Prayer

God of Creation,

You created all things on this earth: humans, plants and animals, and then you stepped back and saw that “It was good, it was very good.” Help us to live each day in gratitude of all that you have given us, especially the animals in our lives.  Whether these are family pets or creatures in the wild, they all have a wonderful purpose on this earth, and bring us great joy. In thanksgiving for all living creatures, and in appreciation for the joy they bring to the world, we pray. Amen. 

Prayer

God of tomorrow,

All throughout your earthly ministry you were concerned to empower and authorize those who followed you, to take your ministry forward in new directions. Your example inspires us as we reflect on our call, today and each day, to serve as your hands and feet in the world. Not as individuals alone, but collectively, and in such numbers that we have reason to marvel at the “greater deeds” that have indeed flowed from the work that you started. With joyfulness, gratefulness, and faith-filled expectation, we pray together: More, Lord! Let your kingdom come, and your will be done through us, especially on behalf of those who are poor, dying, and underserved. Amen.

Prayer

God,

On this National Day of Prayer, we pause to join with others around the nation and beyond, focusing our hearts and minds on this year’s theme: “Lift up the Word, Light up the World.” As those who believe in your Word and trust it to guide our lives, we ask for the courage and stamina to uphold it and embody it in our words and deeds. May we follow the example of your son, who perfectly embodied your Word and showed us the way to a life more abundant. With faith, hope, and love, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Empowering God,

We all know the difference between barely holding on for survival and truly thriving in the way we were made to thrive. For colleagues and associates who are confronting this day with low expectations, we ask you to encourage their spirits from the inside out and lift their sights once again. Regardless of the team on which we serve or the specifics of role and function, may we all raise our expectations today about what is possible through your power and strength, especially as we strive to advance your cause of healing compassion in the lives of those we encounter. Amen.

Prayer

Strengthening Spirit,

We can’t do much to avoid challenges in life. Rather you promised they would come! And so we ask, when the storms of life come our way, fill us with grace and the strength to embrace them for how they might strengthen our character, ignite our hope, and instill new perseverance. We are especially mindful of patients and families who are right now in the midst of such storms. May all our talents be put to the cause of alleviating their pain and lifting their burdens, however we can, so that they won’t be alone as they navigate the path ahead. Amen.

Prayer

Merciful savior,

Our work in health care ministry calls us at times to respond to cruelty that leaves us baffled, hurt, and frankly heartbroken. As we conclude Workplace Violence Prevention, empower us with the kind of bravery that is relentless in showing mercy to all victims, that delights in being of service and comfort to those who are especially vulnerable, and that can organize constructively to eradicate cruelty from the spaces we share together. For our patients and families, our communities and neighbors, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Love above all,

We are all conscientious of the damage done by hypocrisy, in our religious traditions as well as our own lives. For we are easily tempted to confuse our talk about our values and beliefs with how we are, or are not, concretely living them out each and every day. As we partner with you today, to extend your love and compassion to those in need, help us to show them true and sincere love above all else in the actions we take to reveal your compassionate heart. With gratitude that you are ever true in your love towards us, we pray. Amen.