Prayer

Today we give thanks for St. Scholastica, and the spiritual kinship she shared with her brother, St. Benedict. We ask you to bless us as well, with a spiritual bond that goes deeper than blood. A bond that takes us out of our comfort zones and overflows the limits of our natural families and cultures and histories. As one human family, we hope and we pray for the gift of your love to unite us, above and beyond every force that attempts to divide and destroy. May we stand together as one, believing nothing can quench the power of your love! Amen.

Prayer

Giver of Life,

We are ready for winter to pass. It’s been especially harsh in more ways than one, and it shows on so many faces. We’ve had pain and sorrow, challenge and adversity. We have faced a cold world as best we know how and are anxious for signs of new life, for days that are warmer. As we look for signs of transition, help us each play our part in becoming the change that we long for. By your spirit within us, through our laughter and hope, joy and thanksgiving, let our lives become symbols of spring—fresh and beautiful and bubbling with life. For the life of the world, we pray. Amen.

Prayer to End Trafficking (USCCB)

Loving God,

We seek your divine protection for all who are exploited and enslaved. For those forced into labor, trafficked into sexual slavery, and denied freedom. We beseech you to release them from their chains. Grant them protection, safety, and empowerment. Restore their dignity and provide them a new beginning. Show us how we might end exploitation by addressing its causes. Help us reach out in support of victims and survivors of human trafficking. Make us instruments of your spirit for their liberation. For this we pray through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer

God of Abundance,

Of course we are thankful for the screens and the buttons that have kept us connected these past several years. Yet today and this week, we are especially mindful of our everyday needs and give thanks for the people who meet them. Day in and day out across our facilities, patients and staff and visitors depend on the dedication and commitment of these faithful providers. May we never take them for granted, nor the gift of their service. Although their work may often go unpraised, a day without them would be hard to imagine! Amen.

Prayer

God of vocation,

Today we lift up those on our front lines, the hands and the feet of our mission. Every day they respond to your call and are willingly sent to bring “good help” into the lives of so many. Even without a pandemic their work is strenuous, and we know for how long they’ve carried a much greater burden. May they be encouraged today as we lend our support. Prompt others to answer your call and come to their aid. May we all be willing to answer the call and be sent. Amen.

Prayer

Healing God,

Many times, we have felt the joy that comes from extending your healing presence in the lives of others. It makes us feel humble in the very best sense: grateful, that we get to play our own small parts in the ever-greater work you are doing in the world today. Yet we also know the other side, too: how your call to serve is often inconvenient, frequently frustrating, and many times just plain exhausting. In times such as these, when our spirits are willing, but our flesh feels so weak… or even when our spirits are weary as well…Lead us to rest a while with you that our enthusiasm and dedication might be renewed. Amen.

Prayer

Healing God,

We hold in our hearts all of those affected by cancer. Friends and family and neighbors. Those now in the fight, those still under threat, and all those who’ve passed on. May we honor them all by not wasting our days, but instead make the most of the time you have given. We remember as well the victims of heart disease. We wear red today to show our support, and to raise greater awareness for the need for prevention and cure and compassion. For both these great causes, help us extend every effort to be agents of change and bring your healing to all. One day, we know, all suffering will cease, and disease itself will be defeated. Until that day comes, let Mother Teresa’s words be our own: “we have only today, let us begin.” We pray as one ministry, united by your call to heal, Amen.