Prayer

God of community,

Kwanzaa is a welcome opportunity for us to relearn some important truths, especially the truth of our being created both sacred and social. We are always embedded within and dependent upon the life of our community. May we therefore be encouraged to share our gifts and our resources, to build a culture that both affirms individuality while at the same time builds up the common good for all. Amen.

Prayer

Emmanuel,

However many times we’ve seen this day come, the incredible gift of Christmas still gives us pause. For in the birth of your son through Mary, a great light has come upon the earth and forever changed our existence. The child we picture sleeping in the manger has already led us out of spiritual darkness and welcomed us into a life more abundant, far beyond our wildest dreams. May we, therefore, keep this day holy and celebrate gladly, for a new day has dawned indeed, and will continue to dawn, until you come again. Amen.

Prayer

God over time,

We have come once again to the night before Christmas. Some of us, no doubt, have been caught up in the frenzy and counting the days. Yet now that it’s here we ask for all to be able to enter this great moment of blessing and to appreciate fully its weight and significance. Let every heart prepare him room! As a ministry, we pray that the spirit of Christmas would abound in the hearts of our colleagues, as they continue to serve so faithfully; and may our patients and families, communities, and neighbors be blessed with peace and joy in abundance, as we accompany them during this most special time. Amen.

Prayer

Creator God,

As we answer your call to steward creation wisely, help us lean into the principle of harmony and let it serve as a guide for all our ambitions. Help us avoid short-sighted pursuits that fail to respect the interconnectedness of all things. Instead, may we expand our perspectives and learn to cooperate better across the globe, so that we might more effectively bring good help to the world. In search of greater harmony with all your creatures, the land and the sea, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God over all,

As we advance your mission today, free our hearts from every hint of judgment and bias. Forgive us for trying to take short cuts in our encounters with others, categorizing and pigeon-holing people without really getting to listening to them or giving them a chance to reveal all their depth. May we strive instead to create a culture that welcomes and attends to the whole person in front of us, in every encounter, so that we might better serve them in mind, body, and spirit. Amen.

Prayer

God of celebrations,

No matter who we are or where we are from, this season provides us with many opportunities to connect and celebrate with those we love. For those who are especially lonely this time of year, we pray for your spirit to impel neighbors and friends to reach out in kindness and include them with loving attention. May we as a ministry be more attentive to all those who are suffering from a lack of connection, that we might serve them with the highest quality care and with a warm and hospitable spirit. Amen.

Prayer

Almighty God,

Sometimes it’s the most trivial of obstacles that can throw us off our game, showing us how much growing up we still have to do. Inspire us towards greater maturity so we can better embody the virtues we need for life and ministry. Give us patience with ourselves and with others during this often, stressful holiday season, believing that we are all at least trying to be our best selves. As we continue striving to extend your compassionate ministry, we pray. Amen.