Prayer

Gracious giver,

As we extend your compassionate ministry to others today, invigorate our hearts with gratitude. Inspire our many acts of service—both big and small—with the joy of self-giving love. And rather than wait for an emotional swell to spring up, teach us the wisdom of a disciplined habit of gratitude. May we count our many blessings deliberately, reminding each other of the many gifts we have the privilege of possessing together. Presence and time, creativity and humor, a form of work that has purpose and brings healing to others. With gratitude for all these good gifts, may we choose to be a blessing to others today. Amen.

Prayer

Ever-patient God,

We are not very good at handling delays. Whether in our daily routine or in the bigger decisions of life, we struggle to be patient and wait. And in our relationship with you we can often grow weary, waiting for a response to our prayers. For all of those who are right now struggling in what feels like a holding pattern, we ask you to strengthen them in their place of waiting. May they take heart and remember that your delays are not the same as denials. And may we all grow stronger by living into the virtue of patience. As a ministry united, we pray. Amen.

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.