Prayer

Inclusive love,

The ministry you have entrusted to us is rooted in a deep respect for each person’s dignity in the context of a flourishing community. And our mission and vision impel us to seek healing in its deepest and broadest senses, all of which is an extension of your own desires for us. Our mission as a ministry is encompassed by yours, as you call all human persons into your own loving community. Help us to serve you in this by serving others faithfully today, bringing them closer to the heart of true well-being. Together. Amen.

Prayer

Gracious One,

We all know people—sometimes ourselves—who are so driven to fix all the world’s problems that they are chronically dissatisfied, unable to stop and rest and call it good for the day. For all our sake, help us find the grace of knowing our limits together. May we learn from you, who taught us the rhythm of both work and rest. So that even if it seems like the world is falling apart, we can find grace in the brokenness and joy in the struggles. Give us strength simply to do what we can and move on. Amen.

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.