Prayer

Creator of Mother Earth,

In his Canticle of the Sun, St. Francis of Assisi refers to Sister Mother Earth who sustains and governs us. We, as human beings, are deeply connected to her, born from her soil and returning to her in death. Today, as we pause for prayer, we celebrate Earth, the very essence of our physical selves, and the senses that allow us to encounter our Creator God in all aspects of the universe. May we always honor this sacred connection, cherishing the gift of creation and finding your presence in its beauty and wonder. May we live out our Bon Secours Mercy Health mission to care for this Earth, both now and in the days to come. Amen.

Prayer

Life Abundant,

In the wake of Pope Francis' death today, we pause at the beginning of our celebration of this Easter season, to give thanks for this humble servant, and for his life's witness to your liberating love and compassion. We ask you to console the mourning and to guide your people with wisdom and courage in the days ahead. As we today continue Jesus' ministry to the vulnerable and marginalized, let our commitment to service reflect more and more of your own heart for the life of the world. We make our prayer through Christ, our risen Lord. Amen.

Prayer

Ever-living God,

Your power over death is our salvation! And so, we give thanks and praise today for the victory of Jesus’ resurrection, and we invite you to fill us with a hope that inspires all those we encounter. For those who are especially burdened right now with the pain of suffering or a sense of despair, let your light shine through us as we serve them with both skill and compassion, sharing your abundant life in concrete ways. Amen.

Prayer

God over all,

We live in a culture awash with strong opinions piled on top of each other rather than shared constructively in a spirit of freedom and unity. Deliver us as citizens, from every temptation to put ideology ahead of people, as if our commitment to ideas could ever be more important than the call to respond to a neighbor in need. Instead let us open our hearts and minds first and foremost to your word and receive your spirit, that we might be healed of division, think for ourselves in new ways, and discover fresh ways forward in service to the common good. Amen.

Prayer
Gracious God,

On this most solemn day, we pause to reflect on the depth of love and sacrifice shown through Jesus' death. His willingness to give Himself for our sins opened the door to new life for all. May His selfless example inspire us to give of ourselves for the good of others, to act with compassion, and to walk our own journeys with the same grace, love, and hope that He carried on that first Good Friday. Keep us ever mindful of this profound gift and guide us to live lives worthy of His sacrifice. Amen.

Prayer
God of love,

You have blessed us with all we need to know and worship you, yet in our humanity, we often fall short. We are grateful for your boundless understanding and patience, knowing that our struggles do not diminish your love for us. Guide us to seek you more faithfully each day, to persevere through life’s challenges, and to grow closer to you in trust and love. May our hearts always long for the day when we will see you face to face, dwelling with you in perfect harmony. Amen.

 Prayer
Compassionate God,

You have shown us that one of the greatest callings in life is to care for one another, sharing love and compassion with those who are in need. Help us to always keep the needs of the poor close to our hearts and inspire us to find meaningful ways to serve them. Teach us that in giving of ourselves, we are blessed with a deeper sense of your everlasting love. Guide us to share that love freely with all we meet, spreading hope and kindness in your name. For this we pray. Amen.