Prayer

Spirit of God,

Thank you that you did not leave us alone, to live out your teachings and follow your calling with only our purely human resources at hand. You sent us a divine helper, “the advocate,” your very Spirit, to guide, sustain, and empower us for the mission ahead. Just as you filled your first disciples at Pentecost, we invite you to fill us today. Yes, fill us each day, that we might be heralds of compassion and genuine liberation in our own place and time. With words that are true and a hope that is real, lead us to be effective witnesses of good news today. Amen.

Prayer

God our maker,

This month we remember and pray for all those who suffer from dementia, Alzheimer’s, and all neurological diseases. May they be supported by the caring presence of family, friends, caregivers and providers, and may they continue to live in the power of hope. We pray as well for those in clinical research and development, that their work would uncover new opportunities for effective treatment and holistic healing. And for all of us, as a society, give us a renewed commitment to honor the dignity of all those affected by neurological challenges. Amen.

Prayer

All-wise God,

Give us courage each day to stand upon the wisdom we have learned from your example. And give us strength to follow the guidance you have set forth in your teachings, that we may see our world transformed. May we love our enemies and treat everyone the way we would want to be treated. May we give abundantly to all those who ask for our help. May we judge not, lest we be judged. May we keep our word and honor our promises and always seek to be salt and light to those around us. Let your goodness be reflected today as we try to live out your word and embody your love. Amen.

Prayer

Author of life,

We are a society that often calculates risks and benefits and seeks predictable accuracy over every aspect of our lives. Yet, in the end, we know that life is unpredictable. We do not know the time we have left on this earth or what tomorrow might bring. Fill us, then, with gratitude for every breath we take and each moment we enjoy. Grant us the wisdom to make good choices while never forgetting to embrace the joy-filled moments you send our way. Amen.

Prayer

God over all,

As one human family, we ask for fresh inspiration today, to continue upholding and defending the dignity of all people, no matter our differences. Forgive us for those times when we have let our differences threaten our own sense of security before you, our Creator. As we strive to build a culture of dignity, give us the freedom to see our neighbors in the way that you see them, respecting your image in them and honoring the journey their lives represent. Amen.

Prayer

Life-giving Word,

On this feast day, we remember the example of Mary, who by believing your word brought your very own Son into the world. Her special vocation inspires us all, to seek and to find the unique calling you have placed upon each one of us. Give us all a share in the grace to hear and believe the words you now speak to our hearts—the missions you have called us to fulfill—and may we do so with faith and perseverance. For the life of the world, we pray. Amen.

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.