Prayer

Ever-present God,

As a ministry united, we gather to remember all those we have lost over the course of this year. We gather in your presence, grateful that you are able to hold them—and us—in a peace beyond understanding. We gather in hope, believing in a great day to come when we will see these friends of ours again, free of every hindrance to your life more abundant. And we gather in expectation, seeking to renew our strength, so we might honor the departed by loving the neighbors you put in our path today, especially those who are presently suffering or even facing death’s shadow. As we come before you, the Author of life, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Eternal love,

Today we commemorate the righteous dead and remember their great examples of faith and service in your name. May we be inspired to follow their footsteps, that we might one day be where they are now, living in the fullness of your light and love. As pilgrims on the way, deliver us from worry and anxiety as we remember that you are watching over us every step of the journey. Amen.

Prayer

God over all,

Thank you that we can come before you in prayer, even on a day like today, and ask you to bless us with a good dose of healthy festivity. Protect us from the recklessness of some, so that we all may safely celebrate Fall and community, and even enjoy a bit of candy-laced fun. Amen.

Prayer

God of endurance,

Bless us with your spirit today, that we might persevere boldly, creatively, and adaptably in the mission that unites us. In times of challenge and strain and even in heartbreak, help us adhere all the more to the deeper purpose that unites us. To see your dream for the world realized today; to extend your compassionate ministry to our neighbors and communities; to be good help to those in need; to improve health and well-being in every dimension. For the life of our world, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Love in action,

You refuse to give us an easy way out of love’s true demands. You remind us that, in your eyes, love is never an abstract feeling or vague sentiment, and that this is nowhere important than in the way we show our love for you. If we say we love you, you tell us, we will show it in the way we treat all your children. Help us live into this calling more and more: to love you better by loving our neighbors. With all our heart, soul, and mind, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of tomorrow,

You give your people hope by giving them vision. Through your holy Word and in the example of your son, Jesus, you have blessed us with a vision of life worth living, together. Help us to make choices this day that will bring your vision more and more into reality, for our own sake and for the sake of our neighbors in need. Beyond mere wishful thinking, empower us to execute the vision of the gospel with faith, hope, and love, and thereby rejoice in a world transformed. Amen.

Prayer

Healer divine,

We will never find resolve to our questions of “why,” underneath the suffering and pain we experience and witness in the lives of others. Yet you have given us every reason to believe that you are with us in every circumstance and can lead us into new depths of healing, deeper than how things look on the surface. Give us hope for such healing today, for ourselves as much as for those we have the privilege of serving. Our patients and families and our wider communities. Help us accompany them as you have sent us to do, attending especially to the spiritual health of all. Amen.