Prayer

Gracious God,

As a ministry called by your name, we are glad to celebrate joyfully the ways in which you have spread your gift of salvation near and far. We also take seriously your call to advocate for those still in need of liberation and healing, not only in our own communities but also around the world. May all the ends of the earth be given reason today to sing your praise, and may we be able to stand up, as faithful instruments of your deliverance for others. Let our words and deeds today advance the vision you have for the world. With thanksgiving, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of the new,

As we embrace this new year, open our hearts to see precisely where we need to invest our time and energy, so that each of us can become the best version of ourselves while serving the greater cause of peace with those around us. With neighbors in community, with patients and families, with all those we have the privilege of sharing our lives and work and ministry, may we remain committed to building the conditions that promote our shared flourishing together. As one human family, we pray. Amen.

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.