Prayer

God above us,

As we remember St. Jarlath today, we are inspired by a life so devoted to prayer, study, and good works for others. In our own ways today, give us a measure of peace, so that we too can be still, get to know you better, and then act in ways that extend your presence with and for others. We all are longing these days for a quiet moment to recoup and refresh. May the saints’ own habits inspire us to embrace a prayerful silence whenever we can. Amen.

Prayer

Missional God,

The church’s reason for being is to extend your mission across space and time, announcing the good news of your coming reign. We participate in that mission in this ministry of healing that we share together. We commit ourselves to extending your compassion to all those in need, especially people who are poor, dying, and underserved. Empower us in this effort today, that the flame of your love will continue to burn bright and warm the hearts of our neighbors. Amen.

Prayer

Triune God,

On this holy day we celebrate this most life-giving mystery of faith: the revelation of the Most Holy Trinity. What a gift it is to imagine the love and fellowship that you must enjoy eternally, as God, three in one. And to think as well about how you have so graciously offered us a share in this very same experience of communion! What a blessing! Help us each day to enjoy more of the abundant life that you extend to us from the depth of your very being. Bless us in our efforts to renew the strength of our fellowship. With you and each other, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Guiding Spirit,

The call to obey often sounds negative. As if obedience were somehow opposed to our exercise of freedom. And yet we know, obedience teaches us a deeper meaning of freedom. It’s not about being released from all constraint to do as we please, but about being finally liberated to make the choices that lead to a life of flourishing. Help us approach the challenge of obedience this way. Give us courage, each day, to follow the life-giving pathways you lay out for us. Not just for our own sake, but for the flourishing our neighbors as well, especially those most in need. Amen.

Prayer

God of tomorrow,

The world, in all its volatility and uncertainty, is no match for your own character. You are faithful and true, a God in whom we can place all our hopes and fears. Quell our fears, then, about tomorrow, as we place our trust in you. As a ministry, lead us into an unknown future anchored firmly in our knowledge of who you will be to us and how you will accompany us throughout every turn. With gratitude for your promise to lead and be with us, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of today,

We do well to remember that this present moment is all that we are guaranteed. While we are right to plan for the future and to be wise in our endeavors, help us at the same time to keep balance. May we be anchored in today, and remember to celebrate and enjoy the life you have given us. Surely no one was busier than Jesus, yet still he knew how to celebrate! His first miracle was performed at a wedding reception. He gladly hit “pause” so he could enjoy time with children. Although the needs he faced were endless, still he took time to rest and told us to do the same. Inspired by Jesus’ example, help us to live in the moment, today and each day. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

Lead us further into the fullness of the truth about love, for love is not empty of power. It stands up for justice and, in turn, calls justice to affirm and defend love’s own demands. For it is love that calls us to protect and defend our neighbors in need. It’s what urges us to pursue the common good and to build a just future worthy of our children. In all that we do and say as a ministry, help us to embody the fullness of your truth about love, in all its transforming power. Amen.