Prayer

Spirit of Mercy,

Repentance is truly a gift. You have taught us that we are never so far gone down a poor choice of road that we cannot stop in tracks, turn right around and come on back to the way you have shown us. The road on which we belong. On this Second Sunday of Advent, may each one of us consider the various roads we are walking and the ways we are living. Encourage us to repent from the waywardness that keeps us from you, that we might welcome your coming to us. Amen.

Prayer

Source of contentment,

We live in a culture that leads us to think the size of our storage unit reflects the wealth we possess. Yet there is a higher wisdom if we would but listen. Our own experiences teach us that deep and lasting joy does not come from our having many things, but in our having freedom—from desire, necessity, and want. Free us more, then, today. Make us more content so that we are free to invest our treasures in the things that bring genuine wealth: people, service, community, and love. Amen.

Prayer

God,

We should always give thanks for the goodness you have shown to us all, as our common Creator. Without qualification, you are good, and you love all that you have made. Yet the world as we know it is also broken in so many ways. Some are advantaged by an unjust system while others are disenfranchised. And yet you love all that you have made. As we strive to extend your love for the world, help us to see as you see, to love as you love, and to bring restoration for those who are without the most basic securities, of food and shelter. Lead us to embody solidarity with them today. Amen.

Prayer

Liberating God,

AIDS is a disease still subject to stigma and judgment. On World AIDS Day, inspire us to continue working to eradicate the causes for bias in the ways we see this disease and those it affects. May we follow the examples of those protecting the rights of individuals with HIV/AIDS and those investing in new pathways of care and treatment. May we be committed to lift up our common humanity while remembering our personal responsibilities towards one another, as brothers and sisters, called by you to honor the dignity you have given us all. Amen.

Prayer

Ever-faithful God,

As we continue through this season of advent, empower us to be more mindful of your accompanying presence each day in our midst. Help us to avoid being passive in the events that transpire within and around us, today and every day. Instead, may we be more open to receive and reflect upon our experiences, both the “good” things that happen as well as the “bad.” That we might use them to learn more about how we should live, with you and each other, in a world shared in common. With gratitude for all you have given, Amen.

Prayer

God of wisdom,

As we go through life and learn from our experiences, we often discover that some of the things we thought so important become eclipsed by a deeper sense for what ultimately matters. The things that really make life worth living: kindness, civility, gentleness, patience, and love. May we all be surrounded more by those who are even further along in these values. All those who have learned a thing or two about what should hold us together as families, communities, and broader societies. Turn our ears more attentively to hear the wisdom of our elders. Amen.

Prayer

Redeeming God,

Most of us are not so haughty as to easily forget or overlook our mistakes. We are sincerely concerned that the things we’ve done wrong can somehow be made right, and that your mission and purpose for us will be more and more realized through our words and our deeds. May it be so today. As a community gathered in prayer, help us learn to let go of our shame and more freely receive your transforming grace. For the sake of our healing, and for the success of your mission, we pray. Amen.