Prayer

God of hope,

There is no denying the pain and the suffering we see in our world today. We see senseless destruction in places like Ukraine. We weep for innocent victims, for children, and for the injustice of it all. In our own neighborhoods, too, we feel overwhelmed at times by the brokenness around us. Yet we are people who refuse to cower at darkness. As long as today is “today,” we come before you and ask for new vision, refreshment, and hope for the mission you have given. As your children, send us into the world as agents of peace and justice. Empower us to make a new future of light and love for all. Amen.

Prayer

Merciful God,

The advancements of science and medicine are gifts to humanity for which we are grateful. So many pioneers before us have stewarded resources and marshalled the know-how to protect us all from many diseases. We give thanks for their efforts and commit to advancing their work, by advocating for greater acceptance and accessibility of safe and effective vaccines. For the life of the world, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Holy One,

With our Eastern Orthodox brothers and sisters, we are celebrating the rising of your son Jesus from the dead and the promise of a peace beyond death. You invite us to believe and yet you know we often struggle with faith. Thank you for showing us mercy. To the so-called “doubter,” Thomas, your son offered his hands and side for inspection. And for us who have not seen and yet believe, you offer this blessing, empowering our faith and sustaining our hope, that one day we will see you face to face. Amen.

Prayer

Abiding Presence,

Teach us the wisdom of silence! When we have nothing good to say, let us be wise enough to keep quiet. When others use words to denigrate instead of lift up, or when we are tempted to join in gossip and engage in idle chatter, help us to season our speech with kindness, respect, and gentility. Amen.

Prayer

Gracious Creator,

We have all heard the warnings about the future we face on this planet. A challenging future where nature responds to our many mistakes and years of neglect with increasing violence. Many have said it’s too late to turn back. Yet we are a people of hope. On Earth Day today, we remember your call to “invest in our planet” and we pray for new courage to do so and for a cooperative spirit of genuine unity across the world over. Let nothing dissuade us from taking the steps that we can, to protect and preserve the place you so graciously gave to serve as our home. Amen.

Prayer

God of laughter and joy,

Laughter is so liberating! Yet we often feel cramped by our worries and cares, and it looks like people around us are, too. We see people each day who need a new taste of freedom after so much exhaustion, pain, and anxiety. For these especially, let something hilarious be given to them today, to lift up their hearts and brighten their eyes. Let laughter give way to a new zest for life, work, and play, as if new possibilities were now open before us. Let it be so, Amen.

Prayer

Merciful God,

Genuine mercy means compassion in action. It is moved less by pity for others and more from a heart of deep hospitality, eager to embrace those in need, without self-regard or concern for a “thank you.” As we remember the ways you have received us, again and again, and have pardoned so many of our wrongs, we pray that we would have hearts full of mercy towards others, emptied of judgment while abounding in love. Amen.