Prayer

Transforming God,

Some of the most joyful people we know have also been people who have learned to suffer well. Open our hearts to hear the wisdom that these souls have to share from the depth of their experience. In big ways and small, may we all find courage to let joy into our brokenness and allow ourselves to be vulnerable, open, and porous to your transforming grace. Let joy be sown in our brokenness, that new life may burst forth. For our good and the good of all those we encounter, we humbly ask you to make beauty out of our ashes. Amen.

Prayer

Liberating God,

Some of us are experts at walking our way into trouble. Yet rather than admit to our errors and reach out for help, we grow stubborn and just keep going in a way that leads to more trouble. Help us break such patterns. When circumstances tempt us to dig ourselves into a hole, give us awareness and accountability that we might open a new pathway forward. May we face up to our challenges, welcome the help of colleagues and friends, and take some healthier steps towards wholeness. For our own sake and for the success of those things we’ve been called to be responsible with. Amen.

Prayer

Rest-giving God,

In a culture prone to equate busyness with significance, give us the humility to embrace rest and to rest well, immersed in the world you created. Help us relearn the wisdom of nature’s own rhythms. Rather than try to overcome time, may we welcome the moments of peace you are constantly offering us, especially in the gift of your creation. As creatures ourselves, make us more joyful and conscientious in our calling to steward the world in which we’ve been placed. Amen.

Prayer

God with us,

The stories of faithful servants before us are a source of such inspiration. For when the trials of the world seemed harshest, we often see faith’s light shine brightest. On this memorial of the Irish Martyrs, we give thanks for the witness of their faith and for their inspiring demonstrations of endurance, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity. May we all fan into flame our own faith today, so we might live with hope for tomorrow. Amen.

Prayer, from the Catholic Health Association

God of all peoples, of all nations,

On this day of freedom, we celebrate triumphantly with all people of goodwill that we might walk arm in arm towards justice for all. Breathe into us your eternal breath, that we may never tire of ensuring a flourishing life for all people, but most especially, those brothers and sisters whose growth has been stifled by the trauma of being enslaved. O God, we know and have seen your goodness, and because of it, we cling to the hope that unity and liberation for all are within our grasp. Continue to show us your goodness, that we may have the strength to advance your kingdom with humility and grace. Amen.

Prayer

Fathering God,

We pause and give thanks as one human family for the gift that is fatherhood. May all those who have been called to this special vocation be blessed today. Empower them to exemplify values worth cherishing in all that they do, just as much as in what they say. Let fatherly love be renewed in our midst more and more, that it might become a source of strength and hope for a world in need. For our communities, our nation, and world, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God over time,

We could learn a thing or two about how you work. All we must do is observe the timing by which earth brings forth harvest, or the way children lose themselves in play, or how animals live in the moment, and we see the upside of learning not to hurry. Today, then, even as we work so diligently, striving to be responsible with those things we’ve been given to manage, help us to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves and embrace a pace that is both sustainable and joyful. May our work be a reflection of your own patience and love for the here and now. Amen.