Reflection   “To what shall we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs u

Prayer

Lord of creation,

Your son Jesus taught us about the depth of your love and the bounty of your goodness through the wonders of creation. Open our hearts to your presence among us through the wonders of the natural world. Strengthen us in our commitment to care for the environment and open our minds to your gracious presence in the beauty of creation. Amen.

Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Prayer

God of humility and goodness,

Mary, the mother of your son Jesus, had a heart filled with motherly love for her son and compassion for all humanity. Create within us a heart full of love for Jesus and for one another. May the abundant goodness of Mary’s heart inspire each of us to lead lives of mercy and care for our sisters and brothers. We make this prayer through Christ, our risen Lord. Amen.

     

 
    Reflection   “Family is not an important thing, it’s everything.” ~ Michael J. Fox    Prayer   God of relationships,  Our families, no matter what they look like or of whom they consist, are vital to who we are as people and to the flour

Prayer

God of relationships,

Our families, no matter what they look like or of whom they consist, are vital to who we are as people and to the flourishing of society. At the heart of your eternal being are the sacred relationships between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. May our faith in you affirm the centrality of family and inspire us to be grateful for, and affirming of, our own families. We pray in the name of our ever-living Lord. Amen.

     

 
    Reflection   “Shout joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; serve the Lord with gladness; come before the Lord with joyful song.” ~ Psalm 100:1-2    Prayer   Gracious God,  As vaccinations increase and as the process of returning to some de

Prayer

Gracious God,

As vaccinations increase and as the process of returning to some degree of normalcy gains momentum, let us shout with joy to you, Lord, for your goodness. As we experience this joyful return, help us to remain mindful of those who died during this pandemic and their families and friends. May this past year strengthen our desire to cherish our loved ones and the shared activities that shape so much of living. Let us shout with joy to the Lord, full of gladness and thanksgiving. We make this prayer in the name of the God who is the source of our being. Amen.

Race Unity Day

Race Unity Day

Prayer

Almighty and ever living God,

Bless our efforts as we continue to strive for racial justice. Help us to recognize the humanity of each and every person. Inspire us, through the gift of your Holy Spirit, to promote and defend the dignity of all. May we of Bon Secours Mercy Health strive to be a shining example of racial harmony, seek always to be inclusive, and united in the quest to pursue happiness and wholeness for all. We pray in God’s name. Amen.

     

 
    Reflection   “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.”   ~ Helen Keller    Prayer   Gracious God,  Sometimes we can be hyper-focused on the negative and fail to see the positive which surrounds u

Prayer

Gracious God,

Sometimes we can be hyper-focused on the negative and fail to see the positive which surrounds us. Give us the confidence that flows from knowing you are with us, that you will never abandon us, and that you will help us navigate the obstacles in our path. We thank you for the gift of your grace that fills us with assurance and faith. We make this prayer in the name of the God who is the source of our being and dignity. Amen.