Prayer

God of peace,

We begin again our annual preparations, getting ready to celebrate your coming this Christmas. On this first Sunday of Advent, we focus attention on preparing a room for you in our hearts. We are humbled that you are eager to dwell with us. May we be just as eager to receive you. May we commit ourselves to embrace this season by seeking to be free of anything that might prevent us from joyfully welcoming your presence in our lives. Amen.

Prayer

God our provider,

It makes no sense at all, but we sometimes feel the most anxiety about things we have absolutely no ability to change or, indeed, that can never materialize anyway. Why do we do this? Free us! As creatures called into your freedom, liberate us from this anxiety that can otherwise present us from embodying your love more freely, spreading your abundant life to others around us. Give us courage to face the troubles you permit us to face, while never backing down from your invitation to live life to the full. Amen.

Prayer

Unifying Spirit,

We set aside time this month to express our admiration for the heritage of the indigenous peoples of North America. We raise a collective voice of gratitude for the diversity of their cultures and traditions, spiritual wisdom, and habits of being and doing, which have been preserved and extended down through today, even in the face of so much adversity. As we all strive together towards building a better future for ourselves and the generations to come, we continue to trust that respect for our diversity is the very ground of our unity. As one family before you, Amen.

Prayer

Always good God,

May those who are gathering with friends and family today be filled with genuine joy and gratitude for the love they are privileged to share. May those who are working today, providing the care and essential services that we all rely on no matter the day—may they receive an abundance of rest and refreshment in exchange for their sacrifices. And for all those who are suffering today, grieving the absence of belonging or struggling to feel grateful, we pray that a spirit of hospitality would impel those around them to gather them in, lift up their hearts, and love and support them. With thanks to you, for your unending love and faithfulness to us, Amen.

Prayer

Holy Love,

We celebrate the life of St. Columbanus today, whose passion in ministry serves as inspiration for us, that we might be as bold in our convictions and as eager to embody your love for the world. May we follow this trailblazing saint and walk in his footsteps, becoming all things to all people: gentle to the weak, firm to the stubborn, steadfast to the proud, and humble to the lowly. For the good help of all those we have the privilege to serve, Amen.

Prayer

Great Defender,

Extending your healing ministry impels us to follow you, not only in works of mercy and healing, but also in the work of advocacy. Lending our voices on behalf of those who are most in need of compassion and liberation. Encourage us all to be willing to extend also this side of your ministry, that we might boldly defend and promote the dignity of every person, especially those who are most in need of our voice. Those who have lost their own voice and the support they deserve. Those who are poor, marginalized, oppressed, and suffering. Make us vocal and true friends of all your beloved. In your name we pray, Amen.

Prayer

God of my neighbor,

We all go through times and seasons when we search for you eagerly in the world around us. Yet you are not hidden from us. Remind us that our days are laced with sacred encounters, if we would but open our eyes and our hearts to them. Moments in which our service to others brings us face to face with your very own image and likeness. Liberate us today from any obstacle that would prevent us from seeing you in our neighbor. May we live into your promise that by serving them faithfully, with devotion and focus, we are at the same time serving you. Amen.