Reflection “No misfortune is so bad that whining about it won’t make it worse.” –Jeffrey R. Holland Prayer God of tomorrow, It can be hard to remember that no amount of fussing and whining is going to change the difficult circums

Prayer

God of tomorrow,

It can be hard to remember that no amount of fussing and whining is going to change the difficult circumstances we’ve been given to face. When misfortune comes our way, empower us to avoid the understandable tantrum and to fix our eyes instead on finding the constructive way forward. In our relationships at work, in our families, and within our broader communities, help us to make tough times better by speaking with grace and positivity, encouraging others to do the same, all for the sake of creative and new solutions. Amen.

Reflection “It is better to have one person working with you than three people working for you.” –Dwight D. Eisenhower Prayer Divine collaborator, For a host of reasons beyond our control, our workplace today is in constant trans

Prayer

Divine collaborator,

For a host of reasons beyond our control, our workplace today is in constant transition, compelling us to react and respond and roll with the changes. In such times as these, it is a great comfort to know we have colleagues who share this journey with us. People who have our backs no matter what our ranks and are eager to collaborate, for the sake of the bigger purpose that we share together. May we be blessed today with relationships like these, and may we start by renewing our own commitment to be a grounded and grounding presence at work. Amen.

Reflection “Imaginary obstacles are insurmountable. Real ones aren’t.” –Barbara Sher Prayer Empowering God, Our fears and anxieties can quickly outgrow the reality of the trials we face. This may be especially true for those who a

Prayer

Empowering God,

Our fears and anxieties can quickly outgrow the reality of the trials we face. This may be especially true for those who are sick, facing a new diagnosis, and struggling to find their way forward. We pray especially for them today. Give them your peace and use us to bring some measure of clarity, direction, and hope to their lives. May we accompany them through the real obstacles they face, with gratitude that you trust us with such a sacred ministry as this. Amen

Reflection “Let them praise his name in the festive dance, let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp. For the LORD loves his people, and he adorns the lowly with victory.” Psalm 149:3-4 Prayer Festive God, Your lovingkindn

Prayer

Festive God,

Your lovingkindness towards us is cause for more celebration! Remind us that there is room in our journeys with you for all our emotions. Even as we weep with those who weep, make us just as willing to sing and dance with those who are blessed today with victories of healing, in mind, body, and spirit. Renew us in spirit so that we can practice a more dynamic solidarity with others today, entering in to the many different ways we see your healing love all around. Amen.

Reflection “Knowing how to be solitary is central to the art of loving. When we can be alone, we can be with others without using them as a means of escape.” –Bell Hooks Prayer God with us, You call us to grow up and grow out of

Prayer

God with us,

You call us to grow up and grow out of unhealthy attachments, so that we can be wholly available to love others, freely and selflessly. Help us practice this way of being today, by welcoming moments of solitude. Quite moments in which we can learn to be fully present to you, first and foremost, so that you might fill us and restore us from the inside out. And then from that place of wholeness and integrity, lead us to share all the good gifts that you’ve given us for the sake of others who need them. Amen.

Reflection “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” –Matthew 23:12 Prayer Humble spirit, The ministry we share with you is anchored in your great example of service and humility. Help

Prayer

Humble spirit,

The ministry we share with you is anchored in your great example of service and humility. Help us to be more like you each day, ready to enter every lowly place and willing to wash the feet of those we encounter. May we be inspired by your great promise, that if we follow the way of humility, we will always be in good company. Amen.

Reflection “The Lord keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets captives free. The Lord gives sight to the blind. The Lord raises up those who were bowed down; The Lord loves the ju

Prayer

Just God,

We live in a culture that sometimes snubs its nose at our worship of you. Yet nothing on earth is so vital for our health and well-being than to acknowledge you and walk in your ways. Your ever greater vision of justice and peace is our hope for tomorrow! May all those who claim to know you be willing today to do as you do: securing justice for the oppressed, giving food to the hungry, setting free the captives in mind and body. With hope for tomorrow, use us these ways today. Amen.