Prayer

God who sees us,

We are prone to judge one another by looking at all the wrong things. We quickly point out others’ mistakes while being too easily wowed by superficial things like the money some possess or the size of their house. Help us renew our appreciation for the people around us and reframe our vision for the things that truly matter. May we learn to regard people less for what they do or what they have, and more for the way they suffer and stand in need of deep healing. Let compassion be our response to each other, as we commit to seeing all your children in their full depth and complexity. Amen.

Prayer

Ever-present God,

There are times in our lives when we feel all alone, when we experience the soul-ache of solitude. And yet you have assured us that nothing can divide us from the heartbeat of your love. You have promised never to forsake us or leave us abandoned. In prayer, especially, we discover the truth that your heart is always inclined towards our own. Your ears are constantly turned our direction and your eyes are ever upon us. More and more may we become a people of prayer, who bring an end to isolation by sharing the gift of presence. With you and each other, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Good Creator,

Inspire us to discover new ways of stewarding the gifts of creation, so we might better respect the delicate balance of life’s great circle. As people of conscience, lead us back to that place where we see and respect the Earth for the treasure it is. May we thereby learn to live better in the land you have given, for our good and the good of all living things. Amen.

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.