Prayer

God of peace,

You instruct us not to worry or be anxious about anything. Yet that is so much easier said than done! Our imaginations are prone to dwell more on things we wish to avoid. Help us through such weakness, so we can instead build our thoughts on hope, endurance, and trust in you. We are especially mindful today of all those who worry about sickness and disease, for themselves or for others. Use us to build them up, too, that our collective imagination might extend more of your compassionate care to the rest of the world around us. Amen.

Prayer

Creator of all,

We look at creation today and yes, we are inspired, amazed, and grateful to behold your glorious handiwork in the beauty of creation. The sunrises, the mountains, the flowers that bloom in some unlikely places. Yet we also look at creation and grieve, for the Earth that you gave us has been so marred by abuse and neglect. Beyond all despairing we commit once again, to do what we can to protect your good world and cultivate it in the ways that we should. As we admire you in it, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Liberator,

We are called to advocate for those who are most vulnerable in our midst, including those victims of modern enslavement. May they find liberation through our commitment to see them, protect them, and lead them out of danger and into safety. Proud of the good work already begun, we pray as a ministry to become even more effective in the fight against trafficking, as we continue shining your light into darkness, extending your liberating compassion for all. Amen.

Prayer

God who speaks,

Help us not overlook the events and encounters you send us today. Open our eyes and hearts to receive every happening as an opportunity to hear you better and follow your call in our lives. Help us learn the art of discernment, listening carefully to the way you lead and accompany us throughout our days, in big ways and small, to a life of flourishing. Amen.

Prayer

Font of well-being,

We live in a culture that compels us to spend our time, energy, and money pursuing happiness as a goal all on its own. Yet there is a higher wisdom that impels us instead to lift our sights and to realize that happiness follows from a life well lived. A life defined by loving others and building community, serving the needs of the vulnerable while advocating for justice and peace, investing in our future together and the generations to come. Let happiness follow from our commitment to these goals, and may you fill us with the kind of joy that can strengthen us amidst adversity. Amen.

Prayer

Self-giving love,

We are tempted to equate our material wealth and resources with the power to get things done in the world. Help us remember your own example today, that we might bear witness instead to the influential power of sacrificial love. The kind of outward-focused attitude that shows deference to the needs of others. We know that this is how the world will be transformed for the better, and yet it can often be so hard to do. Empower us today to do it well, with love, sincerity, and integrity. Amen.

Prayer

Love eternal,

Our colleagues need us to support them in the work of self-care. Help us never to falter in our commitment to providing opportunities for respite, personal growth and development, and rejuvenation in the ministry we share together. For those who are especially in need of self-care today, we pray you will lead them to a deep sense of freedom and trust, knowing that it is more than “okay” to take time for themselves. For the well-being of all our caregivers, we pray for your health and wholeness to flourish among us. Amen.