Prayer

Sacred Silence,

Sometimes our prayers take us out to a place past words—to a place of silent encounter with you. All of our prayers are likely aimed at such silence. Yet especially today, when we cannot articulate the grief that we feel for the horror and tragedy of an event like 9/11. Fill our silence today. Give it meaning. As we honor the memory of those lost, as we support those closest to the pain, and as a nation gathers to remember, let our silence become an encounter. Amen.

Prayer

God of Life and Light,

May we never neglect the significance of interactions that might otherwise seem so casual. Sharpen our perception of others we encounter each day. Quicken our hearts to see and to know who needs us to reach out with concern, and then urge us, right then and there, to make space and do so. As we recognize World Suicide Prevention Day, we offer ourselves to you. Use us to create hope in the hearts of the hopeless. Amen.

Prayer

Enriching God,

On this Feast of St. Ciarán, we celebrate the legacy of this gifted leader and teacher, who was one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland and the first abbot of Clonmacnoise. Despite his early death from illness, Ciarán set a lasting example for others to follow in fostering communal life and a shared experience of practical spirituality. May we be inspired by those who, like Ciarán, cultivate new ways of being with and for others during times of great change and disruption. May we do the same for each other today. Amen.

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.