Prayer

Magnificent God,

What a wonderful thought, even on the cusp of winter, to imagine that all of creation invites us to rejoice, from the smallest blade of grass to the most majestic mountain vista! This beautiful, colorful world is so precious in your sight, and yet you have called us to step up and love it concretely, caring for it in your name and with your blessing. May we do so boldly, as part of our joyous response to the beauty of the world you have given. As a ministry and as people of conscience, fill us today with more of your vision for creation’s inherent goodness, so we can steward its vitality with joy and gladness. Amen.

Prayer

God who hears us,

Empower our ministry today to grow as a community of prayer. Beyond words alone, may we lift our hearts continuously to you and welcome your presence among us each moment. Make us effective as a community, healing whole persons—mind, body, and spirit, so that your life more abundant would be manifest among us. For caregivers and those serving at bedsides today, let a prayerful spirit bubble among them and inspire them in their work. For those who are especially suffering today, may the nearness of your presence through our words and deeds become a genuine source of comfort and support. Grateful that you invite us to be a part of what you are doing in the world, Amen.

Prayer

God over all,

Thanks to your goodness and love, even our trials and challenges can be transformed into opportunities for us, to grow in wisdom while growing closer to you. Help us to trust that, in all we experience, you are right there beside us, accompanying us and working in our favor so that somehow some good might come, even from situations we would never wish for ourselves. For those who are facing unique and painful challenges today, help us be the ones to accompany them and to extend your compassion to them in ways that bring a measure of peace. May we find meaningful and concrete ways to encourage them spiritually, so that they might face their experiences with patience and hope. Amen.

Prayer

Gracious God,

On this Feast of the Immaculate Conception we are glad to remember the significance of Mary’s example in the life of faith. Like Mary, may we all be open to receive the gifts you desire to give us and to welcome the workings of grace already present in our lives. Each one of us has a unique calling, just as Mary’s calling was unique; yet together we know you have gifted, equipped, and sent us to extend your presence in the world today. Help us to do that effectively, as partners in ministry collaborating with you. Amen.

Prayer

God among us,

As we continue to anticipate Christmas, we also take time to appreciate all the good things you are doing among us, with neighbors and friends and communities, with patients and families and those we encounter in the course of our days. We are comforted seeing signs of your loving faithfulness everywhere, as your word continues to bring life, sustaining us in the ministry we perform in your name. For those who are especially hurting or lonely this season, may they know that they are remembered by you, and may we gather around them as a community of faith, eager to serve them along with all those in need. Amen.

Prayer

God among us,

As we welcome the quiet beauty of winter, help us to appreciate the intricate ways you sustain all of creation, even in times of stillness and cold. May the barren ground and the bare trees invite us to reflect on your faithfulness, as you are sure to provide the means for new life, in time. Let us draw nearer to you through the world that you made, and each do our part to provide for creation’s own health and well-being. For our good and the good of the world, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Perfect giver,

St. Nicholas Day was for many of us as children, where we would put out our shoes in order to receive little gifts of joy.  True to this tradition, St. Nicholas was a man, a bishop of the Catholic church, known for his generous giving, not just to children, but to all those in need.  May we continue this tradition of giving to those in need, whether they are poor in finances, food, spiritual health or mental health. Allow our gifts to bring joy to them. Amen.