Reflection   “O God, to those who have hunger, give bread; and to those who have bread, give the hunger for justice.” –Latin American prayer   Prayer   God of justice,  Unite your family in a spirit of genuine concern, so that sisters an

Prayer

God of justice,

Unite your family in a spirit of genuine concern, so that sisters and brothers will learn to share better. For those who have not, provide for them, Lord, and sustain all their needs. For those who have much, inspire them with a sense of real solidarity, so that they would feel a great need to manifest justice, providing for others in accord with your own generosity. Amen.

     

 
    Reflection   “The crimes of religion have one thing in common. They involve making God in our image instead of letting Him remake us in His.” –Rabbi Jonathan Sacks    Prayer   God of Mercy,  Who are we, that you should be mindful of

Prayer

God of Mercy,

Who are we, that you should be mindful of us? With so much to repent from and so much to be sorry for—so many crimes committed in your name. In big ways and small, we have all missed the mark, and tarnished the image you made us to bear. Your very own image, filled with your breath, sacred and holy because you called each to being. Merciful God, have mercy. Renew us again (and again and again), so that we who proclaim to know you will always defend the inestimable value you place upon each human life. Remake us each day, Lord, so that in our very own flesh we may reveal who you are. Amen.

Mawlid al-Nabi

Mawlid al-Nabi

Prayer

O God our Creator,

Your blessings to us are beyond calculation! With hearts full of gratitude, we ask you to strengthen our devotion to the way you have shown us. Forgive us our failings and bless the work of our hands. Inspired by your breath, may our lives be reflections of your many perfections; may we be ever faithful in these most excellent actions: lifting up others in heart, mind, and body. All-knowing, All-seeing God! Just and Forgiving, Infinitely Good! All the thanks and praise be to you: Alhamdulillah!

Feast of Saint Luke, evangelist

Feast of Saint Luke, evangelist

Prayer

Living God,

To be your friend! What a great aspiration! Yet you indeed call us friends, in the peace you have brought us through Christ. In response to your hospitality, let us therefore be bold, glorifying you with our lives—extending your mercy, standing for justice, embodying compassion. In the company of saints, we petition St. Luke, physician, and patron of healers, to ask for us help and assistance in fulfilling our mission as Bon Secours Mercy Health. Amen.

     

 
    Reflection   “A great man is different from an eminent one in that he is ready to be the servant of the society.”  –B. R. Ambedkar    Prayer   Almighty God,  Humbly you came to the earth you created and showed us the way of true greatnes

Prayer

Almighty God,

Humbly you came to the earth you created and showed us the way of true greatness. You broke the supposed wisdom of the world with the wisdom of heaven, teaching us: “whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.” What’s more, you perfectly modeled such servanthood in your life and your death, giving yourself up as a ransom for many. No greater love than this, God; and no one greater among us than one so ready to serve. Help us each day to serve as we can, in accord with our calling, upholding the good and the dignity of all. Amen.

     

 
    Reflection   “Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.” –Albert Schweitzer   Prayer   Gracious God,  Every good and perfect gift comes from

Prayer

Gracious God,

Every good and perfect gift comes from you. Kindness! What a remarkable gift, and one we can so freely share with each and every one of your precious creatures. Open our hearts, Lord, so that we who have been shown such kindness may be faithful to show it to others. Let your kindness among us melt those hearts frozen by misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility. Amen.

Memorial of St. Teresa of Jesus

Memorial of St. Teresa of Jesus

Prayer

God our Maker,

Embody your goodness through us, O Lord, embody your goodness. Inspirit our bodies—yes, these very bodies!—to serve in your stead, blessing the world with compassion. And now, for the hands that have worked till they’re weary—have mercy, and come, holy spirit. For the feet that have walked till they’re sore—have mercy, and come, holy spirit. Amen.