Prayer

God our defender,

Recent events have put a spotlight on the awesome and awful responsibilities of the world’s military forces. For good and for ill, brothers and sisters are engaged in missions that transcend them, and for which their lives are already pledged. As we consider our own incredible blessings here in this nation, we give thanks and pray for all those who have devoted their lives to protecting and defending our freedom, peace, and security. May we never take them for granted. May we never forget the burden of responsibility they willingly carry for the sake of us all. Amen.

Prayer

God who knows our experience,

There is a vast distance between the way things are and the way they should be. We see the evils around us and we long for justice, weeping at all that is broken. Yet with deeply felt joy we laugh as well, when wrongs are put right, justice is served, and the good finally wins. It is comforting to remember that you have felt all this, too, that you walked in our shoes, weeping and laughing in the same ways we do. Help us, then, to follow the example you left us, that we might bring more of what ought to be into what is. May our mourning be turned into laughter today. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

We each had our reasons for joining this ministry, but we no doubt hold this much in common: we have tasted the joy of giving ourselves away for the sake of another’s healing. Such experiences leave us humbled and grateful—glad to be playing our part in what is ultimately your ministry of healing. And yet, as often as we have experienced the mountaintop, we have experienced the pain of the valley as well. So, for all those who need their joy renewed and restored, we pray for them, and ask that they would be drawn closer to your loving heart as they continue to give themselves in service to others. Amen.

Prayer

Perfect Love,

We say we desire to become our best selves, but really, sometimes, that is just lip-service. Actually changing, becoming people of character and intention, developing the gifts we have been given and learning to steward them wisely, all this takes time, attention, and a willingness to face those parts of ourselves we would rather ignore. Give us humility, so we can face the truth and embrace the work of self-transformation. Heal us of pride, so we will not be defensive but can learn every day how to “polish our mirror,” becoming the best we can be in the world that you gave us to serve. Amen.

Prayer

Uplifting God,

Today and this week we give thanks and pray for all those who sustain and provide our emergency medical services. Day and night they rise to the challenge of ensuring a timely response and quality care for people in need. They inspire us by their readiness to serve all without reservation and in the midst of such challenging circumstances. Bless them this week as we set aside this special time to show them our gratitude and reaffirm our support. Amen.

Prayer of St. Brendan

Accompanying God,

Today we share the words attributed to St. Brendan: “Help me to journey beyond the familiar and into the unknown. Give me the faith to leave old ways and break fresh ground with You. Christ of the mysteries, I trust You to be stronger than each storm within me. I will trust in the darkness and know that my times, even now, are in Your hand. Tune my spirit to the music of heaven, and somehow, make my obedience count for You.” Amen.

Prayer

Compassionate God,

Help us learn from you the meaning of genuine compassion and to practice showing compassion each day with integrity and sincerity. Where kindness is lacking, give us the generosity of spirit to share kindness with others freely. Where grace and mercy are absent, lead us in our words and deeds to make them more present. With gratitude for your goodness to all, may we be agents of goodness, renewing your people in the ways that we can. Amen.