Prayer

God of my neighbor,

Your son Jesus taught us that we will find you precisely within the acts of service performed for the sake of those who are in need. As we strive to do so, we pray for a passion not just to serve, but to love you more deeply, as we strive to show love to those who can sometimes seem unlovable. May we be committed to showing authentic hospitality and inclusion to all those our society tends to shun and exclude. Let our sites of care be places of refuge and community for all those who lack the loving concern of others. Amen.

Prayer

God who leads,

This ministry is a remarkable orchestration of people and activities. Yet we share it all together, in the unity of mission and purpose and direction, in response to the call you have given. As we continue to serve our neighbors and communities into the future, bless us with insight and discernment for the decisions we face on the road ahead. Give us agility and wisdom as we respond to obstacles and pursue new opportunities, never letting go of the unity we share, through all our diversity and difference. In your name we pray, Amen.

Prayer

Lifegiving God,

Could there be a greater demonstration of our common humanity, than that we can share with each other the substance of life, our very own blood? On this World Blood Donor Day, we give thanks for all those who already participate in this simple and profound act, gladly giving life for the sake of others in need. May they be blessed for their selflessness. Yet we pray as well and most urgently, in view of the great need for safe blood across the whole world, we pray for others to be inspired, showing solidarity by way of donation. As we all give thanks for the life you have put in our veins, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God our maker,

The saints inspire us with their devotion and authenticity to your calling upon them, precisely as the persons they are. As we celebrate St. Anthony today, remind us that we are not all called to do the same works or speak the same words as these most holy men and women. Yet we are all still called—indeed, you call us by name! —to become the people you made us to be. Inspire all of us to do so, becoming our truest selves in your sight. May we rest in your acceptance as we grow into who you made us to be, each in our own way. Amen.

Prayer

One God,

We have been taught that the life you enjoy as Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer is already a perfect communion of persons, held together in the bond of love. What a gift that you should yet be mindful of us! Surely nothing but love could have motivated you to open the door and welcome us into your fellowship. Nothing but love could prompt a gesture so selfless, that you would create and redeem and sustain others like us, bringing us into the gift of eternal peace. We give thanks on this day and celebrate the good news of friendship with you. Amen.

Prayer

God of justice,

We pray for those who possess a disproportionate measure of power, privilege, and influence over others. Bless them with the virtue of humility, reminding them of our common humanity. Open their hearts that they might be moved by the networks of giving and receiving that sustain the good of, and in, us all. Give to all world leaders an increase of inspiration, conviction, and determination to use their positions of influence to eliminate disparities and to establish justice for those who are poor, vulnerable, and marginalized. Amen.

Prayer

Liberating God,

So often we can long for control in our lives. We can feel ourselves losing an appreciation for living in the moment, embracing the here and now, and being present to the world as it comes. Open us up to new possibilities beyond our imagining, the new directions you promise us, by opening our hearts and minds to your leading. May we learn to live happier, by leaning into the difference between what we can control and what we cannot. Help us let go of what lies beyond us, while trusting you with every precious moment you give us. Moment by moment we pray, Amen.