Prayer

God of my neighbor,

You have gifted humanity with such extraordinary creativity. The wonders of human civilization stand alongside the beauties of the natural world. Yet, we know that we fail at times in upholding human dignity for all and so often disregard the beauty of your creation. Fill us with the courage to respond generously to our call to be prophets of your love and goodness, setting our hearts on genuinely human ambitions, restoring common foundations, and building bridges across all divisions. As one human family, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Compassionate Healer,

We offer heartfelt thanks for the dedication and devotion of doctors all across the world. We pray you would bless these gifted servants of life and dignity in a special way today. And in view of the awesome sense of responsibility that comes with their calling, we ask for their protection and provision as they tend to those who are most vulnerable and in need. Keep their sights set on doing the best that they can in what they’re able to do, letting go of the rest. Let them flourish in their ministry, as healers extending compassion, building up the common good one life at a time. Amen.

Prayer

God of Joy,

All we have to do is observe your creation to see that you never tire of play. The silliness of seals or the preposterousness of peacocks… Dizzying dolphins and flamboyant flamingos. Help us remember that a life without leisure is a life that can become hollow. Fill us anew, in heart and soul this day, with a zest for life that can make work become play and can season the lives of others around us. Amen.

Prayer

God of compassion,

As you have shown us, true compassion is a choice born from love, as we pursue the path of inclusion and care. In our world and our communities and our homes today, make us ready to enter others’ suffering. Inspire us to love as you love, especially those who are wounded and worried. Guide us to embrace their suffering and walk with them, showing them your compassion, which is the source of all genuine healing. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

As human beings we can sometimes fool ourselves into believing in our own perfection while pointing out the hypocrisy of others. However, your unconditional love for us allows us to continue to move forward knowing that you guide us, little by little, to become more like you. Let heaven’s own love shine through us so that others may recognize you through the lives we lead. As we continue through Lent, transform us by love to become the people you made us to be. Amen.

Prayer

God of all goodness,

You have blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents. Help us remember that our gifts and talents are not our own. Rather, they are meant to be shared. Encourage us then to use our gifts generously for those most in need. May we live our vocations boldly and gladly, knowing that every good and perfect gift comes from you. Amen.

Prayer

God of Love,

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation, when your angel Gabriel announced to Mary the incredible plan of salvation through your son’s incarnation. We give thanks for this momentous occasion, where divine initiative was met with willing and free human cooperation. Like Mary, may we also respond with a “yes and amen” to your call on our lives. With humility and grace, may we join in your plans and share your loving intentions with the rest of humanity, freely extending your compassion to others. Amen.