Prayer

Liberating Love,

We pause today to remember all those who made such incredible sacrifices on behalf of their country. We know that, because of their service, we are able to enjoy the blessing of freedom today. And so with hearts full of gratitude, inspire us to pursue our own civic responsibilities with seriousness, commitment, and especially with humility. We pray for our nation, that we might honor those gone before us by insisting we collaborate and cooperate better, for the sake of the common good, and to provide a witness to the watching world of what it looks like to treat freedom responsibly. Amen.

Prayer

Good Creator,

Faith invites us to believe there is a hidden source of beauty beyond what our senses can attain. Yet all along our journeys of faith you invite us to find you and follow your presence, embedded in the witness of creation. So many encounters that testify to the greatness of your power and love for us. Help us, therefore, as those called to steward the earth, to preserve your witness in creation and to do all that we can to sustain it, cultivate it, and enhance its integrity. So that all will learn to trust you for what they have not yet seen, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of love,

We inhabit a world still ensnared by vindictiveness and a lack of forgiveness. Across our divisions—in our politics, our neighborhoods, and even our families—we are in such need of reconciling love and the gift of peace. As we strive to extend your ministry today, help us be agents of reconciliation. Let love empower us to confront the world’s darkness with light and hope, and especially a vision for what’s possible if we trust in love’s power to forgive. May it be so, today. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

The ministry we are called to perform brings us into contact with so many different people, from different walks of life, facing different conditions and issues. As we engage them and strive to serve them, help us dismantle barriers by embodying a genuine and authentic form of hospitality. May we show all those we encounter that we are eager to receive them, just as they are. May we champion the dignity you have bestowed on each one of us, and thereby convert our prejudiced world towards a deeper unity, one heart at a time. Amen. 

Prayer

Lord of Light,

As we move forward through Spring, we are grateful for the warmth of the sun, and the brightness it gives to our days.  Though rain is needed to water the earth, the sun seems to brighten moods and brings joy and nourishment to our souls.  May we never take for granted the gifts you give us to help us grow, both physically and spiritually.  In the warmth and love of this beautiful day, we say, “Thank you.” Amen.

Prayer

Forgiving God,

As human beings we often find ourselves in difficult situations and relationships that bring us grief, hardship and pain. We can tend to hold on to our grievances much longer than we should, even while knowing that letting go would free us to be authentic and real with others.  Guide us in moving beyond any past grievances we may have with someone, so that we can all grow and experience the grace of freedom in the truest sense of the word. With your help, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Peaceful God,

In the height of turmoil and chaos, a simple smile can turn the whole day around, making circumstances more bearable.  Help us to be mindful of how we can bring tranquility to situations that call for peaceful solutions, starting with just a smile.  Such a simple gesture can make a world of difference. Guide us in making that difference. Amen.