Prayer

God who hears,

We live in a culture where it is hard to listen with our hearts as much as our ears. The noise projected from our media ironically gets in our way and seems to impede our freedom to dialogue with authenticity, sincerity, and, above all, empathy. Help us to become more like you. Ready and willing really to listen with full attention to the people we encounter at work, at school, in our homes and communities. Amen.

Prayer

Empowering God,

Our hearts go out to those who are feeling scared and fearful today. Perhaps because of a new diagnosis or an upcoming procedure, or because of a shift in career or a sudden catastrophe. Whatever the cause, let those who are scared be empowered by your spirit, to face their uncertainties with courage and hope. Send us with life-giving words to lift up these who feel so vulnerable, that we might name their bravery and accompany them through their challenges. Amen.

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.