet continues to suffer from our careless stewardship, and your family on earth right now is divided and threatened by those who lead people into heartbreaking crises. Give us courage to see light in the darkness and to embrace the power of hope. Lead us to lead others to refuge as we share our hope with all who feel lost. Amen.

Prayer

God of humility,

Your son showed us in word and in deed how to live. Resisting the allure of wealth and power, he served the poor with humility and without self-regard. Make us humble in the same way. Free us to accompany you in your good work in the world, extending your compassion so that others may see and be glad that mercy and healing have come to a people in need! Without noise and fanfare, may we simply rejoice that we have a share in the ministry to which you have called us. In your name we pray, Amen.

Prayer

God our Strength,

We thank you for the ways in which you have blessed us with so many resources in this ministry. Such talented and gifted people, who pour their hearts and souls into what they do, even in times of stress and strain. Their dedication is inspiring to see, and we pray you continue to give them rest, energy, and especially joy in what they do—day in and day out. Towards that end, we pray that you would give space to all who are especially in need today. Give them freedom to “unplug,” even for a few meaningful moments, and thereby recoup their strength. Amen.