Reflection “The global economic crises have made painfully obvious the detrimental effects of disregarding our common destiny, which cannot exclude those who come after us. We can no longer speak of sustainable development apart from i

Prayer

God of creation,

As we witness the effects of how we have mistreated your earth, we are inspired all the more to renew our commitment to one of the first commandment you gave us, to tend your garden and fill it with love and bring along others, so that the creation you gave us as a common home would flourish in concert with us. Heal us who have forgotten this call and deliver us all of short-sightedness. May we revive our cooperation to develop paths of sustainable development that can bridge generations and the whole human family. Indeed, the entire web of life upon which we depend. Amen.

Reflection “The path is made in the walking of it.” –Zhuangzi Prayer God of tomorrow, In times that feel so uncertain, we ask you to fill us with the kind of hope that empowers us to blaze trails, rather than dawdle about with rea

Prayer

God of tomorrow,

In times that feel so uncertain, we ask you to fill us with the kind of hope that empowers us to blaze trails, rather than dawdle about with ready-made answers. Give us a deeper awareness of your accompanying presence beside us, so we may boldly and faithfully innovate new ways to extend your ministry long into the future. For the sake of those waiting for the good help we can bring, give us courage to trust you and walk forward. And for the sake of those waiting right now, today, may each one of our associates be empowered to blaze our mission’s path forward—one hallway, one room, one step at a time. Amen.

Reflection “It is a mark of a superior mind to be able to disagree without being disagreeable.” –Ann Landers Prayer Spirit of unity, The world is wanting for healthier forms of dialogue and discourse. Even in our own families, it’

Prayer

Spirit of unity,

The world is wanting for healthier forms of dialogue and discourse. Even in our own families, it’s easy for disagreement to become hurtful. Heal us of this tendency, which we can see in ourselves as much as others, to undermine those who feel differently than us on matters we care about. Lead us instead to embrace a more courageous mode of conversation that can preserve the foundation of our unity, even when we disagree. Help us this day to speak our truth, always in love. Amen.

Reflection “God does not ask your ability or your inability… only your availability.” –Mary Kay Ashe Prayer Spirit on mission, As we strive to extend your compassionate ministry today, we pause in prayer to make ourselves availabl

Prayer

Spirit on mission,

As we strive to extend your compassionate ministry today, we pause in prayer to make ourselves available to you. May we continue to be present to you even as we go from this moment to continue the work you have given us to do. Keep us grateful for this gift we’ve been given, to participate in your own ministry of healing and to serve as your hands and feet to all those in need. Give us courage, resilience, and stamina, so that with your help and presence beside us, we may also be fully available and present to those we encounter in your name and serve on your behalf. Amen.

Reflection “At the end there may be no answers and only a few very simple questions: did I love, finish my task in the world? Learn at least one of the many names of God? At the intersections, … the jumping-off places between fear and

Prayer

God of the new,

We tend to avoid risk, yet you challenge us to walk by faith and to enter precisely those risky intersections where life-giving change is made possible, even in moments we least expect it. Give us the courage of faith, that we might be able to look back and see that, yes, we were willing to step out of our comfort zones, and we welcomed all the new things you had in store for us. As a ministry united, help us continue to extend your loving mercy without reserve, trusting you to guide us through times when there are no easy answers, and only a few very simple, profound questions about how we loved and lived by faith. Amen.

Reflection “Outer show is a poor substitute for inner worth.” –Aesop Prayer God who looks at the heart, Remind us today that you are always more concerned with the state of our hearts than with the record of our outward “success”

Prayer

God who looks at the heart,

Remind us today that you are always more concerned with the state of our hearts than with the record of our outward “success” and achievement. For we live in a culture that tempts us to cover-up lack of self-worth with pompous show and egoism. Help us in what we do and say, to reveal a different ethic of care and concern, for ourselves and each other. Let us first accept who we are before you, and then may we find our true selves as we build up community together, in the service of those around us. Amen.

Reflection “Grace isn’t a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal. It’s a way to live.” –Jackie Windspear Prayer Gracious God, Open our hearts to the workings of your grace, that we may receive all the assistance you offer

Prayer

Gracious God,

Open our hearts to the workings of your grace, that we may receive all the assistance you offer us, to do more than we could ever wish or imagine on our own effort. May we appreciate our limits as creatures before you and reach out for the help we need. May we learn how to live grace-fully, offering others the same measure of good help, humility, and mercy that you have shown us. For the life of the world, we pray. Amen.