Prayer

Joyful Redeemer,

Our approach to religion can get out of balance. We know that beliefs are important, but so is our basic demeanor in the world around us. Our overall posture day in and day out, as we bump up against others. Jesus’ own example reveals that finding our way through your world depends upon more than just beliefs and right actions, it depends on developing a certain kind of heart that is at home in the world. A relaxed and joyful heart. A heart healed of anxiety and delivered from worry. A heart more like Jesus. May this kind of heart become ours today, as we strive to serve others and embody our mission together. Amen.

Prayer

Spirit of Cooperation,

When the issues that divide us incite condescension, induce us instead to become hospitable partners in a deeper engagement. May we lead by humility, choosing to step back from the debates we think we know so much about and become willing again to learn from each other. For the sake of our own growth in virtue, if not for the progress we seek, help us to think less of ourselves and our own brilliant plans, and more of the insights and feelings of others. Amen.

Prayer

Gracious Spirit,

Save us from a narrow-minded interest only in the questions that have answers. Keep our minds open to asking deeper questions, which make life worth living by inviting us to imagine and dream of new possibilities. As we continue to focus on getting things done and fixing our problems, inspire us as well to take the long view towards what it all means. Show us the value of pursuing a deep understanding of who you are and what you must be like, the world you have made and our places within it, the purpose to which you have called us and our reason for being. Amen.

Prayer

Ever-working God,

Today we celebrate the progress made in advancing a just workplace. More broadly we give thanks for the dignity of work itself. Work of all kinds. Work that gives purpose and direction and satisfaction as we provide for our families and contribute to the good of our communities. For those of us who serve in this ministry, we are especially grateful for work that taps into our deepest passions as humans, as we use our gifts and our skills to be with and for others. And for those who are waiting for work or struggling to find meaningful labor, we pray to be agents of change alongside them, advancing the cause of justice in work. Amen.

Prayer

Source of Prosperity,

The work that we share is rewarding because we know it is not self-serving. It is an extension of your own healing ministry and a sign of your gracious care for the world. We are joyful and glad to be a part of it! As we seek to be faithful in response to your calling, we ask for your kindness to fill us and that you would prosper the work of our hands. Yes, prosper this work that we share with you today and henceforth, that the ministry that you are extending through us might flourish well into the future. Amen.

Prayer

Love in Action,

As we celebrate the Feast of St. Gregory the Great, we thank you for the boldness and clarity with which Gregory reformed and inspired your Church. Thank you for the practical wisdom he shared, inspiring others to unite their spirituality with everyday life. In the ups and downs and as we work beside others, let us share something of Gregory’s pastoral spirit, shepherding each other into lives of love in action, spreading the concrete effects of love with all those around us. Amen.

Prayer

Holy God,

We will stand in many places over the course of this day. Some will be places of business, with tasks to accomplish. Some will be places of need, where compassion and healing are called into service. Some will be places of friendship and peace or perhaps, instead, places of conflict and fear. Wherever we stand today, may we be sensitive to the spirits around us and so filled with awareness that we will know how to make a positive difference. May we change the atmosphere around us so that all feel welcome and enriched by our engagement together. Amen.