Prayer

God of Creation,

When we feel distant from you, lead us to embrace your creation and the creatures you have made. Like St. Columbanus, whose life we remember today, lead us to find ways to be close to you by being close to the world you have made. Few of us will embark upon the disciplined life of a monk, yet each of us in our own way can discover the joy of quiet times with nature, watching the birds and animals, exploring your rivers and streams. In so doing, may we be surprised to find you there. Amen.

Prayer

God of Freedom and Love,

Our souls are often restless and anxious. Real rest is hard to find, and though our work is joyful, it is also very taxing. In the midst of it all, you provide us with joy-filled moments of delight, which seem to come from nowhere. When we least expect it, a scene unfolds; the tension cracks; and our smiles cannot be contained. We laugh and feel refreshed. These moments are like little presents to us—good, healthy, and cleansing. And so in our darker days of stress and strain, we thank you for these sweet occasions for joy, levity, and laughter; and we humbly ask for more. Amen.

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.