Dearest Christ,

Thank you for the gifts of family and friends, food and water, sunlight and each new day. Open my eyes to better appreciate the simple blessings of life and become alert to daily opportunities to experience gratitude. Let me never be content with merely feeling grateful. Instead, grant me the joy of discovery and an eagerness to change, that I might live in thankfulness. Help me to become a truly grateful person.

Amen.

Dear God,

Thank you for the gift of young people! You’ve given them energy, joy, insights, questions and love to share in ways that other generations can’t. So open my eyes and my heart to see them and value their contributions to the world. Use Community United Methodist Church (and that means ME!) to offer them care and compassion. Help us to “be the village” they need for support and spiritual growth. Prompt me to identify, validate and cheer on the potential you’ve placed within each one of them. This I pray in the name of Jesus, who drew the children to his side.

Amen.

Dear God,

You are the God of my ancestors and my future. I am filled with wonder when I consider all that you have done. Help me to remember that even when I do not see it, your Holy Spirit is at work in and through every situation; for in all things, you work for good. So break through the routines I establish and the circumstances beyond my control. Gift me with signposts that point me toward hope. Generate dreams in me that are consistent with those you have for my life. Use me and use my church to love our community with the boldness and confidence of Joseph, that in all things, you may be glorified. This I pray in the name of Jesus.                                      

Amen.

Radiant Christ,

We worship you today with awe and love. While we are physically distanced, help us to remember that we are connected by the strength and ongoing presence of your Spirit. We pray for health professionals, first responders, child care workers and all who care for others. We pray for those who are ill and for their families. We pray for racial justice and collaborative action; for vision and direction. Grant us an awareness of your presence when we experience fear, emptiness or worry. Give to us your courage and hope in these days of uncertainty. Break through each of our lives and use us as you see fit, that we might champion your grace in the world.

Amen.

God of Unending Surprises,

This life is a tapestry of moments and memories woven together, and I long to be a weaver of love. Today I pray that you would unravel my biases. Unravel my assumptions. Unravel whatever it is that keeps me from you. And as you do, clear space in my heart for your word and will for my life.

I am here and I am listening.

Amen.

* Prayer adapted from materials by A Sanctified Art