Prayer

Gracious God,

You call us, no matter who we are or where we come from, to follow you and live out our vocations with sincerity and authenticity. As we strive to do so, teach us to let go of those things that might hinder us. Save us especially from the tendency to compare ourselves to others. Keep us close to your heart as we follow the example of St. Joseph, pursuing simple human virtues and love for you and our neighbor. Amen.

Prayer

Healing God,

The divisions, inequalities, and rights violations across our societies are cause for such grief! Our hearts break, and yours, too… Inspire us to be faithful and active participants in remaking our neighborhoods and building up a culture of dignity for all. Let our faith become action, as we make space for difference and welcome you in the gift of each other. Heal this broken world through us, one heart at a time. Amen.

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.