Prayer

Just God,

The senselessness of the violence we see grieves our hearts and boggles our minds. As we continue extending compassion to victims, impassion us also to stand up to the injustice itself, insisting that systems be changed for the sake of real and lasting peace in our land. Give us courage and wisdom for this, so we can better defend the vulnerable by commanding the aggression around us to stop! Through the power of your gospel and our daily commitment to justice and peacebuilding, may the violence around us come undone and may peace come to flourish for all. Amen.

Prayer

God of action and truth,

Our culture is prone to indulge in empty speech, lacking in purpose and action. Yet let it be different among us, as we commit ourselves to a higher standard of integrity. May we reveal your love for all those we encounter, not just in what we say but even more in what we do. Let our actions speak louder than words, bearing witness to the sincerity of our purpose and mission, as we extend your compassionate love to all those who are vulnerable. Amen.

Prayer

God who knows our pain,

Our familiarity with the pain of sickness and disease doesn’t make these realities any easier to accept. And yet we must. Today, on World Cancer Day, we ask for strength to better confront the pain caused by cancer rather than avoid it. May we be devoted to the cause of supporting and empowering all those who are challenged by cancer. With dedication, diligence, and determination, may we accompany those in pain and journey together towards new paths of prevention, treatment, and cure. As we strive to heal rather than avoid the pain, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Heartbeat of life,

There are so many reasons to guard our hearts. Yet today we are concerned, quite literally, with the dangers of heart disease and the need to promote heart healthy habits. For the women whose health is most at threat, lead us to support them as we encourage each other, to pursue every opportunity for prevention and healing. For the researchers and clinicians engaged in discovering and promoting new interventions, we ask you to guide them with wisdom and excellence in all their endeavors. May we all be more conscious of the choices we’re making and the impact these have on our sources of life, health, and well-being. Amen.

Prayer

God,

As a ministry, we recognize the power and witness of black history and experience. And though we devote a month for such recognition, every day we are inspired, to open our hearts and our minds and our arms to one another, in respect and gratitude. Day by day, lead us further to see one another for the gifts that we are and the gifts we possess, in all our marvelous diversity. Month by month, help us better to embrace one another in freedom and love. Year by year, transform us more into a ministry community of authentic inclusion, so that a world in fragments might be healed and inspired towards change. Amen.

Prayer

Indwelling God,

On the Feast of St. Brigid, we rejoice at the gift of your presence among us. In all of your creatures, we are the signs of your marvelous handiwork. May we learn to see you more clearly this way, as if all the world might become transparent to us, revealing your truth, beauty, and goodness. For the inspiration she gives us, we give thanks for St. Brigid and ask for her help in leading us nearer to you, in all of your creatures, including each other. Amen.

Prayer

God of work,

Wherever we serve and whatever the task, help us be glad for the work that we have. Let us take on our assignments with humility and joy, grateful that you have trusted us to serve you in this way, even as we serve the people and places around us. Let the people and places around us be blessed by our presence, whether we are sweeping the floors or excising tumors. May we see your more clearly each day, through the commitments we make to serve as you served. For the life of the world, we pray. Amen.