Prayer

Loving God,

As crisp morning air continues to signal the changing of seasons, we are right to pause and give thanks. The beauty of your majesty can still be found in the world you created. In the autumn leaves and the changing of colors, as much as in the faces of those who bear your image. Bless our eyes to see you better through all of your works in creation. May we be comforted by your presence among us, here and now, in times of sorrow and challenge and heartache. When it feels like we ourselves may be falling, remind us of how you hold us in your hands. Amen.

Prayer

God our foundation,

We inhabit a world so often beset with hatred and destruction, indifference, and apathy. Let it be different among us. Empower us to be those who are actively building a culture of dignity, cherishing those things that make us more human together. In our ministry of healing and compassion, in our community involvement, in our readiness to serve and protect those who are most vulnerable. In all these ways, may we stand out as a sign of your hope-filled future, which is coming to pass. Amen.

Prayer

Ever-true God,

We commit as a ministry to supporting the value of integrity. Help us each day to live up to the many duties and responsibilities attached to this value. May we be honest and fair in all our interactions across this ministry we share together. Whether in our dealings with colleagues and associates with whom we work daily, or in our transactions with external partners and vendors or the other publics with which we are engaged. No matter who we are involved with, help us to be conscientious about showing integrity in all we do and say. Amen.

Prayer

Gracious and Merciful God,

Your love is stronger than death. Comfort us in this truth today as we take time to remember those who are no longer with us. Let our hope for reunion sustain us, as their memory lives on in our hearts. For those who are especially in need of comfort today—who are right now in mourning and feeling the sting of separation—we ask for your blessing upon them. May we be there to serve and support them in the ways that we can, as a ministry called to extend your healing compassion. In the power of your life-giving Spirit, we pray. Amen.

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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.