Let us pray that we bring Christ’s light to others: Lord God, your Son, Jesus Christ came as God with a human face. Lead us to create with you a love and justice that reflects your light in a dark world, and until that day may the Holy Spirit inspire and guide us to lead everyone to you. Amen.
(Claretian Communications)
Let us pray that all God’s people become more like Christ our King: God our Father, lover of people, we recognize our King crowned with thorns and enthroned on a cross. This King is our leader without an army or earthly might. Like him, may we choose love and compassion as our only power and humble service as our only greatness. May this be the way his kingdom grows within us and among us, until you lead us unto your lasting joy.
We ask you this through Christ our Lord who eternally dwells with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.
(Claretian Communications)
Jesus established a kingdom not one based upon retaliation, smashing the competition, arrogance, or militarily defeating the enemy. Jesus established a kingdom based on humility, truth, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and love (Luke 23:33-38). This was a type of kingdom no one expected, and a type of kingdom with which we have trouble establishing.
In the Christian sense, power is not a tool to dominate others and use violence to enforce that domination; rather, power is utilized to build up the kingdom of God through humility, truth, kindness, love, and yes, forgiveness. There are prayers that remind us of this with the phrase: “God chiefly show his power in mercy and compassion.” May we not betray the kingdom of which Jesus bore witness and display power in enacting mercy and compassion.
Let us pray that we expect God’s future with trust and perseverance: God our Father, we believe that your plans for us are for peace, and not disaster and fear. Keep our eyes open to the coming of Jesus, your Son. May we commit ourselves untiringly to the growth of the kingdom among us by carrying out your plans for peace and compassion. May the Holy Spirit lead us to do what makes our world more like your world.
Amen.
(Claretian Publications)
Let us pray to God that the saints inspire us to follow Christ as they did: God of hope and Lord of the future, through the saints you inspire us today with new hope in the future. Help us realize that justice, peace and love are worth living and dying for, and that one day you will crown your own work in us, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior who eternally dwells with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forevermore.
Amen.
(Claretian Publications)
I love the sense of the Kris Kristofferson song, “Why Me Lord?” God notices humility and honesty. Part of the Good News is that God accepts us when we come humbly.
When we elevate ourselves by putting someone down, we act presumptuously toward God and others. Remember: God elevates the humble and humbles the proud and arrogant. (Luke 18:9-14).
Let us pray to God our Father as we learn to love the Word he speaks to us: God our Father, you keep speaking to us today in the words and deeds that bind us to you. May we listen attentively to your Son with his message of faith, hope and love. May it bring us wisdom in our confusion, and encouragement in our trials. Help us to respond to his words with deeds of justice and compassion through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture inspires us to become a living inspiration of God’s love and compassion. Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, Holy Scripture inspires us to love God and our neighbor. Ask the
Holy Spirit to guide you in your reading of Scripture and reveal God’s Word, Jesus Christ, more fully to you, and more fully align your life with the revelation of God in Jesus Christ.
