Gracious God, you invite us to draw near to you as our loving father. But you created humankind in your image, male and female. On this day, as we express gratitude for the mothers in our lives, help us to see you revealed also in the tenderness and strength of a mother’s love. Thank you for the variety of images that express your presence with us. Amen.

At Pentecost your breathed out your Spirit upon your disciples, Lord. Continue to stir up your Spirit among us in this congregation. Inspire us to broad and bold vision – energy and enthusiasm to live into the power of your love. Use us to shape our community into a place of grace and reconciliation, belonging and hope for all to experience. Amen.

God of healing and hope, thank you for the incredible gifts of all those who work in medical professions. Bless all doctors and nurses, researchers and technicians, and all who give their lives to caring for the lives of others. Sustain them in their work, grant them courage and compassion as they care for those who are ill. Amen.

May is a month of beginnings and endings, O God. As new life springs forth and flourishes in animals and plants around us, school calendars are drawing to a close. Thank you for your presence with us as Alpha and Omega. Help us to honor endings as much as we celebrate beginnings. All times are in your hands, Lord. Amen.

God of peace and reconciliation, we so often fall short of your intentions for human community. Pour out your blessings on those who serve as Peace Officers and Law Enforcement workers. Thank you for their work that helps to keep us safe – sometimes even from ourselves. We remember especially today, police officers who have lost their lives as they sought to preserve the lives of others. Amen.

Creator God, the whole earth reveals a glimpse of your power, your beauty, your delight in diversity! Help me to truly notice and appreciate the grandeur that is all around, and stir me to be a careful caretaker of all that you have made. Amen.

Dearest Friend, you know how much we need human companionship to make our way in this world. Bless all loving relationships, and teach us how to better care for the hearts and minds and lives that are nearest to us. Amen.

Loving Jesus, you have made it clear that we demonstrate our devotion to you by the ways in which we tend to the needs of our neighbors. Guide us as we make decisions about who we are able to serve and how we are able to be signs of your loving presence in the world. Help us to take risks inspired by love. Amen.

Lord, we ask you to bless all who are graduating this spring. Thank you for the privilege of an education, and for teachers and students willing to learn and grow together. Help the newest graduates find good ways to put their skills and gifts to work for the world that you love. Amen.

God of compassion, keep me aware of those who are lonely or grieving. Empower me to reach out to someone who has recently buried a loved one, to offer a word of encouragement and an act of care. Use me to help relieve burden of sorrow where there is need. Amen.

God of abundance, open my eyes today to notice the richness in every aspect of my life. Help me to appreciate the vastness of the sky, the rich diversity of life that surrounds me, the myriad of choices that lay before me. Guide my choices and help me to share your generosity with others. Amen.

I can breathe, Lord! I can see! I can hear, and smell, and touch whatever surrounds me! It is so easy to forget to appreciate the gift of life, Lord. Thank you for the miracle of existence – remind me to notice its treasures. Amen.

Our nation considers this the start of a “long weekend,” Gracious God. Many will get on the road to lake cabins and other destinations. Bless and protect the travelers. Grant them good rest and relaxation, and keep them safe in their leaving and their returning. Amen.

How long is a good long life now, Lord? We seem to want to live “forever,” but is that what you have in mind for your human creatures? Help us to cherish and honor the elders among us. Thank you for the blessings of wisdom born of long experience, and help each of us to be ready to depart from this life when our time has come. Amen.