Prayer

God above nations,

With all our U.S. colleagues today, we give thanks and rejoice for the freedom signified by the American flag and embodied by those who dwell in a land of such opportunity. May we celebrate the achievements of the United States by remembering our forebears—named and unnamed—who assumed the great challenge of defending and protecting the inalienable rights we all possess as your children. And as we look to the future of this country and people, may this be a day of reminding ourselves of the responsibility we carry now, to continue that legacy of defense and protection, honoring the dignity and freedom of all before you. Amen.

Prayer

Tender God,

Many people will wake up today with the very same pressures and fears and anxieties they tried to put far behind them, as they went to sleep last night. The struggles among us are deep and there are worries that never seem to let up. For all those today in need of special support, we pray for them and ask you to fill them with comfort. Send us to fill them, whoever they are, with your care and concern, that we might love and support one another in mind, body, and spirit. Amen.

Prayer

God of peace,

Our hearts have been grieved by shocking displays of hatred and violence. We cannot make sense of how such destruction takes place, at the hands of people you called into being, that you know by name. As we continue to reckon with this senseless violence, which daily afflicts our families and friends and schools and communities, we pray for a greater sense of response-ability, which is the ability to respond, both personally and across our society. Make us each more aware of the power you have given us as agents of peace, who are equipped to respond by embodying peace and making real change. In defense of the victims of violence, and in the name of your peace, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Love eternal,

Today we give thanks for the life and witness of St. Oliver Plunkett, who refused to deny his great love for you or for the people you put in his care. Even when he was unjustly hunted and had to go into hiding and was ultimately martyred for his convictions, the depth of his great love for you and your people empowered him to stand strong in his faith. Just as he was emboldened by love to follow your call, may we do the same in our own place and time. Continue to hold us in the palm of your hand, as we strive to extend your compassionate ministry to all those in need. Amen.

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.