Prayer

Almighty G-d,

As our Jewish brothers and sisters enter their season of Hanukkah, we give thanks for the light you have shone in our hearts. In this season of joyful celebration, may we all have a deeper sense of gratitude for your constant presence before us, and for the gift of your abundant provision. You make a way where there seems to be no way, and we are glad. Baruch atah, Adonai!

Prayer

Gracious God,

In this season of advent, teach us to wait better, in hope and expectation, for the gifts you are bringing into our present. Expand our hearts’ horizons so we can be amazed by life’s newness. May we be ready to meet you as you come to us, and may we be faithful to prepare your way in our lives and in our mission together. As we continue extending your compassionate ministry to others, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

When doubts grip us and tempt us not even to try something new, help us to step out in faith and conviction, trusting that you are faithful to meet us right where are. Encourage us to stand in your promise, believing that you will use whatever we offer to bring about good in the world, for ourselves and for others, if we would but trust and obey. And so, lead us not into the temptation of doubt but deliver us to believe in your promise of good. As a ministry called to share goodness in uncertain times, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Giver of all that is good,

It will soon be Christmas, when we will share with each other presents and gifts of all kinds. Material things we desire and need, but also invisible things that make life so sweet. Time, presence, and love. As Christmas approaches, help us to foster hearts eager to share these greater gifts, which cannot be bought. May we share them especially with those who need them the most, all those who are poor, dying, and underserved. Today and each day, let a Christmas spirit of giving impel us to share these greater gifts all with those around us. Grateful today for these gifts, we pray, Amen.

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.