Prayer, adapted from the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise

Glorious God,

We thank you for the life of your servant St. Ciarán. By his example of fervent charity towards the poor, may we be ever more motivated to seek opportunities to help the downcast and lowly. Through his intercession as a miracle worker, may you grant relief to all the sick and suffering, and hope for all those who despair. May St. Ciarán, “a lamp blazing with the light of wisdom,” intercede on our behalf, as we strive to extend your compassionate ministry to others. Amen

Prayer

God of tomorrow,

We do well to remember that we are but stewards of the world you have given for us to cultivate, enjoy, and pass on for the health and well-being of those who come next. In the time that we have on this beautiful earth, help us to love your creation wholeheartedly. May we embrace every day our original calling, realizing that this is in some way life’s meaning: to love and nurture a context of flourishing for the sake of the next generation. Amen.

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Empowering God,

We face so many obstacles in pursuing our mission that some days might lead us to think our whining is justified. And yet we know, such an attitude is an invitation for trouble, as negativity so easily turns the atmosphere toxic. Help us to better protect each other and those we serve, by cultivating a workplace that is constructive and encouraging. A workplace where bullies are squelched by the power of our unity and a shared sense of direction, and where our spirits are trained to always look for the good. Amen.

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Soul friend,

The golden rule you gave us is such a challenging piece of wisdom, because to love our neighbors as ourselves implies we actually know how to love ourselves! Yet some of us struggle with that. Help us today, to let go of any disparaging inner narratives about how we have failed and flopped in life. Open our hearts instead to hear your constant words of love over us, so that we might celebrate with you the beauty of the life you have given us. May we thereby hold together our love for you, for ourselves, and for others today. For the life of the world, we pray. Amen.

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Light in the darkness,

We have every reason to place our confidence in you as we embody your mission, striving to extend your compassionate ministry to the world around us. So many today are struggling in what feels like darkness. Help us to surround and support them as well, and to brighten their way to a new path forward. May we be a refuge to all those who are afraid and anxious, especially those who are most vulnerable—the poor, the dying, and the underserved. Amen.

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Creator spirit,

The dignity of work often carries its own reward. We seem wired this way, so that good work fuels our sense of accomplishment and fills our life with purpose and meaning. May all people come to experience this blessing of meaningful work today, no matter what it is you have given them to do. We pray especially for those who are longing for work or otherwise feeling stuck in their work, that you would energize and encourage them through the support of colleagues and friends. Amen.

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God of life,

What a tragedy it would be to reach life’s end and realize we wasted so many experiences! Open us up to greater awareness of the multiple gifts that each moment brings. May we welcome the experiences you send us and use them to grow and develop into the people you’ve called us to be. With gratitude for the life we’ve been given, we pray. Amen.