Prayer

God our refuge,

Many today are questioning the future of this nation and, indeed, of the world. What will become of the legacy left by those brave women and men, who fought so courageously to establish, preserve, and protect this beacon of freedom and democracy? On this Memorial Day, we pause to remember the sacrifice of those gone before us. We pause as well for ourselves, that we might bravely embody their memory in the choices we each make today—in our families, among our communities, and as a nation. To you, our ultimate foundation, we pray, Amen.

Prayer

Mighty God,

When hope begins to wane within us, open the eyes of our hearts, to see once again how blessed we are to be called by your name. May we rejoice that you trust us to share your life-giving words and deeds, extending your compassionate touch to all those in need. Remind each one of us of the stories of healing we have personally witnessed and experienced, that we might be revived through the power of faith, hope, and love. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

We often speak in varied ways about love, yet we all know the truth: love is the most powerful force for change in the world! Give us a passion to cultivate a love for our neighbor and for you, which takes us beyond empty gestures and sentiments. Heal us of whatever prevents your love from flowing through us and transforming a world in need. Amen.

Prayer

God of Harmony,

Showing kindness to strangers can be a real act of courage these days. Beyond our own busyness, voices lure us into thinking that acceptance and tolerance are in short supply, and that its better just playing it safe. When we are tempted to think this way, remind us again of your truth. You have already conquered the world with a self-giving love that is its own wellspring of joy. Let such joy abound in our hearts today. And as we look in the faces of those we encounter today, give us the courage to smile and be genuinely happy, for this grace-filled chance to extend your peace. Amen.

A Prayer in the Shadow of Violence

God of peace and life,

Yet again we come before you, mourning the loss of our sisters and brothers, our children and parents, our friends and neighbors. We ask for your blessing upon the people killed in Buffalo, Los Angeles, and Uvalde. Fill with your consoling presence those who now grieve the loss of family members, co-workers, children, and friends. May the members of these communities and all communities confronting violence and tragic loss find strength in each other and in the hope that justice and peace will soon become reality. For our elected leaders, we pray they will find the courage to pursue just and lasting solutions to the violence that ails and assails us. For each of us, we also pray that we might commit our efforts to creating a society that inspires in its citizens compassion rather than violence, understanding rather than hatred, and a love and solidarity that affirms the life and promotes the dignity of all. We pray in the name of the God who is the source of our life and dignity. Amen.

Prayer

Faithful God,

The pressures and challenges of the past few years have tested our faith in life. Many of us are exhausted, no matter how much we have tried to adjust to life’s current. The deluge has just been too much. We ask that today, you give reason for hope and joy once again. For all of us, give us vision to see how faithful you have been to bring us this far. Remind us that we are in this together with you and each other. Revive us in our common purpose and our faith in this life we have chosen—extending your healing to all. Amen.

Prayer

God of love,

We long to be happy. Some of us desire happiness so desperately that we grasp at it fitfully, wasting our time by chasing illusions. Yet saints and sages alike have taught us the pathway to happiness is inseparable from a life lived on purpose, in step with the mission to which you have called us. Give us fortitude and resilience to follow your calling and respond to our vocation. May we dedicate ourselves to discovering our purpose and pursuing it with all our strength and conviction. For the joy set before us and the promise of true happiness, we pray. Amen.