Prayer

God our helper,

On World Blood Donor Day, we pause and thank you for the gift of life we carry within us in the form of blood. Inspire us, and use us to inspire others, so that this rather simple gesture will be elevated as a great way to help those in need. May we be able to connect the dots between opportunities for blood donation and the incredible impact it makes in the lives of others. And may we all benefit from practicing such a concrete expression of our solidarity as one human family. Amen.

Prayer

God of the new,

We long to see healthy changes come to our communities and neighborhoods and in the lives of those we have the privilege of serving. Yet we also know that the most constructive way forward sometimes requires us to let go of some things. We have to let go of old habits or broken mindsets that may be preventing needed change from coming. Give us the strength and the wisdom to do so, so that fresh creativity and innovation might open new doors to advance health and well-being, especially for those most vulnerable. Amen.

Prayer

Spirit of service,

For a number of reasons, there will be people today that we work hard to help and yet they will offer little by way of gratitude or thanks. Make us okay with that. Even more, help us to cultivate your heart of compassion for all those we serve, so that we might be the ones feeling grateful, that we are in a position to be able to bless those that can do nothing in return for us. Empower us by your own spirit of service, so we can act as your hands and feet and be especially attentive to those who are poor, dying, and underserved. Amen.

Prayer

God of belonging,

You made and call each one of us to belong, with and for others. Yet there are many today who are struggling with loneliness. As we strive to extend your compassionate ministry, help us to be a community of healing for those who are suffering from a lack of connection. May we see the lonely, attend to them, and do what we can to provide connections and options that can help them flourish in relationship with others. With gratitude for the privilege of sharing your abundant life, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

We are not invincible, however much we may try at times to act like it. It can be hard for us to endure the pain and suffering we see in our facilities and in the world beyond. We need your strength and resilience to go on over time, loving and cherishing the world we’ve been called to serve. And so, we pray especially for those struggling to endure today. May they find new hope and power in their work and ministry, and may we be there to support them in their time of need. Liberate us to love the world as you would have us do. Amen.

Prayer

God of power,

The pathway towards ecological justice seems so daunting that it can be hard to know where to begin. Yet as people of conscience and as a ministry together, we have inherited a spirit of boldness that drives us to care for your great gift of life—no matter what. Help us to be daring in our efforts to protect and preserve the web of life around us, expecting creative innovation to flow from our inward commitment to love and cherish creation. May our ministry bravely lead the way towards new opportunities in advancing the cause of sustainability. For generations to come, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of all comfort,

As a ministry called to serve the sick and dying, we implore you, by your spirit, to draw near and comfort all those who are especially ill or even facing life’s end. Empower the associates ministering to them, that they might embody your peace and share words of assurance that can carry these beloved souls into the days ahead. And as each day ends for each one of us, we pray we may rest in the blessing of knowing we’ve been faithful in all you have asked us to do. Humbly, we pray. Amen.