Prayer

God over all,

Today is a welcome occasion for us to continue celebrating the gifts and contributions of all those persons affected by Down syndrome. We join our voices with theirs and advocate for the full and effective inclusion of persons with trisomy 21. In societies all across the world, in our families and communities, we recognize the truth: we are better together in all our diversity! Amen.

Prayer

God of our weakness,

As our Lenten celebration continues, we rightly continue our personal, inward journeys of preparing for your Easter glory. As we do so, guide our vision outward as well, beyond the scope of self-interest, so as to see those neighbors around us who are most in need of support. May those who are unjustly treated receive from us a healing word or a liberating deed that can show them the power of your compassion for them. Yes, use us for these words and these deeds. As we all wait in hope for a life beyond death, we pray. Amen.

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.