Prayer

God of the ages,

We’ve all heard it said, there’s no such thing as “not having time.” We only say this because we aren’t very good at investing the time we’ve been given. Help us in this. Because, frankly, we need the help! We live in a culture that makes being busy into a competition and a mark of our worth. We know it’s untrue, yet we often become addicted to the pattern of spending rather than investing our time. Forgive us, heal us, and lead us to use our time wisely. Amen.

Prayer

Divine Healer,

This week is a special time for us to honor our physicians and give them our thanks. They stand as embodiments of hope for so many who are sick and suffering, in pain and distress, awaiting answers and feeling despair. As they continue in service to others, we ask you to bless them and assure them of our gratitude for their selflessness and commitment, even in the midst of such challenging times. Empower them to continue accompanying their patients and families with compassion, wisdom and discernment, that they might continue to bring your good help into the lives of so many. Amen.

Prayer

Empowering God,

We who follow Jesus’ way have been warned that our mission may get us in trouble with those in power, who preserve the status quo by guarding the interests of the powerful and the overprivileged. All the same, empower us by the spirit of Jesus to build a more just society. May we seek out and protect all those who are marginalized, while advocating for the promotion of the common good. Make us fearless proponents of your healing liberation for all, especially those who are vulnerable. And may we be happy and joyful, even in the tumult that follows so great a calling. With joy for the road ahead, Amen.

Prayer

God who calls,

Today we remember Mary’s obedience to your call. We are inspired by the way she opened her heart to the incredible word you sent through your angel, Gabriel. That she would bear a most remarkable child, who would forever transform all human history. With gratitude for Mary’s “yes,” may we also become better recipients of your calling upon us. By faith and with humility, we pray we might also have ears open to obedience. Amen.

Prayer

Spirit of truth,

People can often get weird and upset about the most trivial things. They seem to enjoy all the drama and will even create some, just to shake up the day. Help us be wise to such theatrics and bold in the way we respond. There are too many people in need and too many problems waiting for solutions for us to be distracted by superficial, attention-seeking behavior. Instead of the drama, give us focus and stamina, and the power to stay united in the mission we share together with you. Amen.

Prayer

Creator spirit,

The health and well-being we enjoy as individuals is directly connected to the health and well-being of the environment in which we are immersed. Wake us up to this reality more and more, that we might become ever more effective agents of healing to a planet in need. When we are tempted to focus unduly upon our own comfort and security, in isolation from others, remind us of the call to hospitality and solidarity with all of your creatures. In the hope of creating a more tolerable planet for all, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Word of life,

What a harmonious world it would be, if more of us took the good advice to stay silent more often! Unless we’re improving the silence with a kind and true word that our neighbors deserve to hear, help us embrace the respite that attends a meaningful break from the meaningless chatter. We pray as well for our Muslim brothers and sisters, as they begin their holy season of Ramadan today. May they experience all the blessings that come from such a meaningful break in their own usual patterns and may we all be inspired by such a devoted vision of fasting. Amen.