Prayer

Creator God,

Often, we find ourselves trapped, comparing ourselves to others. Envious perhaps, but more likely just discontented with our own situation—wishing our worlds were more like those dreamscapes our culture trains us to desire. Help us to grow, ever more thankful for who you have made us to be and where you have placed us. May we practice contentment. Letting go of comparisons and becoming ourselves, may our faithful devotion to the calling before us beautify the world you have made, right where we are, here and now. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

Draw us nearer and nearer to your presence within. Open our hearts more and more, that your love will shine brighter and shatter the darkness. May we be the ones to lift up those who feel lost, to enter their pain and become your compassion. Where can we go from your presence? In every direction, O God, shelter us within your tender, infinite love. Amen.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.