Prayer

Living God,

With gladness for our ministry’s connection to Ireland, we join our Irish colleagues in recognizing holy women and men whose lives of faith and service continue to inspire our own. May we be filled with hope, as we envision these living witnesses surrounding us and encouraging us to carry their baton and continue extending God’s dream for humanity. For our neighbors and friends, families and patients, and all those who are presently suffering, may we carry the fire of faith, hope, and love that’s been handed to us by our ancestors. Amen.

Prayer

Good Creator,

We know that the environmental crisis is not a faceless “issue,” somewhere “out there.” Rather neighbors near and far are suffering for want of a healthier place to live, a place in which safe housing, clean water, and wholesome food are universally accessible, rather than a luxury increasingly enjoyed by the few. Help us each to discover how we can respond better to creation’s needs, each in our own way, and to be brave enough to do so. Not only for our neighbors and communities, but for the sake of all those who come next. Amen.

Prayer

Faithful God,

Open our hearts to receive your gift of faith today. The kind of faith that builds resilience, determination, and a readiness to embrace life as it is, including even the obstacles that we would much rather avoid. Help us trust that you are with us, so that we may experience all that you have in store for us in every circumstance. May we grow deeper each day into the people you have called us to be, ready to love you by loving our neighbors, in good times and bad, sickness and health, in all that affects us together as one human family. Amen.

Prayer

Spirit of peace,

The peace you extend is a gift beyond any comfort or solace this world can offer. Help us receive and continue receiving this gift every day. Inwardly, in the depths of our spirit, may we receive your gift of peace and be transformed. As events in our lives and world seem to threaten our collective sense of stability, make us into agents of transformation, spreading peace and comfort to others. To our patients and families and the communities we serve. Not necessarily through anything special we do or say, but simply by being who we are. Let your peace rule in our hearts, as one human family. Amen.

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.