Merciful God,
May this season of simple sacrifice
Sharpen our senses
And make us more aware
Of Your presence in this place
May this season of lament
Lead us to listen
To the depths of our darkness
And our need for Your mercy and grace
May this season of scarcity
Move us beyond surface distractions
To the affections of our hearts
And the needs of our neighbors
May this season of lengthening light
Cultivate longing and hope
And form us into the Way of Jesus
For the sake of others
May we walk through this season
And walk through our neighborhoods
With Your eyes
With Your heart
And with Your love
Amen.
Other prayers to engage with place…
Father in Heaven,
Creator of all that is,
All that has been,
All that will ever be.
May we become more attuned to the history
And beautiful layers of life
That existed in this geography before us.
May we have a holy curiosity about this place:
Where our home was built,
Where our family sleeps,
And where we eat our daily meals.
Dear God,
There are so many ordinary ways
To give and receive your love.
From the cuddles of our kids.
From the laughter of a dear friend.
From holding the hand of a spouse.
Teach me today
To give and receive
Your love as a neighbor.
Thank you for the caregivers in our lives.
For those who make us feel noticed, seen, and loved.
For the spouse who made our breakfast.
For the friend who follows up with a text.
For the neighbor who brings in a package.
For the barista who remembers our name.
For the stranger who extends an act of care.
Jesus,
You are the Light of the World, the King of the Universe, the only Son of God.
And, the way You chose to show us how to love each other
Was through the sacred ordinary
Of the basin and towel.
Neighbor, I pray for you.
May God shield you, protect you, and defend you
From the cold, the hard earth, the icy winds,
And from the plots of anyone bent on your harm.
May your mind, body, soul, and spirit be guarded from all evil.
May you find shelter under His pinions
And refuge under His wings.
Father in Heaven,
We pray for warmth this winter.
May Your love ignite the embers of our faith
When the winter presses the bitter cold
Against the doors of our hearts and homes.