Prayer

Creator God,

Your goodness in creation is manifest in so many ways! In the diversity of creatures and the harmony you have established between them. In the wonderful variety of life’s abundance and the intricate cycles that sustain the living web of which we are a part. Inspire us today, to live and work in a more harmonious relationship with nature, rather than ignore or reject creation’s good designs. As a ministry united, let our daily operations as much as our large-scale goals reflect this same commitment, to live in harmony with nature and to promote the common good. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

Our eyes are not like yours. For you see us just as we are and somehow you love us, without exception. Yet so often we see each other and somehow allow distortions of bias and prejudice to lead us to look for the worst in each other. Heal us of such wayward looking, that we might see what you see in each one of our brothers and sisters. May we commit this day to look for the best in each other and to show our respect for the infinite gift of each life before us. Especially for those who cannot see it in themselves, may we show our admiration for the dignity we share together, as those made in your image. Amen.

Prayer

God of hope,

Today your Church takes time to remember and celebrate Mary’s miraculous appearances to St. Juan Diego in Mexico. Humbly we ask for a greater share in Mary’s spirit, that we might be bolder and fearless in receiving and embodying your word in our lives and ministry. May our work together reflect a shared sense of hope for what you are continuing to do among us and through us in our neighborhoods and communities. As we recall your mighty deeds through so many servants devoted to your word, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God with us,

For all those who are actively serving our patients and neighbors and families today, we ask you to bless them with vision. Open the eyes of their hearts that they might behold your very own presence dwelling among them. In frailty and weakness especially, let your nearness inspire all our associates to extend your compassion and show others mercy. Bless each one of us today with vision to see you in this one human family. Amen.

Prayer

Spirit of peace,

As Christians around the world light the advent candle of peace today, we ask you to light a fire in our hearts. Help us to stand up more boldly as agents of peace within a tumultuous world. As we continue preparing to celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace this Christmas, we nevertheless pray unceasingly, each and every day: let your kingdom to come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Use us to see your peaceable kingdom come, that wars may cease, and conflicts might be conquered by a peace beyond understanding. For the life of the world, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God our strength,

Today we pray for those in our lives who are feeling like everything is going against them. May they be empowered by your spirit to find new depths of inner resilience and strength. Let neighbors and friends like us come around them to give them support and encouragement, so that as we lift them up and share their burden, their trials might be transformed into new momentum to go forward. By your grace, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Spirit of collaboration,

Your interventions on our behalf are cause for celebration, reminding us that you are constantly at work within our feeble humanity, accomplishing great works of grace and redemption. Today, as your Church celebrates the mystery of Mary’s immaculate conception, we ask that the example of Mary’s life would inspire each one of us to be more open to your plans for us, and through us, for the life of the world. Amen.