Prayer

Creator God,

All creation shouts for joy because we are fearfully and wonderfully made, but sometimes those shouts are dimmed by the ways of the world.  Political upheaval, wars around the world, sufferings from climate change, and closer to home, the unrest of our families due to illness.  On this World Day of Prayer for Creation, we come united in prayer for all that you have created, praying to draw each creature closer to the loving God who made them.  By your love, we have been made; may we share that love with others in your name.  Amen.

Prayer

God of all that is sweet,

As we come to the end of August, let us take in the deep breaths of the sweet moments of summer.  The fresh fruit and vegetables that we have enjoyed, the sand under our feet during days at the beach, the breeze on our faces as we enjoyed the porch swing with a loved one.  The days of summer always go by so quickly, but the memories of good times will continue to linger and guide us into the next beautiful season that you have created.  Help us to be ready for what fall holds for us.  In gratitude for all that is sweet, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Saving love,

For those who believe, the image of your cross is a source of hope and salvation—the emblem of how deeply you loved us and poured yourself out so that we might rise with you in resurrection power. Even as that message seems like foolishness to others, we give thanks that it continues to inspire and empower our mission today, extending your compassionate ministry to all those in need, especially those who are poor, dying, and underserved. For their sake as much as our own, let the transformative power of your sacrificial love continue to fill us and overflow to a world in need of hope. Amen.

Prayer

Spirit of love,

We live in a polarized culture that is well-practiced at launching judgment, criticism, and blame towards those who think and feel differently about so many things affecting our lives together. In such a climate, help us to focus on what we each need to do to better serve the common good. Make us humble enough to recognize our own imperfections and to work at our own spiritual renewal, so that we are less inclined to blame and judge others for the problems we see. For the health and well-being of our families, our workplaces, our communities and around the world, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Gracious God,

As colleagues and partners with you, seeking to extend your healing and to bring good help to others, we ask for the liberating power of your spirit to fill us today. Bless each one of us with a deep and abiding sense of your presence within, so that we might embody that same gift of presence to others, especially those who are longing for a peace beyond understanding. In the way we conduct ourselves as much as the work we perform, guide us to be vessels of your love, facilitating healing connections everywhere we go. Amen.

Prayer

Merciful God,

You taught us in word and deed that we are all called to be like the Good Samaritan, who witnessed a neighbor in need and had compassion at the sight of him. Help us to see each other that way today. As we acknowledge our own fragility and vulnerability, make us willing nonetheless to pause and approach those we encounter who are waiting for help. For the sake of our patients and families and wider communities, empower us to heal the wounds we see and raise each other up. In all our interactions today, let your compassion flow through us. Amen.

Prayer

Spirit of unity,

On Women’s Equality Day, we give thanks that our ministry is anchored upon foundational values that affirm and celebrate every human person’s equal dignity before you. As one human family, we are called to protect and secure the blessings of liberty that belong to all people without exception, by virtue of our creation in your image. Continue to guide us, therefore, to honor and support one another as equal members of your creation, working together for the common good. May our hearts reflect your love, and may our actions uphold the true spirit of unity you desire for us. Amen.