Prayer

God of truth,

We like to think of ourselves as having reached a state of maturity, as if we’ve advanced beyond the childishness we so often spot in others. Yet the truth is, our character comes out most plainly in the way we respond to the little things that go wrong in our day. The things that inconvenience our plans and agenda. Strangely but surely, these are the times that put the test to our virtue, which expose a lingering self-centeredness that can just as quickly come out in the way we treat one another. Heal us further today, so we may serve one another selflessly, without commotion or fuss. Amen.

Prayer

Good Creator,

All that you have made is good, and your beauty is manifest in myriad ways throughout creation. We see it still, despite the mess we have made of your world, through ages of neglect and short-sightedness. Though we are alarmed by the effects of our failures, lead us not to despair. Instead, with hearts re-tuned to our deepest calling, lead us to joyfully serve you by serving the world and protecting its beauty. With gladness for the gift of our common home, Amen.

Prayer

God who calls,

Some of us have known for a while that it’s time to step out of our comfort zones and serve the world in new ways. Yet we are often afraid to let go of the familiar and try something new. Help us, to let go of what hinders and never to confuse our comfort for our security. Our security is found only in you, as we exercise faith and follow your call. As those charged and entrusted to extend your compassionate ministry, we pray. Amen.

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.