ALT Image of a landscape with mountains, trees and a bright blue river running through it. Prayer by Katie Johnson Gant: Divine Source, You are the God of rivers, oceans, and lakes. Of tall, outstretched branches and roots buried deep. The God of feathers, fins, and fur. The God of seeds, buds, and bursting flowers. We ask for your forgiveness for the ways we've hurt your creation. We call upon your healing love to break forth and bloom so that we may begin to live in community again.

ALT Image of a large statue of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer by Dr. Sharon R. Fennema: God of many gifts and one Spirit, We confess that sometimes it is easier to celebrate a single prophetic voice, than to honor the complex movements that give rise to freedom. When we lift up Martin Luther King, Jr. as a visionary and leader, and ignore that we have a part to play in making his dreams a reality, forgive us. Empower us to take up our roles in the movement toward racial justice. Amen.

ALT Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us here at the United Church of Christ, National Ministries! Please know that our offices will be closed for the holiday season beginning December 24th through January 2nd. May your holiday season be filled with peace, happiness, and joy!

ALT Person with their hands up in prayer, with the sun in the background. Prayer by Karl Heilman: God, I come to you today, asking for guidance. There is so much going on around me, so much uncertainty. So much. So much. Please guide me, teach me, comfort me, and allow me to find certainty in You and Your unwavering Truth. I thank You. I love You. I open my heart to You. Let Your river flow through me, so my leaves may never wither and fruit remain abundantly available. In Your Name & Glory, Me

ALT Background image of hands clasped in prayer on top of a bible, with a single lit candle nearby. Prayer by Stephanie Marie: I pray that there will be justice for those who are innocent and most vulnerable. I pray for God’s justice where there is injustice. I pray for all the wrongs to be made right. In Jesus name I pray.

ALT Person bowing their head on their hands in prayer. Text says: Give us strength to stand up to injustice, as Jesus did, and the grace to do it gently. Help us protect the young, infirm, and vulnerable. And, help us to forgive the transgressors, whether or not they come to terms with their ways. Amen.

ALT Silhouette of a family holding hands and walking toward a sunset. Prayer by Matt Laney: Gracious One, Thank you for Joseph, patron saint of all families, parents, immigrants, refugees, and compassionate folk everywhere.

ALT Dark background with open hands, holding light. Prayer by Ann Kansfield: How do we know your hope is shining if we do not watch for it? How do we know you have increased our joy if we do not give thanks for it? How do we know your miracle has come if we do not make room for it?

ALT Blurry green background, with a heart shaped ornament in the foreground that says Hope on it. Prayer by Martha Spong: O Holy One of Mystery, May we find you in the mystery of flickering light and the hope of new beginning. Amen.

ALT Background is a bunch of white string lights, and prayer by Jennifer Garrison: Light of World, Shine here, shine now, draw us out of the shadows of hate and fear and into your sunshine of love and justice. Amen.

ALT Image of a manger with straw and a blanket. Prayer by Molly Baskette: God, thank you for the roof over my head. Now, make room in my heart for Jesus to move in, wherever and however I may encounter him, so that I don’t miss Christmas.

ALT Person with arms open wide, up toward the sky, with a sunrise in the background. Prayer by: Vince Amlin. God, the signs and portents don’t look good. Grant me a spirit of endurance. Teach me to live for the long haul. Amen.

ALT Person standing at the top of a snowy mountain, arms out, head to the sky. Prayer by: Kaji Dousa God, We turn and see. Help us emerge washed and refreshed. Amen.

ALT Image of pine boughs with white lights and pine cones. Prayer by Lillian Daniel: As the birth of Jesus approaches, remind me to show hospitality without grumbling and without keeping score. Amen.

ALT Silhouette of a head down near clasped hands in prayer. Prayer by Rev. Paul Werner: Loving God, We come to you reeling from division, detachment, and despair. Some of us come to you with a heightened awareness of your presence in our lives, knowing that you're journeying with us no matter what. Wherever we may find ourselves, we ask you to bless us with your Holy Spirit. Fill us with peace, presence, and perseverance, so we can be fully present for others. Amen.

ALT Bright shining star in a night sky. Prayer by Liz Miller: When the noise of the season overwhelms me, may I tune into John’s assurance that Christ is coming anyway. Amen.

ALT Image of votive candles. Prayer by Douglas Horner: God, Help us to be the peace we hope to see in the world. Let our hearts and minds join with like-minded souls around the world to live out Jesus' mandate for nonviolent direct action with individuals, neighborhoods and nations. Bless us with compassion, strength and courage for the days ahead. In Jesus' name, Amen.

ALT Person standing at the edge of the ocean, hands clasped in prayer on their chin, head up to the sky. Prayer by Drew Willard: Blessed is your name, O God; Who remembers us in our distress; Who searches for us in our gloom and calls us into the light; Who calls us into being; Who never fails us. Strengthen us to your good purpose; Don't let us let you down; In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

ALT Graphic is of the four Advent candles lit, with snow-kissed greenery surrounding them. Prayer by Rev. Dr. James Fouther Jr.: God of Grace & Glory, Make Advent extra special for us this year. Grant us a new appreciation for the waiting and anticipation of the season. Touch our minds and spirits with reflection, deep listening and empathy. Renew us in ways that help us face the new year with hope knowing our faith grants us the joy of this transition the very first Sunday of Advent. Amen.