Dear ,

This monday morning, I want you to know that you are loved and cherished. I think you matter, and what you are doing to live out your call is big work. I received so many messages of appreciation for the prayer I wrote on Saturday. Praying for ministry leaders is such an important part of my vocation. 

So I decided to record my reflections and speak the prayer aloud for you to hear as you begin your week. The words of the prayer are also printed below. 

, as someone reading this weekly email, you are very likely a person who takes care of many other people, and today I want to extend my care to and for you. May this prayer offer you strength and mercy as you start your week. As you are making space and giving spiritual care to many people, please know that I am also praying for you and your well-being.

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God our Amma and Abba,

I am asking your love, guidance, and care for today. This is a time of uncertainty and disappointment. The world feels impossible and far beyond our reach. Yet our vocations call upon us to hold fast to love, and guidance, and care for those who depend on us to teach, lead, preach, and pray. Help us to rest deeply in your care and rise to the occasions of our calling. God, our Amma and Abba, we pray for the tenderness of your love, the gentleness of your guidance, the unshakable hand of your care. 

God of the Pit and the Wing, 

I ask your Christ-light of presence to shine this day on . Whether this day feels like a pit of sadness and despair or more like a bird in flight, your presence and mercy are fitting for each instance. Life's lows take many forms, and they often leave us feeling alone and bereft. Life's highs come in surprising moments like fluttering leaves, quiet smiles, purring cats, rolling laughter, jumping dogs, a well-timed joke, or a well-turned phrase. You are in each of these places and moments. You are God-with-us in the pit or on the wing. Help us to be present and bear witness to others in their highs and in their lows.

God of Justice and Imagination,

I am inviting your inspiration and asking your Spirit to bring vision to . When the times call for more than we feel like we can give, we need your vision of justice. When we are overwhelmed by new situations, we need your wisdom to spark our imaginations and give us clarity to respond. Listen with us to the cries and the laments. Give us strength to see the world as it is. Open our hearts and minds, our relationships and our deep embodied wisdom, all gifts of your Spirit. Help us imagine a world woven with your justice and your love. Give us courage to participate in your very life, O God, and in the lives of our siblings, and yes, even our enemies, so that together we might make this new world. 

God, bless us, keep us and guide us, uphold and inspire us, this day and evermore. Amyn. 

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I believe that your work matters, , and I believe you matter. Please let me know how I can support you! 

Warmly,

Eileen