Prayer

Indiscriminate Love,

It’s easy for us to love those we like and especially those who love us in return. Yet you call us to discover love’s greater depths. You call us to show love to all people, no matter who they are or what they can do for us. As we celebrate the life and love of St. John Vianney today, we are reminded that our religion—our bond with you—is “true” only if it leads us to show universal charity for everyone, without condition. And so we ask you again to lead us, as we strive to practice new depths of love today. Amen.

Prayer

Giver of all that is good,

You have so richly blessed us with this sweet gift of life, which you give to all your children with a mysterious mix of limitations and opportunities. We are, each one of us, free to make of our lives whatever we will, in the places and times that you have put us. With gratitude for this great gift of life, help us avoid the temptations of biding our time and distracting ourselves in trivial amusements. May we passionately strive to make the most of this life and to develop in new ways each day, so that we may become gifts before you and a source of life to our neighbors and world. Amen.

Prayer

God of new life,

Too many changes make us feel caught in a whirlwind. We feel threatened by changes, as if they might erode the very ground upon which we stand. Despite what we feel, lead us to trust faith’s foundations. Root us again in your love and accompaniment, so we may have confidence that we can weather all storms. Guide us with your indwelling spirit, so we may be free to discern how some of our changes may be blessings in disguise—openings for your new life to spring forth. Make us responsive to the changes you are bringing us today, that we may be a people filled with hope for tomorrow. Amen.

Compassionate God,

As we recognize World Lung Cancer Day, we remember and honor those patients and families who have faced such remarkable challenges with strength, courage, and hope. We take time as well to pray and give thanks for health care professionals charged with their care, and for all those advancing the causes of research and development of new forms of treatment. So many diligent servants united in the cause of providing more concrete solutions and opportunities for compassionate care. With gratitude for all this energy and cooperation, we pray that your healing spirit would be magnified among all those touched by cancer today. Amen.

Prayer

God of life,

Your warnings against materialism are challenging. So many people’s economic security is being threatened right now, by a host of factors. Meanwhile others are profiting unjustly from these unprecedented circumstances. As we try to work through the widespread changes affecting our communities, we pray for greed to give way to selfless generosity. Let those who have more give to those who have less. And may we all learn the deeper lessons at stake, so often embodied by those who are in fact poorest among us: that life consists in more than the acquisition of possessions and that the greatest of joys come through sharing with all those in need. Amen.

Prayer

Liberating God,

Today we raise our voices with others around the globe calling for an end to human trafficking. We are united by an unflinching desire to see sisters and brothers freed from all forms of modern enslavement and by our commitment to change the systemic conditions that continue to fuel this injustice. Help us not to look the other way or think this only a problem somewhere else and far away, for it is sadly all too near. Near or far, it insults the dignity we all share as children before you. And so in our communities, neighborhoods, country, and world, lead us to be agents of change who strive to protect all those who are vulnerable. Amen.

Prayer

God of simplicity,

Sometimes we expect too little of ourselves, not too much. Failing to find a singular purpose and calling, we get tied up in knots by trying to go a million directions at once. Wisdom calls us to pursue a better way. As saints and sages attest, it’s the divided self who grows weary and tired, whereas a genuine vocation demands our whole being. If we would give our whole selves to a purpose and mission bigger than us, we may find our way to simplicity and peace. Make it so for each of us today! As we respond more and more to your calling and purpose for us, give us refreshment and joy in the path you provide. Amen.