Prayer

Liberating God,

You show us each day and in so many ways that you are not far from our suffering. Rather you are close to the broken-hearted and draw near to those who are wounded by unjust oppression. As our Jewish colleagues enter their Passover feast, and as Christians embrace this Good Friday, we are all filled with wonder at the way your compassion for humanity becomes liberation. You freed a people enslaved and still do today, showing us how compassionate love can do miraculous things. Help us embody and extend that same love, extending your liberating compassion to others in need. In your name we pray, Amen.

Prayer

Wondrous God,

We are humbled by the thought of you washing feet. In fact, it’s almost too much to imagine. In that very moment, when you knew you had power over “all things,” you chose to perform this act of service!? This is true power, which does not show strength by putting down others or inflating oneself, but by taking the role of everyone’s servant. You taught us to do the same, so help us to do so. May we all have the grace to follow your lead, serving the world in the power of your selfless love. Amen.

Prayer

Transforming God,

We all go through times of preparation, as we get ourselves ready for some new adventure, decision ahead, or direction in life that we know will bring changes. Give us wisdom to know when it’s time to stop planning and time to get moving. Help us to trust you through the changes to come, believing by faith that you work all for our good. Amen.

Prayer

Giver of all that is good,

When our worlds get constricted and we lose our feeling for freedom, help us at least find the freedom to laugh. Let there be humor between us that can crack every tension and overcome wrongs. Heal us of patterns of thought, word, or deed that foster anxiety and despair. And instead let us work, play, and live in ways that spread life to others—expanding our spaces with joy and gladness for life, a life beside others, a life that’s ready to smile at the days we are given. Amen.

Prayer

God of hosts,

It has often been said that prejudice does not survive closeness. As we gather at tables in breakrooms, as we chat with neighbors in passing, as we find ourselves waiting in lines, in all our coming and going, help us embody a genuine and authentic hospitality that lets others know we accept them, just as they are. May we open our hearts in a way that champions the dignity you have bestowed on each one of us, as creatures made in your image. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

As we begin this Holy Week in the Church calendar, we are humbled by the example of Jesus’ life, a life that was measured by such incredible love for humanity, going even to death for our sake. May we each be inspired to measure our own lives by the love that we share with and for our neighbors and the communities among us. In the midst of a broken and tragic world, lead us to extend the height, depth, and breadth of Christ’s incredible love for us. Amen.

Prayer

Caring God,

Even you knew the importance of taking time away. When you walked among us, you preserved your integrity by resting, praying, and showing caution in the way you spent your energy. Help us do the same. Give us a sense of freedom as well as responsibility, to be attentive to our own needs for self-care and to take action as needed. Amen.