Prayer

God of mercy,

When we are exhausted by the duties before us and spent by serving the needs of others, let us stop and remember the new gifts of mercy you have already laid before us today. When we are wearied by steadfastly pursuing our best work in the face of so many obstacles, let us find the signs of your compassion that are waiting for us. Every morning, we pray, may we awaken in the acts of your great faithfulness to us. For those who are especially weary today, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Healing God,

We have many reasons today to pray all the more urgently, that we might be healed of a most dangerous confusion. For too long we have confused our skills at acquisition, transaction, and possession for the production of wealth. Yet the reality is, our greatest treasures are not of our invention. They are the life-giving resources you have provided for everyone’s flourishing. Awaken us more to the real opportunities we each have been given, to preserve and protect the wealth of your creation, our natural resources, for the sake of our collective flourishing and for that of all generations. Amen.

Prayer

God of the living,

As our colleagues in Ireland commemorate this holy day and remember the saints who have gone before them, help us all to be more appreciative of our communion with each other, including those who now reside beyond the veil of death. Unite us as a ministry by your own spirit of love and your joy in bringing life, vitality, and well-being to the world. And as we strive to extend that same spirit and joy to others today, may we all be inspired by the saintly men and women who have gone before us, but who are with us all the same. Amen.

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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