Reflection “We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.” –Confucius Prayer God of life, Life is too precious not to be lived on purpose. Today and every day, sharpen our resolve to cherish the time

Prayer

God of life,

Life is too precious not to be lived on purpose. Today and every day, sharpen our resolve to cherish the time you have given us. May we live our lives with intention, awareness, and self-reflection. As tempting as it sometimes is, to drift along and just go through the motions, lead us instead to welcome the experiences you send us and to use them for our growth and development. No matter what. Through heartache or triumph, suffering or joy. Together with you and each other, may we welcome a life more abundant today. Amen.

Reflection “Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Prayer

Servant of all,

Lent provides an important occasion for us to reflect upon Jesus’ supreme example of service and sacrifice. May we each discover the truth he revealed in all that he said and did: genuine greatness is not measured by earthly treasures or power, but in the way we put others first and attend to their needs. Inspire us to walk in this truth today, as we strive extend your healing compassion to so many in need. Fill us with peace, joy, and self-giving love today, that we might embody the same servant heart of Jesus with and for others. Amen.

Reflection “Nothing is so contagious as example; and we never do any great good or evil which does not produce its like.” –Francois de La Rochefoucauld Prayer Summit of goodness, Our world is wanting for people who exemplify goo

Prayer

Summit of goodness,

Our world is wanting for people who exemplify goodness and love. People who magnetize us, as they embody real virtues and inspire us to become our best selves, too. As a ministry called to extend your goodness to others, may we all become such people. Through our simple words and deeds, let goodness become contagious among us. Amen.

Reflection “We’re destroying [the world] before we’ve even finished learning about it. We think we are smarter than nature, but we are not.” –Jane Goodall Prayer All-wise designer, Induce humility in us, that we might be more res

Prayer

All-wise designer,

Induce humility in us, that we might be more respectful of the intelligence you have laced throughout creation. Give us wonder and awe, that we might be inspired to remain joyful students before you, eager to discover more than to conquer. To devote ourselves to a watchful attention before the world you have made, for our delight as much as our use. In the joy of such discovery, may we be ever more responsible in cultivating your creation in the way it should go. For the flourishing of all your creatures, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “Somehow we’ve come to equate success with not needing anyone…. It’s as if we’ve divided the world into ‘those who offer help’ and ‘those who need help.’ The truth is that we are both.” –Brené Brown Prayer Ever-present

Prayer

Ever-present help,

It can be hard for us to reach out and receive help. Especially for those of us who identify as caregivers, it’s a challenge to be vulnerable and welcome the help and care of others, even in a sincere time of need. Yet we know the truth. We who bring good help to others must also be willing to receive good help when we need it. Make us more willing to do so. May we continue to build a culture of care in which it’s safe to admit our weakness and to reach out for support. In the unity of the mission you gave us, Amen.

Reflection “It takes courage to face one’s emotional states directly and to dialogue with them. But therein lies the key to personal integrity. In the swamplands of the soul there is meaning and the call to enlarge consciousness. To ta

Prayer

Soul healer,

As our journey through Lent continues, fill us with courage to look inward and examine the state of our hearts. Make us brave enough to acknowledge where we need healing. The wounds we have suffered. The wounds we have caused. Heal us together. For the protection, preservation, and affirmation of the dignity in which you created us, we pray. Amen.

Women's History Month

Women's History Month

God of all,

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, fill us with appreciation for the gifts and contributions of women the world over. May their courage and sacrifice inspire us all to give of ourselves in the construction of a world of justice, equality, and freedom. May the lives and example of women be a constant source of inspiration and strength. In confidence, we pray. Amen.