Prayer

Fount of Every Blessing,

We pray today for all our caregivers. Those you have gifted, equipped, and called to bless others with genuine kindness and quality care. We ask that they might receive a double portion of blessing in return for all of their service. As they continue each day, extending your ministry in times of challenge and change, fill them with the care and love that they need to be healthy and whole, fulfilled in the work they perform. And when they enter particular seasons of adversity or pain and need care themselves, may they find a community of support already there, eager to serve them as they have served others. Amen.

Prayer

God of our becoming,

We are aware that our doing and our being are intimately connected. Yet still we can get so wrapped up in worry about what we ought to do next that we forget to stop and ask: who we are called to be? and who we are in fact becoming? Remind us today, of who we are before you, as servants of the abundant life you came to share with us, and through us, the world. Lead us on the path of becoming who you have called us to be above all else, that we might do and say what we should. For our own sake as well as the sake of those we are serving, we pray. Amen.

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.