Prayer

Joyous Creator,

Thank you for those boisterous spirits you put in our lives, who know just what to say and what buttons to push to lighten us up. When our work feels oppressive and the air becomes stifled, let there be someone among us who knows the importance of celebration—of acknowledging the little wins. May our toughness grow tender as the atmosphere cracks and a party breaks out, however meager or seemingly insignificant. Let our days be punctuated with sweetness and joy, as we continue extending your healing compassion. Amen.

Prayer

God in our midst,

We are so grateful you came among us, entered into the messiness of life, and transformed it. But we know the work is not done. As we see every day, the messes remain. And try as we might to heal and be healed, the suffering before us is hard to endure. Help us endure by turning to you and opening our hearts to the peace you give. Give us the courage of saints, like Timothy and Titus, whom we remember today. May their intercession give us strength to stand in the truth that you have conquered the world. Amen.

Prayer

God of Light and Life,

May we never forget that our real ‘enemies’ are not only flesh and blood, but powers and forces that are harder to identify. They are spiritual forces within us, forces like discouragement, regret, guilt and depression, fear and mistrust and anxiety… These are experiences that can be more debilitating than any of the diseases or conditions we confront every day. When these ‘enemies’ lurk at our doorstep, rouse our spirits again, and fill us with the hope of a greater resilience. Nothing can separate us from your love! And in the power of love we will rise. Amen.

Prayer

God of Compassion,

From generation to generation you have revealed the depth of your love for humanity. Long before we were born, your ministry of compassion, healing, and liberation began. By your grace, and through our cooperation, we pray it continue long into the future. As we all play our part in such a great calling, we thank you especially for the Sisters of Bon Secours today, and the ways they embody your spirit of service for the life of the world. Help us who share in their ministry embrace this spirit and embody it ourselves, so that all may experience the fullness of life you desire for them. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

You taught us by the word and example of your son Jesus that we must take care of ourselves to take care of others. Moved with compassion, Jesus showed love to so many. But he also knew when to step back and to find quiet moments, alone with the Spirit. To walk in the evening or drift on the water, to rest with friends and recoup his strength. If Jesus, God present in our flesh, made habits like this, we have all the more reason to rest as we need. In fact we must rest… for we too are in need and need to be filled. Humbly then we ask: give us this day our daily bread. Amen.

Prayer

We are living in difficult and challenging times. People are stressed and overworked. And we are all struggling to find ways to make it through the day, to remain positive, kind, and joyful. Help us, for the sake of this patient, this family, this neighbor before me, all made in your image, to summon the courage to be kind, to extend compassion, to live in hope. We, too, feel anger and frustration, or just feel numb to our demanding world. Empower us with moral conviction to meet anger with kindness, frustration with calm, and numbness with the gift of loving presence. In choosing your way, may we be refreshed as your joy renews our spirits. Come, Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prayer

Compassionate God,

Open our eyes to see those who are suffering unbearable hardship today, including our colleagues, all those who are practiced at hiding their pain for the sake of others. Open our mouths to speak healing words. Open our hearts to give time and attention, so that all can be healed and find strength in each other. Despite our challenging circumstances, may we nudge one another to remember our calling and restore our true purpose, reviving our senses for the meaning of our work in this world. As we continue extending your healing, compassion, and liberation we pray, Amen.