Author: revpaulcalkin

Here are the Prayers Of The People from 

Mayfair Heights United Methodist Church,

July 13, 2025

Prayers Of The People 

Loving God, 

Millions of our siblings are on the move around the world, 

Not by choice, but by desperation.

We encounter their stories in the news

And their faces in members of our own communities. 

May they find a place among us.

God, in your love,

Hear our prayers.

May we lead the way to bring about God’s vision of peace and justice to all, 

Of hope and love to those on the move near and far. 

For those forced to flee violence, we pray for safety. 

For those trying to support and protect their families, 

We pray for secure communities to embrace them.

God, in your love,

Hear our prayers.

For those searching for peace and hope, 

May we be bearers of good news. 

Embolden us to call out injustice, to speak truth and love.

Enable us that we may have the courage to stand and act

In defense of human dignity for all our siblings in need. 

God, in your love,

Hear our prayers. Amen.

Peace Be With You. – Paul

From Mindful Christianity:

Every day, you have two choices:

To focus on what’s wrong or to embrace what’s right.

Choose gratitude.

Choose joy.

Choose to see the beauty in the little things, 

and life will become even more that you imagined. 

Peace Be With You. – Paul

From the tinyjoyproject (@tinyjoyproject):  

I’m not even near where I want to be. 

But I remember when I used to pray for this version of me. This morning. This breath. This gentle peace in my chest. 

Progress doesn’t always shout. 

Sometimes it just feels quiet and kind.

Peace Be With You. – Paul

They asked:

“Why is it so important to be kind?”

I said:

Because we walk past hundreds of people every day, and none of them wear signs that say “I’m grieving,” “I’m exhausted,” or “I’m barely holding it together.” 

But they’re everywhere.  Kindness might be the only softness they receive today. – Vex King 

Peace Be With You. – Paul

Some are holding on by the thinnest thread.

Kindness, even unnoticed, 

Might be the thread keeping them from falling.

Be gentle — you could be the thread.

From Mindful Christianity.

Words of Affirmation from Mayfair Heights United Methodist Worship – July 6, 2025

Find gratitude in your life story. Wake up every morning and say to yourself, “I made it here from where I started, and I am so proud of that.” When we do this, we bless ourselves and feed ourselves with the love required for us to flourish and keep going no matter where we come from or what we have been through. – Cleo Wade

Peace Be With You. – Paul

Morning Blessing (From Rivers In The Ocean)

May this day meet you gently,

with no need to prove,

no need to hurry.

May you move through each hour

with the grace of someone

who knows they belong—

just as they are.

May tenderness guide your words,

and may kindness return to you

in the smallest, most unexpected ways.

And if you forget your light for a while,

may something soft remind you—

a bird, a smile, a breath—

that it’s still there,

shining quietly within.

Image of the quilt from Yaya Co.

Peace Be With You. – Paul

WORD FOR THE DAY FROM GRATEFUL.ORG Let the laughter come, even if it has not been heard for a very long time, especially if times are hard and the future uncertain. Laughter is as important in adversity as wisdom and courage.

STEVEN CHARLESTON

Peace Be With You. – Paul

WORD FOR THE DAY FROM GRATEFUL.ORGLet the laughter come, even if it has not been heard for a very long time, especially if times are hard and the future uncertain. Laughter is as important in adversity as wisdom and courage.

STEVEN CHARLESTON

Peace Be With You. – Paul

“A person is more than the worst act of their life.” – Sister Helen Prejean from Doing Time: 25 years of Prison Writing (advocate for abolition of the death penalty and author of Dead Man Walking.)

Peace Be With You. – Paul