Prayer

God of truth,

Today’s forms of media make it so easy to spread gossip and slander in ways that tear down rather than build up a trusting community. We who are called to live in your truth should know better, and yet sometimes we are just as susceptible to believing rumors and hearsay, without taking time to vet the information we hear and share. Heal us of such tendencies, which threaten our value of integrity. Lead us instead to build a culture that champions truth-telling and is slow to draw conclusions based on little or misleading information. Amen.

Prayer

God our strength,

For all those who are especially vulnerable today, we ask you to strengthen them in mind, body, and spirit. May we serve them faithfully by expressing your own heart of compassion towards them. In addition to the highest quality care we can offer, help us come alongside and support them with all that they need to conquer the hardships they face—resources and planning, but also the promise of our accompaniment. Amen.

Prayer

Personal God,

It is an astonishing and sometimes frightful thought, to imagine that you know us better than we know ourselves. We are sometimes more comfortable talking about you than we are facing you directly, in prayer and in worship or in the eyes of a neighbor in need. Humbly we ask to be delivered from a form of religion that puts any obstacle in the way of our knowing you in the way you desire, even seemingly good things. As those who are called to extend your own compassion to others today, help us to know you better that we might share your healing presence more fully with all those in need. Amen.

Prayer

Merciful God,

Our recognition of New Year’s Day tends to overshadow the just as wondrous gift that comes to us in each new dawn of each new day. As we celebrate this special moment of new beginnings together, help us at the same time to cultivate reverence and joy for tomorrow’s new beginning and each day thereafter. Empower us to celebrate the gifts we otherwise take for granted, especially the gifts of each other. Amen.

Prayer

Happy God,

We live in a culture that compels us to be in constant pursuit of the next thing on our list. Whether it’s our careers or possessions or even in our relationships, it seems there’s always something else we’re told to pursue so as to find happiness. While it’s good to have goals, it’s also important for us to know how to stop and simply be happy, rejoicing in all the blessings we’ve been given. And so as we welcome the start of a brand-new year, help us to let go of our acquisitiveness and learn to be happy, together. With grateful hearts turned towards you, the giver of all that is good, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God our redeemer,

Sometimes we look back at events in our lives and the choices we’ve made and wish we could do it all over. Yet you call us instead to move forward, using the wisdom we’ve gained to establish a healthier future for ourselves and those we love. Let it be so. May we all be encouraged during this time of transition, not to look back in disappointment but to live forward with freedom, released from anxiety, and satisfied to be witnesses of all your many blessings. With thanks for the good things that you have prepared for us, today and tomorrow and henceforth, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Welcoming God,

Fill us with faith, hope, and love today, so that our efforts promoting the gospel will create a distinctive culture that practices what it preaches. As we continue extending your compassionate ministry, make us faithful to follow your example of what ministry means, showing mercy and kindness to strangers, bringing good help to all those in need, and affirming with humility the one humanity we share with all your children. With grateful hearts, for the way you have welcomed us in these ways, we pray. Amen.