Prayer

Infinite God,

We are often tempted to forget we are creatures, finite and limited. We pretend we are superhuman, yet the evidence is lacking! Eventually we come to the end of ourselves, and have nothing left to offer the world. We crash, collapse, and collide with the reality of our weakness. Would you help us to pause more, God? To breathe a bit and give ourselves a break? Let us feel the freedom, if not the obligation, to pursue self-care. For the sake of those we serve, help us take care of ourselves. Amen.

Prayer

God of Life,

Humbly we ask to be healed of self-centeredness. To be freed from thinking we occupy the center of the universe, overly focused on our own needs, wants, and desires. As good as it is to live in the present, help us be mindful of our past and our future, especially as these are embodied in the young and the old: living icons of our collective memory and the promise of a shared tomorrow. Change our perspective of what truly matters in our shared life together, so we think less of ourselves and more of those who are most vulnerable. And in so doing, may we experience the fullness of communion that you desire to share with us all. Amen.

Prayer

Gracious God,

So many voices call for our attention. We may know and believe that you have the words of eternal life, yet we are also easily distracted. We have a hard time keeping still and remaining present before you. Give us faithful endurance in this busy world, Lord, so that despite all the noise we may continue to practice the way of discernment and wisdom, listening every day for your voice and following where you lead. Amen.

Prayer

God of Love,

With hearts full of gratitude as well as concern, we place our families before you today. The family is where we find our sense of belonging, learn what self-giving love looks like, and where we are always accepted just as we are. And yet, we are all too human and far from perfect. The family is also where we learn how to hurt those we love, how hard it is to be forgiving and accepting, and we fail to feel home is a place of warmth and security. With thanks for the family, we ask for your help, so that our own families will be more reflective of your love, mercy, and acceptance. May we forgive each other for many weaknesses, find healing, and move forward. Amen.

Prayer

God of All Glory,

Thank you for the life of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, who embodied so faithfully your heart for the poor. Yielding up her privilege as the daughter of the King of Hungary, Elizabeth embraced instead a humble and austere life alongside those who were born destitute. Her life serves as an example for us at Bon Secours Mercy Health, as she spent her final years taking care of the hospitalized and serving their needs. May we, too, extend your compassionate love without self-regard. Amen.

Prayer

Lord of All,

You created us with an instinct for curiosity, discovery, and a natural desire to pursue truth, goodness, and beauty—wherever they may be found. Help us all remember today that this pursuit is unceasing, that none of us will ever attain a full comprehension of your revelation, and that our fundamental vocation is to remain ever open to you—receptive and responsive creatures, made in your image. May we always and everywhere give you thanks and praise for bringing us into your light, and may we find the courage to walk faithfully the paths you have shown us. Amen.

Prayer

God of Peace and Truth,

Our society today struggles so often with division, animosity, and an inability to speak meaningfully with each other. Help us commit to working together, again and again, to find genuine and authentic forms of civil discourse. Exhort us in heart and mind, to listen thoughtfully to the experience and opinions of those with whom we disagree. Enable us to believe once again that we all are in search of a meaningful world and that, despite the challenges, it is worth finding together. By your grace we pray and in your name, Amen.