Prayer

God who is truth,

We wish it were not so, but we know that it is true: our personal growth depends on our readiness to step out of our comfort zones and take on new risks. And the greatest of risks always involve how we treat one another, engaging the people around us—our teammates and colleagues, our family and friends. Give us courage today to be honest and sincere in all these relations, refusing to allow any lie or deceit to remain in our hearts. May we speak truth in love, believing there will be growth and peace on the other side of the tough conversations. And lead us all to maturity as we strive to embody your golden rule even when it might hurt. Amen.

Prayer

God of mercy and justice,

We do not know what to do with the anger we feel towards the violence we see, when the innocent suffer and crimes go unchecked. We do not know what to do when assailants among us seem to have so lost their way, when, if we are honest, we are tempted to simply give up on them. You must show us all a better way. As a people, a nation, a world. Show us the pathway of both justice and mercy, for our vision is partial and our hearts still impure. May our anger somehow be purified and our prayers stay faithful. As we all come before you, children in need of your comfort, protection, the promise of justice, and all of us beggars for mercy, Amen.

Prayer

God of abundance,

Our eyes are so often jaded and our hearts prone to envy. We spot the faults in another while overlooking our own. We desire for ourselves the qualities that we ought to admire in our neighbor. May our eyes be transformed and our hearts be made pure, so as to see and rejoice in the manifold gifts each one of us brings to the table. Let us forgo competition and choose the path of sincere appreciation—grateful for how you lavish blessing upon us through, with, and in one another. In the unity of our diversity we are blessed beyond measure. Amen.

Prayer

Eternal Creator,

Our vision may be strained and we have made such a mess, but still your creation bears the stamp of such goodness. Yes, it is good, just as you said, even if it must wait for renewal and perfection. As we ourselves wait, remind us again of our most ancient calling, to tend to this world and assist in its flourishing. Let each of us feel a burden each day, to make our hope for the future concrete by investing in the earth, our most important inheritance. With gratitude for your great hospitality towards us, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Liberating God,

Help us embody more and more the freedom for which you set us free. May we close the door forever on those old ways of being, thinking, and doing that could never bring life, joy, or peace. You set us free from enslavement to worry and you call us to walk in your freedom. So then wherever we are today, help us escort one another into the new life you offer: a life filled with joy, simplicity, and gratitude, open to expand liberation far and wide. Amen.

Prayer

God of tomorrow,

Being a leader of any rank comes with unique challenges. We must be bold in our commitment to the mission and constant in its pursuit, while remaining sensitive to the needs and concerns of all those who share this journey with us. We will not always make friends in the course of our work, yet we pray and believe that the blessings will outweigh the burdens, as we exhort one another to serve as you served, and as we watch for your goodness to abound all around us. Above all else, we ask that you would be the one to lead and accompany us, as one people called by your name. Amen.

Prayer

Merciful Love,

On this special occasion we commemorate the image of your most sacred heart. Sensitize us even more to your boundless love for humanity. Give us a share in the ocean of love you are pouring upon us, that we might receive and extend every gift you provide for a world in need. Inspire us to serve you more faithfully by serving all people with joy and compassion, especially those who are poor, dying, and underserved. As your hands and feet in the world, we pray, Amen.