Prayer

God of my neighbor,

We are increasingly aware of the roads to so-called progress, which in fact lead only to dead ends. Looking out for our own interests, consumption without responsibility, acquisitiveness apart from investment… None of these are sustainable principles by which we can live, individually or as nations together. As we yearn for new ways to move forward, call out from among us exemplary leaders who can show us the way to a new experience of fraternity, sorority, and belonging one to another; so that we may become more genuinely response-able for each other’s security and well-being. As one human family we pray, Amen.

Prayer

God of the living,

Forgive us for those times when we lose focus on the authentic things that bring life to the world, however challenging they might be in practice: loving our neighbor without qualification, caring for others in their time of need, sharing our own wounds and trials with a healing community. When we are tempted to complain of life’s challenges, open our hearts to a new perspective. In the service of life, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of justice,

There are so many vulnerable people in need of our advocacy today. And it is indeed a dark spirit that insists we do nothing in response but mind our own business and keep our mouths shut. Goad us instead to expose the evil we see through active defense and protection of those being victimized by oppression and injustice. Inspire us to remember that we truly belong to each other, as sisters and brothers, and that you have called us to provide comfort and refuge for the wounded among us. Amen.

Prayer

Creator of all,

As the Days of Awe draw towards a close, we pray that all of us would feel the weight of our responsibility before you, our one Creator, to acknowledge the wrongs that have kept us from living in the ways you have shown us. Personally and communally, may we embrace this moment you have given so as to turn our hearts again towards you and renew our commitment to follow the pathway we know leads to light and life and blessing. Your way is ever before us. Thank you. Amen.

Prayer

Encouraging Spirit,

As a community of healing, we are especially mindful this month of the way breast cancer continues to affect the lives of so many women. We pray for patients, survivors, and all those who love and support them, that you would continue to strengthen them with a courage that sustains them each day as they continue to face this disease. We pray as well for researchers, professionals, and all caregivers who are so dedicated to prevention, treatment, and care of those stricken with cancer. Encourage them, too, that their work may be fruitful and effective, a sign of your great compassion. Amen.

Prayer

God of truth,

There is a place where we can stand before you and express our deepest and real lament. A place where we are driven to cry out in complaint, groaning, and tears; unsure of your intentions and longing for a pathway to open amid what feels like such ruin. For all those who are in that place of lament today, we pray for them and ask that you would be faithful to hear and respond to their cries. And as a people called by your name, may we all become more present to each other in times of challenge and pain, that we might embrace our suffering together as companions in healing. In your time, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Holy God,

We give thanks and celebrate the life and witness of Thérèse of Lisieux today. This holy woman was so faithful in becoming her God-given self. Her words and deeds remain so wholly instructive for us that, indeed, we hail her as a “doctor” of our Church and an inspiration for our lives of faith. May we all find our focus today on the calling we have been given as the persons God has made us to be, that we might become our true and best selves, fully alive and effective as we extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus. Amen.