Prayer

God of the new,

When we worry that our moment has past and it’s too late to make a difference, encourage us in the knowledge that even the simplest action today can reveal our profound hope for tomorrow. In recognition of Chinese New Year, empower us with focus and ambition today, that we may be more faithful collaborators with you in securing the health and well-being of all. Through simple daily commitments to serve one another and care for creation, may we embody our hope for tomorrow. Amen.

Prayer

God of all wisdom,

We ask you to transform our vision, that we might see things more from your vantage point. Instead of trusting the surface of appearance, lead us further in wisdom and understanding and especially the gift of discernment, so we can see and respond effectively to the needs all around us. Those needs that are hidden as much as those that are obvious. Individually and collectively, help us see as you see, that we might answer your call more faithfully, seeing precisely where you are calling us to invest our time, talent, and energy today. Amen.

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.