Prayer

Life-giving God,

What a gift it is to belong to your family! As we pray and reflect today upon the lives of those souls already living in the light of your glory, inspire us to follow their example by loving you and each other with steadfast devotion and genuine affection. In the fellowship of your family, our unique differences are unveiled not as causes for division but, indeed, for unity. We are given to see that we are sisters and brothers joined in a holy communion and called to become saints ourselves. Inspire us to do so today, by loving you and serving each other—especially those who are poor, dying, and underserved. In honor of those who have gone before us, Amen.

Prayer

Merciful God,

For multiple reasons, our culture has embraced Halloween as a frivolous excuse to eat candy and act silly. It can be fun and a way to build community, and yet, every year we also see the dangers and harms of unkindness. Today, then, we ask for safety and protection for all, especially children and their families, as we look forward to the day’s festivities. May the foolishness of some not spoil the harmless fun of others. Amen.

Prayer

Almighty Creator,

Thank you for the wisdom in your Word today, which reminds us that all things exist by your loving desire—your joy that they should be. Yes, your goodness is spread abroad in so many ways. In the diversity of all creation. Give us eyes opened to see you in the beautiful things you have made, including our brothers and sisters. Amen.

Prayer

Holy God,

Even if we are gifted with patience for others, we struggle at times to have patience with ourselves. We expect a lot from ourselves and think it should be easier to grow into the people you have made us to be. Remind us in our impatient moments that becoming a saint takes time. Help us embrace the lessons you give us day by day through the people around us. Lead us to be faithful in small things, becoming better neighbors and friends and better partners with you in whatever you send us to do. As those called to the holiness of our humanity, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Gracious God,

There’s nothing trite about recognizing the gifts that keep on giving! Just as you came to bring us abundant life, help us to extend that very same life in ways that may seem so simple, yet they can nonetheless build up the bonds between us and sweeten our days with joy. May we never take for granted those gifts we can give without running short of supply: our words, our smiles, and the gratitude within our hearts. As we share and give thanks for your abundant life, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of all wisdom,

You know us more intimately than we know ourselves. You already know what relationships, experiences, and interactions with others we need, in order to grow as we should. Some people come to us as obvious blessings, pointing us in healthy directions and helping us to move forward. Others pose more of a challenge and calling, requiring our time and attention and our own care and support. Whoever you bring into our lives, give us patience and kindness with each interaction, trusting that we have something new to learn about love through the people you send us today. Amen.

Prayer

God over all,

We feel beset today by troubling circumstances and unique challenges. Whether it concerns our families and relationships, our community’s well-being and stability, the economic and financial outlook for our nation and world. As we look at these issues, help us take heart knowing that every age has struggled with the gap between the way things are and the way we long for them to be. Help us respond not with despair, but by daily committing to see your rule and reign come more fully among us, especially through our own readiness to participate in your good purposes on earth. Amen.