Prayer

God over all,

Your expectations for how we should live are clear and demanding. Your heart is turned unflinchingly towards those who are vulnerable, and you call us to live in the same way, that we might serve you by serving them. Lead us to become better servants of all, but especially to those who are without material resources to provide for themselves; those without the support of family and friends, or who are away from the comforts of their cultures of origin; any who are otherwise marginalized or excluded. May we be a community of genuine care and concern for them. Because we are one, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of justice and mercy,

The world in which we live tempts us to think supply and demand governs everything. Free us from that illusion. Free us from what hinders us from a higher rule of life and social engagement anchored in your life-giving laws of justice and mercy. Especially in this moment of economic pain and financial challenge affecting so many, we ask for the ministry we share to stand out for its commitment to ensure the shared flourishing of all people, without qualification. Amen.

Prayer

Just Judge,

You give us every reason to conclude that our nearness to you is measured by our nearness to those who are suffering and needy. And so, we pray: let our faith and trust in you find expression in the ways we take care of all those who are weakest and most vulnerable among us. In our communities and with our patients and families, use us as your agents of justice and transformation. Heal our land today. Amen.

Prayer

Liberating God,

You did not promise us that following you would be easy. In fact, you told us quite plainly that it will be hard. And for a number of reasons. We still struggle to do as you’ve commanded: to return love for hate, to include the outcast, and to admit the things we’ve done wrong. Yet these are the moral challenges we all must face if we are to live in the liberation you have won for us, through your very own body and blood. Lead us, inspire us, and keep us devoted to the moral calling of becoming more and more your family on earth. Amen.

Prayer

Compassionate Healer,

We celebrate today the life and witness of your remarkable servant, St. Laurence O’Toole. Give us a measure of Laurence’s commitment to live in solidarity with the poor and vulnerable. Just as Laurence expressed “true religion” by caring for orphans, the oppressed, and those in poverty, may we also have our eyes on those who are wanting for genuine community, love and belonging, and healing in the broadest sense. Amen.

Prayer

Source of all kindness,

We hardly need reminding that our world needs more kindness. Yet on this day especially, we take time to acknowledge the universal power of kindness across the world over. No matter our creed, race, gender, or class, we are called to show kindness towards our brothers and sisters, and we are made to receive the kindness that others show unto us. Fill us anew each day with your Spirit of kindness, that we all may see your kingdom of kindness come more fully among us, on earth as it is heaven. Amen.

Prayer

God our Maker,

Lead us to serve you by serving those made in your image, especially those who are poor, dying, and underserved. As you have shown us all throughout the Scriptures, you are closest to those most in need of help, protection, healing and provision. Help us to find you among these, your loved ones, today. Make us more ready to serve in places others will not, standing in the gap for all those who are vulnerable, accompanying them and journeying side by side. Amen.