Prayer

God in all,

Kwanzaa presents us with a special opportunity to honor African-American culture and history and to celebrate the values that bind communities together. We always have cause to give thanks for the riches of our diversity, but at this time of the year especially, make us all the more eager to respect and learn from each other in a spirit of humility. In that spirit we pray, for healing and remembrance, for connection and growth, and for a hope to inspire us all. Amen.

Prayer

God of light and life,

As we celebrate your coming into our world, we give you praise and thanks for the empowering love you brought with you. You have not left us in darkness but have crossed every distance to share with us heaven’s light. May we embrace your light and life more wholly this Christmas, so that we may better extend it to our own lands of gloom. With gratitude for your dwelling among us, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God-with-us,

We commemorate your birthday tonight! With joy and gladness, we welcome your light and celebrate the good news you have brought to a world in need. Help us do the same! Not just today and not just within our own circles of friends and family, but every day and with all people. May we embrace the spirit of Christmas by cherishing peace and goodwill, expressing your mercy to others and living as a people of hope. And so we invite you: be born in us now and henceforth, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God with us,

Make us more alert to your presence around us today, especially in places we would otherwise least expect to find you. Fill us with anticipation to find you incognito. In the eyes of those we serve, in the bodies of the sick, or in the voices of those who call us for help. May we embrace them just as they are, thankful that you have already done the same to us, and remembering that in serving them, we serve you. Amen.

Prayer

Word of life,

Our workspaces become toxic when words are used to attack and point out the weaknesses of others. Lead us to shun such habits and to speak words instead that are sweet to the ear and that uplift the soul. Inspire us always to look for the good in others so that we might call out that goodness in clear, strong voices. Yes, wherever we serve, let people know that a spirit of harmony prevails over those voices that seek to divide and put down. Amen.

Prayer

God of peace,

We are not designed to work as machines, endlessly spinning the gears. We must rest. For those who struggle to hear you calling them to rest from their labor, remind them that taking time for relax and recuperate is part of our following you. Your mission includes the calling for us to step away for a while and restore our spirits. When we see colleagues today, struggling to step back and breathe, inspire us to bring good help to them by insisting they take a much-needed break. Amen.

Prayer

God our provider,

Our mission impels us to serve those who are most vulnerable, while at the same time advocating for a more just and equitable society overall. Lead us further in this work so that everyone’s needs might be secured. In our personal lives, too, help us to practice resourcefulness with all we’ve been given, and to consider how else we can share with those who are lacking. Help us avoid the temptation to store up for ourselves more than we need, and to be ready instead to give as you give—abundantly and joyfully! Amen.