Prayer

Life Eternal,

Fill us with joy to be glad for this day and the new things it brings. May springtime’s new life continue to grace us, that we might serve others as springtime people, ready to spread life-giving joy to all those around us. Let us be the ones who can spark a real celebration. Let us celebrate not in a way that denies pain and suffering, but in a way that extends resurrection hope, whereby death is swallowed by life. Even now. Even here. Amen.

Prayer

God of life,

What a world-shaking thought! A life stronger than death is already present among us—and indeed, right now lives within us. As those who’ve been called to extend your compassion, help us live into this truth. We strive to embody your healing presence, and yet are daily confronted with death and demise. When it’s hard to go on, encourage our hearts with the power of your word today. Fill us with hope, that your life-giving Spirit will be felt, seen, and heard in our midst. Amen.

Prayer

All-Powerful God,

As our Muslim brothers and sisters enter the month of Ramadan, may we all take this opportunity to reflect more deeply on our health—in mind, body, and spirit. Give to each one of us a sense of freedom before you to embrace our journeys of faith, hope, and love, trusting that you will guide us in the way we should go. Let us all do our part to remove every hindrance from running this race with perseverance and dedication, encouraging each other towards integrity and authenticity. For the life of the world we pray, Amen.

Prayer

Living God,

In this world of struggle and pain, we are, at times, tempted to lose faith. Despite our struggles, we still have faith, we still have hope. We have love. Today, we pray for those whose faith has grown dim, who find it hard to see the path forward. Inspire us through your Holy Spirit to be instruments of your grace and peace, that through us their faith, hope, and love might be renewed and their thirst for you restored. Amen.

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.