Prayer

Empowering God,

With a new year dawning tomorrow, we are naturally led to think about what kinds of changes await us and what the new year will bring. Encourage us to reverse that sense of anticipation and focus instead on the areas of growth that we each plan to work on, with attention and focus. May we be inspired not just to suffer the changes that come, but to pursue our growth and development actively and deliberately, across every dimension of our lives together—spiritually, emotionally, physically. In pursuit of greater health and well-being, for ourselves as well as the communities we serve, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

All-wise God,

As we extend your healing compassion today, help us embody more of the wisdom that comes from truly listening to those we encounter. We really need your help in this! For there are so many demands on our time, so much to do, and so many distractions that otherwise tempt us simply to chatter. Grace us, therefore, especially in the midst of the hustle and bustle, with more of a capacity to be fully present to those we serve and serve beside, listening with our full attention, with focus, and with hearts eager to respond appropriately. Amen.

Prayer

God beyond time,

As we begin turning our attention from this year to the next, remind us that it’s okay to be confused and concerned about tomorrow. At the same time, help us to be grounded in hope, knowing we are safe and secure in your company and as we trust you to lead us into tomorrow. For those that we serve, may we be anchors of strength and resilience for them, sharing your goodness and love. For those who serve beside us, may we support and encourage them to remain faithful in the mission that brings us together, day after day. Amen.

Prayer

Liberating God,

We continue to lift our hearts in thanksgiving and celebration for the coming of your son, Jesus, at Christmas. His arrival opened the door for our liberation, removing every obstacle that stands between us and your life abundant. Today, then, we pray for strength and resilience to continue Jesus’ mission, breaking the snares that keep people oppressed. Empower us to be good help to them by accompanying them in pursuit of healing, freedom and wholeness. Amen.

Prayer

Creator God, 

Today continues the weeklong celebration of Kwanzaa. The celebration of Kwanzaa seeks to bring forward the best of culture, ancient and contemporary, encouraging the discovery of principles and possibilities that can enrich and expand our lives. May this rich celebration of culture and excellence inspire us to pursue the noble possibilities of human existence, that we might give of ourselves to secure justice, peace, dignity and freedom. We pray to you, the Lord of possibilities. Amen. 

Prayer

Empowering Spirit,

Hanukkah reminds us that your ways are higher than our ways, and that your plans for us will not be thwarted by any mechanism of human power or might. As our Jewish brothers and sisters continue to celebrate Hanukkah, may we all take this opportunity to remember your gracious provision and protection over us, and how we depend upon you for every dimension of our safety, comfort, and peace. Inspire us with gratitude, that we might rededicate ourselves to serving you by serving those you put in our path, especially those who are most in need. Amen.

Prayer

Gracious God,

What a joyous day it is! With you and angels and saints, we gladly celebrate the birth of your son, Jesus, through whom divine grace has been revealed, in our very flesh, opening a new way of life for all of us! May our celebrations today fill us with hope and make us ever more eager to do what is good. Amen!