Prayer

God with us,

Your holy word of Scripture encourages us over and over to live in a way that reveals your own spirit of hospitality, welcome, and inclusion—especially for the sake of the stranger in need. Help us to do better. As people in community and all across our nations, challenge us through to obey your word, embody hospitality, and thereby reflect your compassion to all people, especially those who need it most. May we be surprised with the blessings that follow! Amen.

Prayer

Spirit of Peace,

There are so many things going on in the world that could provoke anxiety in our hearts. Yet we choose instead to pause, and invite you again today, to release us from the burden of worry. Empower us to face this day fueled by your love and the hope of resurrection burning in our hearts. You invite us to take heart and hear the good news, that you have overcome the world and are now offering us a peace beyond understanding. Help each one of us to receive that peace, right now, wherever we are, and whatever we’re doing. We pray especially for those who are anxious, vulnerable, and hurting, that we might be agents of peace to them. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

We are often inspired by the good work performed by those who serve faithfully in emergency medical services. Yet this week in particular, we lift them up to you and ask you to bless them with an extra boost in their step, conscious of the way their compassionate care makes such a difference, for people in need and all across our communities. Despite the complexities and challenges they face, may they continue to bring their hearts into the service they provide, and may we continue to champion them, as colleagues and partners in your healing mission today. Amen.

Prayer

Strengthening God,

Since the very beginning of your mission among us, adversities and obstacles have seemed to be part of the program! As we face our own hardships extending your ministry today, help us resist the temptation to lose steam. Motivate us to be agile in response to challenges, and may we be fully present to one another as much as our patients and families—encouraging, exhorting, and strengthening the spirits beside us, so we can all bring our best and live out your mission. May we persevere in faith, hope, and love, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Almighty God,

On this Armed Forces Day, we thank you for the gift of those who have accepted the call to serve our nation in the armed forces. We thank you for the women and men who generously give of themselves in the effort to maintain our country’s freedom and encourage it to flourish and prosper. Bless all those who serve and their families and friends whose untiring efforts make their service possible. May we who enjoy the blessings of freedom always be grateful to those who help to preserve it. We pray in God’s name. Amen. 

Prayer
Faithful God,

We are creatures of habit, often hesitant to step into the unknown, even when the familiar grows difficult. Yet, St. Brendan, the Voyager, set sail into uncharted waters, trusting you with each wave, discovering new lands, and bringing hope to his people. Inspire us with his courage. Help us to face the uncertainties before us with faith, seeking new ways to share your love and serve those in need. May we journey forward, fearless and guided by your steady hand. For this, we pray. Amen.

Prayer
God of good works,
So many in our world hunger today—hunger for food, for health, for safety, and for spiritual nourishment. We often lift these needs to you in prayer, hoping they will be fulfilled. Yet, through our call to serve others with the compassionate ministry of Jesus, we come to see that we are often the answer to those prayers. You invite us to be your hands, helping to satisfy the hunger of those in need. Strengthen our hearts to always be willing to serve, to reach out, and to love as Jesus loves. Through his name, we pray. Amen.