Prayer

Holy God,

Today we draw inspiration by remembering the life of St. Catherine of Siena. In a time of widespread plague and poverty, Catherine nursed those who were sick and poor with a generous, fearless spirit. In a time of political hostility, she travelled widely and effectively as an ambassador of peace. In a time of moral confusion and wayward leadership, she called for reform in the Church and corrected church leaders with such wisdom and clarity we hail her now as a Doctor of the Church. For this saint’s inspiring life, we give thanks and pray for a share in her boldness, for the sake of our mission today. Amen.

Prayer

Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer,

You are so faithful in providing for us. Yet we know many are in need of even basic necessities that we take for granted. Near and far, there are those who are unable to satisfy their stomachs, while we carelessly send so much to waste. Today, connect our desire to serve the poor and vulnerable with our own everyday habits with food. Forgive us for wasting and lead us to become better stewards. With gratitude for your provision, inspire us to ensure equal provision for all. Amen.

Prayer

God who hears,

We all know the difference between a genuine fear and the petty anxieties we often worry over that we can actually do nothing about. When faced with actual fears, a poor prognosis, a loved one in need, a crippling debt, we need the help and the comfort of someone who hears us. Thank you for your own promise, that you hear and answer whenever we seek you. Send others as well into our lives, confidants that we can rely on to hold us up, pray with, and encourage us forward. Give us stories to tell of how you delivered us from all our fears. Amen.

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.