Prayer

Spirit of freedom,

You loved us enough to give us the freedom of will. Help us to love others the same and to remember that, though we wish them the best and will always support them, their choices are ultimately theirs to make. Deliver us thereby from undue guilt, as we nonetheless pray and hope for true happiness come to families and friends, patients and colleagues. And may our own choices this day at least make room for your happy blessings to be shared with all those we encounter. Amen.

Prayer

Spirit of peace,

Some of us are more prone than others to lose our tempers as much as our wisdom, running our mouths in ways we (eventually) regret. Help us all to be more disciplined in our speech, that we might use words like you. To build others up instead of tearing them down. To exhort and encourage them and to extend a genuine spirit of peace. For the sake of our shared dignity before you, help us speak well towards each other today, building bridges not walls. Amen.

Prayer

World-changing God,

As citizens together, we humbly ask for more creative and effective imaginations. Help us to envision, and then implement concretely, the meeting of kindness and truth. The fusion of justice and peace. In a world of division and competition, may we emerge as agents of unity and solidarity, building a community together that can both protect and defend those most in need while establishing conditions for the good of all. Let your will be done, through us, as it is in heaven. Amen.

Prayer

God our vision,

We sometimes lose sight of the bigger purpose behind our daily activities. Yet still we believe and profess that we’ve been called to nothing less than the extension of your very own ministry. And so, for the sake of those we serve as much as our own inspiration, give us the strength to resist the trap of short-sightedness. No matter what it is we are doing, help us hold on to a vibrant and deep sense of connection to the mission and vision you have given. Amen.

Prayer

God of work,

There is a healthy sense of pride that accompanies a job well done. A job requiring grit, determination, and sweat. Such a feeling of accomplishment is often its own reward, teaching us that work is a privilege and a source of our dignity, as creatures before you. Humbly we pray that all our associates, no matter their role or function, will feel blessed in their work and proud to be a part of such a good work as this, extending your compassionate ministry to a world in need. Beyond all sense of luck, we ask for your abundant blessings to follow us as we follow you, and work hard in doing so. Amen.

Prayer

God of truth,

Our hearts call us to be true to who we are and who you have called us to be. Each of us has been given a unique and unrepeatable calling, to live into the truth of the identity you have given us. Give us strength and fortitude to live into the truth of our making, and to resist drifting through the experiences and encounters you send us. Instead may we live into them and learn by them, using them in ways that help us become the people you want us to be, in and for the world. Amen.

Prayer

Infinite hope,

You never promised that the road would be easy as we advance the mission you gave us. In fact you assured us that, if we were on the right course, we would face obstacles in extending your ministry into the world. As we deal with the disappointment that follows our setbacks, grace us with renewed hope from your own heart. Let your infinite hope overcome all the finite disappointments we face, in the course of our mission together and in the course of our lives overall. Amen.