For Those Going to Homes Not Their Own

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.

I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.

But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart form that desire. And I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it.

Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

For Those Continuing to Wait

We wait in the darkness! Come, all ye who listen,
Help in our night journey:
Now no sun is shining
Now no star is glowing
Come show us the pathway:
The night is not friendly;
The moon has forgot us,
We wait in the darkness!

- Iroquois Prayer

For Those Receiving and Serving

Dearest Lord, teach me anew to be generous.
Teach me to serve you as you deserve;
To give and not to count the cost;
To fight and not to heed the wounds;
To toil and not to seek reward,
Save that of knowing that
I do your will, O God.

- St. Ignatius Loyola

Stewardship Prayer

Most Gracious God, it is you who lives and dwells within us. And as a result, our hands do your work; our feet go your way, our tongues speak your words, our minds think of you and our spirits pray to you. We partner with you, God, to do what is your will.

Grant us patience, courage and appreciation. We are truly grateful for your gifts, for the talents you bestow upon us, for the compassion you allow us to show, and for the time you give to us so that we may share with others.

As your stewards, Father, we acknowledge that all things come from you. We give in the hope that you will continue to have mercy on us and nurture us in peace, in friendship and in sacrifice. As our brothers and sisters suffer from loss of lives and belongings in Louisiana and Mississippi let us reach out to them in faith, in giving, in helping and in praying for their survival and recovery.

Be with us, Almighty, as we pray to you for guidance. Help us to work without hesitation, serve without recognition and with humility; to share our wisdom, love kindness, do justice and trust in you, always in the name of your son, the risen Lord. Amen.

- Jacci White