Prayer

God over all,

Your world bears the stamp of a grand design, which we have not always respected. Thinking ourselves masters over nature, we have abused the environment you gave us. In big and small ways, we have offended your hospitality, neglecting the home you gave us to tend. Now so many creatures, including us, show signs of such suffering. Our prayer today is thus one of sorrow. But it is also a prayer of hope. As creatures made in your image, we have been gifted with such remarkable inventiveness, creativity, and ingenuity. Help us to have fortitude and stamina to use these gifts wisely in new ways, making real changes to turn your world around. For the life of the world we pray, Amen.

Prayer

God of the possible,

We each know a few special souls who are so well endowed with enthusiasm. People who are ready for anything, made for action, who just do not understand disappointment and are able to surmount challenges while lifting up others. We thank you for these gifted leaders and ask you to bless them, as they strengthen and build our communities. And for all of us, too, as the people you made us, in our own various ways, bless us with the gift of enthusiasm, so that we might encourage and empower each other to pursue those dreams that otherwise seem so impossible. Amen.

Prayer

God of compassion,

Today is another day to choose to open our hearts and embrace our connections with others. We try so hard sometimes to act independent, as if we can do it all on our own. Yet we know the truth. We are made for each other. So, give us courage today, to be with and for others in the ways you have taught us. Help us share others’ burdens and show them we care. Amen.

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.