Prayer

Loving God,

Today we give thanks for the life and witness of St. Clare of Assisi, who blazed a new trail for women to live in community, devoting their lives to prayer and communion with you. Inspired by Clare’s example and the sisters who followed her, lead us into new experiences of community in our own ways today. May we always be mindful of Clare’s wisdom about the transformative power of love. “We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become.” Amen.

Prayer

Transforming God,

Sometimes we confuse stubbornness for resilience, as if our dogged resistance to change were a reason to be proud! The saints have lessons to teach us if only we’d open our hearts. Rather than thinking we should call on you to change whatever we don’t like about life, we can learn to let you transform us instead, from the inside out. Today, then, we welcome you to change us by your spirit, that we might be empowered to be your agents of change and transformation for others. Amen.

Prayer

Joyful God,

In these days of confusion and conflict, help us build bridges of laughter that can unite people. Forgive us for toxic speech and cranky complaints. Show us how to reclaim a space in the company of others, where the seriousness of our concerns never erodes the freedom and yes, even the delight, that comes from working together for the common good. Let laughter collapse the distance between us as we discover new ways to cooperate, collaborate, and brighten the days ahead. For the good of all we pray, Amen.

Prayer

God of mercy and grace,

We are so often daunted by the magnitude of the problems we face. The gravity of the world’s pain weighs us down and can tempt us to despair. Strengthen our hearts today, that we might keep a proper perspective and do what we can. Help us remember that we are not obliged to save the whole world, all on our own. And when we feel like giving up, restore our compassion at least for the one before us right now. In this moment we pray, Amen.

Prayer

Gracious God,

Sometimes we need reminding that our treasure is ever before us, in the faces of those we are serving. Those who are poor, vulnerable, underserved, and dying. They are so precious in your sight and our hearts should swell with gratitude for being able to serve and minister to them in your name. As we strive to do so faithfully, remind us of the ultimate value of what we are doing. Beyond the paycheck and the provision it brings, our service here reveals our greatest priorities and puts value where it belongs: in sacrificial love for others, just as you showed us. Amen.

Prayer

Ever-working God,

We are glad for those colleagues who seem so naturally gifted at whatever they do. Yet we all know that serving well in this ministry requires more than talent alone. Our calling demands a virtuous degree of commitment, dedication, effort, and hard work. When we are tempted to look down on ourselves for not being as gifted or talented as others, remind us that you always look at our hearts and you see the sacrifices we make every day to work hard. Give us stamina to remain on this path to which you have called us, together, that we might better serve the needs of those around us. Amen.

Prayer

Encouraging Word,

When there are voices of discouragement around us, give us laser-like focus on the bigger purpose and mission to which we are committed. When the voice of discouragement comes from within us, give us colleagues and partners who are quick to lift up our heads, and who will urge us to stay on the path to which you have called us. May the voices of those who say it cannot be done find encouragement in the support by those of us who are ready to embrace the work set before us with joy. Yes, we know that with you by our side, all things are possible. Amen.