Reflection “It is better for a leader to make a mistake in forgiving than to make a mistake in punishing.” –Hadith of Muhammad Prayer Merciful God, Today we pray for leaders of nations and people in power. All those who are able

Prayer

Merciful God,

Today we pray for leaders of nations and people in power. All those who are able somehow to put into motion events that so directly affect the life and vitality of others. Amidst so much hostility and confusion in our world today, we pray for leaders to become all the more sensitive to the deepest understandings of justice and mercy. May they have the courage to make decisions that secure lasting peace rather than prolong conflict, and may they be diligent in seeking wisdom, embodying virtue, and practicing forgiveness. Amen.

Reflection “The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more. ‘Son of David, have pity on me!’” –Luke 18:39 Prayer God of those who are poor, You hear the cries of those in ne

Prayer

God of those who are poor,

You hear the cries of those in need. You hear and you act on their behalf and have called us to do the same. Forgive us for times when we may have rebuked those we deemed “interruptions” to your cause. Remind us instead that, to know and worship you in the way you desire means being faithful to hear and respond to neighbors in need, in the same way you showed us. And so may we listen better today to the cries of people oppressed, and may we join you in bringing to them good help. Amen.

Reflection “The earth has music for those who will listen.” –Reginald Holmes Prayer Good Creator, Open our ears that we might listen better to the music of your lovely creation. The rhythm and harmony of life’s intricate web that

Prayer

Good Creator,

Open our ears that we might listen better to the music of your lovely creation. The rhythm and harmony of life’s intricate web that you have called into being and asked us to steward. With gratitude for the earth’s music, we ask you to guide us as a ministry that we might continue our sustainability efforts. Empower us to adopt and develop new ways and means that will allow us to advance your good work while preserving the natural order that gives us all life. With open hearts and ears, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “I not only use all the brains that I have, but all that I can borrow.” –Woodrow Wilson Prayer Empowering God, We are so fortunate that we get to share this good work of your mission with so many bright, devoted, and in

Prayer

Empowering God,

We are so fortunate that we get to share this good work of your mission with so many bright, devoted, and inspiring people. People who are equally committed to the ministry you started and who can be trusted to keep it (and us) on the right track. As we learn new ways to advance the mission you gave us, help us rely on each other and lean into one another’s strengths. For the sake of sharing your compassion with more of the world, we ask that a deeper camaraderie would flourish among us. Amen.

Reflection “I only feel angry when I see waste. When I see people throwing away things we could use.” –St. Mother Teresa Prayer Great redeemer, Our ministry’s value of stewardship calls us to respect your creation through the dai

Prayer

Great redeemer,

Our ministry’s value of stewardship calls us to respect your creation through the daily choices we make, including what we do with our waste. In a “throwaway culture” like ours, help us become more creative and innovative, putting to good use all the resources we are blessed to possess. May we continue as a ministry to support sustainability efforts, and on a personal level may we always mindful of our connections within the whole web of life you have woven. With gratitude, and hope, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “Humor is a serious thing. I like to think of it as one of our greatest earliest natural resources, which must be preserved at all cost.” –James Thurber Prayer God in our joy, Empower us to stand out as joyful people, f

Prayer

God in our joy,

Empower us to stand out as joyful people, full of good humor. Not in denial of the misfortunes we see, but as a demonstration of our resilience and our hope that you will bring to fruition every seed of kindness and love that’s been planted by the many who believe in a harvest to come. With all seriousness, help us treasure our capacity for humor and respect our laughter as a sign of your spirit of freedom bubbling up in our midst. Amen.

Reflection “Sleep is the best meditation.” –Dalai Lama Prayer Loving God, Help us find healthy ways to maintain our sense of balance between all the responsibilities we carry. As we do so, may we learn to approach our sleep as a s

Prayer

Loving God,

Help us find healthy ways to maintain our sense of balance between all the responsibilities we carry. As we do so, may we learn to approach our sleep as a spiritual discipline just as much as a bodily demand. Let sleep be for us a spiritual sign that you have provided, reminding us that we are not so limitless and cannot afford to neglect our own self-care. With serious and intention, guide us into rest-giving, life-affirming, soul-nourishing sleep. Amen.