Prayer

God with us,

How delightful it is to celebrate the life of this incredible saint, John Henry Newman, whose intellect was so vast, and yet he knew it was better by far to have a sincere and humble faith rather than the most sophisticated education and wit. Thank you for witnesses like this, who remind us that our nearness to you is measured precisely by our nearness to your people, especially those who are vulnerable, marginalized, and otherwise forgotten. In honor of this scholar and saint, may we all serve you better by serving your people better, with love, generosity, and compassion. Amen.

Prayer

Love Divine,

Our notions about love can often get skewed. We fall prey to thinking that love should be measured by our own satisfaction or emotional fulfillment, rather than by the actions we take to secure the good of another. Yet this is what love does: it is not self-seeking and it never gives reason for envy; it is patient and kind; always concerned with the good of the beloved. Lead us to embrace these deeper expressions of love, that we might experience a love more like yours, a love which is indeed its own reward. Amen.

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.