Prayer

Divine Love,

On this holy day, we take comfort in your boundless love for humanity and ask for a share in the sacred heart of Jesus. Renew our strength in these challenging days, to love our neighbors in the way Jesus did, with joy and gladness as much as sacrifice. May we always remember that, if we claim to know you, we are called to reveal it in the ways that we show our love for another. Today and each day, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Generous Provider,

This ministry we share is filled with generous and caring individuals, so eager to help those who need to experience your healing compassion. We are blessed with associates whose hearts’ desire is to serve those who, in the bigger scheme of things, will never be able to repay their caregivers. And what a blessing it is, that we can feel so gratefully indebted to one another, for the share we’ve had in one another’s transformation and healing. As one people before you, on mission together, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of life,

We give thanks today for all those who freely and gladly donate their blood for the sake of others in need. Moved by their selflessness, we pray that we all might be inspired to display our solidarity through the donation of our blood. We offer thanks for this opportunity to give the gift of life to our sisters and brothers in need. Amen.

Prayer

God of joy,

Today we give thanks for the life and ministry of St. Anthony of Padua. Along with so many saints, his life reminds us that joy-filled service is what speaks loudest in the hearts of humanity. Yes, your good news is most effectively spread through our actions as much as our words. May St. Anthony’s life inspire us today, to embody a sincere respect for human dignity and to build up the common good. May we thereby preach without preaching, to the glory of your love for us all. Amen.

Prayer

Magnificent God,

What a thought! To imagine that all of creation invites us to rejoice, even the smallest blade of grass! This beautiful, colorful world is so precious in your sight, and you call us to love it and care for it in your stead. May we do so boldly, by sharing in your vision of creation’s goodness, so we can steward its beauty and vitality with joy and gladness. Amen.

Prayer

God with us,

Your presence among us is such a gift. Yet on this holy day especially, we give you thanks for the promise you’ve made to always be near us in holy communion. As we strive to reciprocate your great love to us, may we be refreshed and renewed in our efforts of extending your healing touch to others. Send us today, as agents of your life-giving presence, so that all may experience the hope and joy of communion. With you and each other, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Joyful Creator,

To observe your creation is to witness a world that is vibrant with life and joy and, indeed, a good dose of fun! So many of your creatures exhibit a playfulness that, we can only conclude, comes straight from your heart as the all-good designer. You must truly love fun and laughter. May we follow your lead in this and deliberately build into our lives a place for fun and joy. May we celebrate your creation with hope, knowing that our work in conserving and protecting the web of life you created is not a chore, but a deep cause of delight and purpose. Amen.