Prayer

Loving Creator,

To see your love in creation can seem like a great act of faith today. We witness firsthand climate-driven disasters that devastate lives. We confront widespread pollution and the harmful effects of our failures to tend to creation. In the face of such horrors, the world can appear less transparent to your goodness, beauty, and love. Renew us today, that we might see beyond the way things appear and to see with fresh eyes. Permit us to see your love and accompanying presence in all you have made. May we live into your promise that creation itself is being redeemed, and that we can be a part of it now. Amen.

Prayer

God of the new,

Letting go is one of life’s greatest challenges. Even when it’s the right thing to do, we struggle to let go and face the unknown. Maybe it’s a hurtful relationship, or an unhealthy attachment to money or things, or an addiction we know is damaging. Whatever it is that we know we should let go of, give us strength and power today to surrender it to you and move on. Amen.

Prayer

Faithful God,

In the ministry we share together, it can be hard sometimes to see the fruit of our labor. The daily struggles, the familiar complaints, the unceasing stream of need that we see all around us… It can be overwhelming at times. As we strive to be agents of healing for our patients and in our communities, surround us each day with people of faith. Bring into our company faith-filled associates, whose words and deeds are like the melody of a bird before dawn. People who see through the darkness and help keep us steady, expectant, and confident that the work we are doing today has purpose and meaning. Not just for ourselves, but for the sake of a world in need. Amen.

Prayer

God on the move,

Forbid us from becoming people who worry incessantly yet never contribute a useful response to the problems we face together. Instead, may we become a ministry community that generates traction, momentum, and a culture-shaping sense of direction. Through creativity, innovation, and an infectious enthusiasm for the possible, help us transform the anxiety in the world around us into constructive collaboration. As those called to extend your compassionate ministry far and wide, and long into the future, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Healing Power,

Today’s holiday invites us not only to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., but also to remember how each of us are called, to invest our time, energy, and passion in the work of improving our communities. Inspired by Dr. King’s legacy, lead us further in responding to the brokenness we see around us. May we each find the place where our unique gifts and desires meet the world’s greatest needs and act accordingly. That our dreams will continue to become our reality, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God who hears us,

It takes so much strength to be patient in the midst of our problems and to wait for your guidance and intervention. We are so eager to fix things ourselves that we often overlook the subtle ways you are in fact coming to us, through family or friends, or new opportunities, all of which take time to develop. Give us the strength of real patience today, that we might wait for you to be faithful to your promises over us. For all those who are especially in need, and who are crying out for help, may we become listening ears on your behalf today, and speak a good word. Amen.

Prayer

God of peace,

When you walked among us, you were more at home with those who were poor than with those who used wealth to flaunt their importance. And you taught us that anxiety over money and possessions can prevent us from living in joy, gratitude, and peace. Help us become more courageous in following your example and embodying your words. Let peace flow from our lives as we share with all those in need. So that even in times of scarcity, we will be satisfied knowing we are living as we should, and we have what we need. Amen.