Reflection   “Empathy is the ability to place yourself in the heart of another, to listen to the waves of pain and anguish they feel, and to feel those waves within yourself.” –Christina Feldman   Prayer   God of compassion,  Today is an

Prayer

God of compassion,

Today is another day to choose to open our hearts and embrace our connections with others. We try so hard sometimes to act independent, as if we can do it all on our own. Yet we know the truth. We are made for each other. So, give us courage today, to be with and for others in the ways you have taught us. Help us share others’ burdens and show them we care. Amen.

     

 
    Reflection   “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’” –Robin Williams   Prayer   Life Eternal,  Fill us with joy to be glad for this day and the new things it brings. May springtime’s new life continue to grace us, that we migh

Prayer

Life Eternal,

Fill us with joy to be glad for this day and the new things it brings. May springtime’s new life continue to grace us, that we might serve others as springtime people, ready to spread life-giving joy to all those around us. Let us be the ones who can spark a real celebration. Let us celebrate not in a way that denies pain and suffering, but in a way that extends resurrection hope, whereby death is swallowed by life. Even now. Even here. Amen.

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Prayer

God of life,

What a world-shaking thought! A life stronger than death is already present among us—and indeed, right now lives within us. As those who’ve been called to extend your compassion, help us live into this truth. We strive to embody your healing presence, and yet are daily confronted with death and demise. When it’s hard to go on, encourage our hearts with the power of your word today. Fill us with hope, that your life-giving Spirit will be felt, seen, and heard in our midst. Amen.

Ramadan

Ramadan

Prayer

All-Powerful God,

As our Muslim brothers and sisters enter the month of Ramadan, may we all take this opportunity to reflect more deeply on our health—in mind, body, and spirit. Give to each one of us a sense of freedom before you to embrace our journeys of faith, hope, and love, trusting that you will guide us in the way we should go. Let us all do our part to remove every hindrance from running this race with perseverance and dedication, encouraging each other towards integrity and authenticity. For the life of the world we pray, Amen.

     

 
    Reflection   “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” –Psalm 14:1   Prayer   Living God,  In this world of struggle and pain, we are, at times, tempted to lose faith. Despite our struggles, we still have faith, we still have hope

Prayer

Living God,

In this world of struggle and pain, we are, at times, tempted to lose faith. Despite our struggles, we still have faith, we still have hope. We have love. Today, we pray for those whose faith has grown dim, who find it hard to see the path forward. Inspire us through your Holy Spirit to be instruments of your grace and peace, that through us their faith, hope, and love might be renewed and their thirst for you restored. Amen.

     

 
    Reflection   “What can we gain by sailing to the moon if we are not able to cross the abyss that separates us from ourselves? This is the most important of all voyages of discovery, and without it all the rest are not only useless but di

Prayer

God of my neighbor,

You have gifted humanity with such extraordinary creativity. The wonders of human civilization stand alongside the beauties of the natural world. Yet, we know that we fail at times in upholding human dignity for all and so often disregard the beauty of your creation. Fill us with the courage to respond generously to our call to be prophets of your love and goodness, setting our hearts on genuinely human ambitions, restoring common foundations, and building bridges across all divisions. As one human family, we pray. Amen.

National Doctors’ Day

National Doctors’ Day

Prayer

Compassionate Healer,

We offer heartfelt thanks for the dedication and devotion of doctors all across the world. We pray you would bless these gifted servants of life and dignity in a special way today. And in view of the awesome sense of responsibility that comes with their calling, we ask for their protection and provision as they tend to those who are most vulnerable and in need. Keep their sights set on doing the best that they can in what they’re able to do, letting go of the rest. Let them flourish in their ministry, as healers extending compassion, building up the common good one life at a time. Amen.