Prayer

God over all,

The life of faith is never a solitary journey. Not only are we tied with all those now living, as one human family, we are deeply connected with those gone before us, who now live with you in the light of your face. No one more surely than Mary, the mother of Jesus. On the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we celebrate Mary’s unique calling and mission in the Church, and give thanks for her consoling companionship with all of us still on the way. With prayer and thanksgiving, Amen.

Prayer

Deliverer,

Our need for control becomes obsessive at times. Yet you taught us to watch and learn from the natural world you have made, that all things are marked with their own sense of time. Teach us to be patient with our greatest desires, trusting that you are in control of the timing and have our best interests in heart. As we continue through advent, longing especially for the coming of your kingdom, stoke our hearts to be hopeful, watchful, and, especially, patient. Amen.

Prayer

God with us,

When we are tempted to think of prayer as a distraction from the “real work” that needs doing in response to the needs around us, help us remember, prayer is what unites us with your presence. And your presence with us makes literally all the difference in the world. As those who are called to extend your work and ministry in the world today, help us to cultivate a habit of seeking your presence among us. In prayer, help us invite you continuously to dwell with us and show us the paths we should follow. For the life of the world, we pray, Amen.

Prayer

Everlasting Peace,

Our anxieties can take on a life of their own. Yet, when we reflect upon our reality, most of what we have fretted about never takes place. Instead, as we’ve been obsessing over the potential threats of our worries, all the good we’ve been called to do still remains undone! Heal us of this unhealthy pattern, in which our focus on self leads to neglect of others. May we cultivate instead a deeper sense of gratitude for the lives we are living, and may we marvel at how full they have been of genuine goodness, joy, and love. Amen.

Prayer

God-with-us,

We have grown perhaps too cozy with the story of your coming. Awaken us again to the disturbing wonder of the way you entered our world. When you chose to make your home in our flesh, you did not choose the greatest and brightest in our eyes. A young girl from a seemingly insignificant village was brought into the very center of history. May we all have a share in Mary’s pondering heart. May we be more attentive to the mysterious ways in which you really do choose to come and meet us, right where we are. And may we all have the grace to say “yes” to your call on our lives, no matter what we are called to do. Amen.

Prayer

God of life,

We should all know by now the truth of your word, that there is life and death in the power of our tongues. Sadly, though, we forget! And in the heat of anger or in self-centered grumbling, we let careless words slip and we hurt those around us. Heal us of the damage we have caused through our words and help us forgive others for the damaging words they have spoken over us. Help us to guard against wasting our breath in lifeless speech, that we might speak as you speak instead, with words full of life and spirit and love. Amen.

Prayer

Sacred Silence,

As the Christmas season approaches, a frenetic spirit seems to take over us. We find ourselves more easily snared by the hustle and bustle of daily living. Help us to pause and reset by engaging more occasions for silence. The kind of stillness in which your gentle voice can speak to us about who we are before you and who we are called to be for others. As the days tempt us to feel more chaotic, lead us to embrace more of your peace, wisdom, encouragement and love. Amen.