Daily Reflections
Always Good God,
May we never take for granted those rare and precious days when everything seems to go right. Because we know that it is precisely when times are tough that you call us to rely on our inner strength and character to make it through. Help us, then, to be ready for the bad days, by devoting ourselves daily to the habits and practices that nurture our inner foundations. Amen.
God of the new,
Different perspectives can alter our expectations about even the most ordinary experiences. We need people around us who can refresh our vision in such ways. People who are blessed with unique insight and creative thinking. People who help us to see the world through new lenses, so that we might find new and accessible solutions to the problems we face together. Inspire us all towards new perspectives and fresh ways of thinking today, so that our work in this ministry can better serve the needs of our patients, families, and our broader communities. Amen.
God our refuge and strength,
We unite with others across the globe today, to remember those whose lives are upended by terrorism year upon year. We give them voice today and renew our commitment not to look away from the injustice they suffer. May we honor the memory of those who have died—those we have known and those who will never be known—by lending concrete support to those who presently live amid fears and threats of violence. In solidarity with them, we pray for your kingdom to come, with its healing and liberation, on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Reconciling God,
We may struggle to imagine how all the wrongs will somehow be put right. How peace will ever come for all people, near and far. Yet your ways are higher than our ways and the plans that you have made are good and true. In the hope of faith, then, we look forward to a day when the earth itself will meet heaven’s justice. When a new day will dawn, and you will reconcile all things just as they should be. In our work today, may we all do our part in bringing your dream for the world one step closer to reality. Amen.
Prayer
God with us,
Some of the greatest challenges we face in our personal lives have to do with finding direction and knowing the “right” path to take. Yet sometimes we know quite clearly which way we should go. We just lack the courage to get started. Give us that courage today. Fill us with determination and discernment, to pursue our calling with purpose and to face our obstacles with joy. After all, you are the one who has called us over the mountains we face, and you promise to accompany us every step of the way. Thank you. Amen.
Prayer
Strengthening Spirit,
We all grow weary at times, and so we must pause, rest, and recover. Other times, though, we just need motivation and encouragement to press on towards our goals and pursue our calling. Give us both at the appropriate time and in good measure, both rest and encouragement, so that the mission we share with you might succeed. As we serve you today by serving your people, let us be more conscientious of those beside us, those who need a restful break and those who need a strengthening word. May we be eager to support one another in meaningful ways. Amen.
Prayer
God of the living,
In late-nineteenth century Ireland, an apparition of Mary, Joseph, and John the Evangelist on the side of a church held a crowd of spectators captive for over two hours in the pouring rain. Unique to their vision was the appearance of a sacrificial lamb standing on a cross and surrounded by angels. As we celebrate this extraordinary event with our Irish colleagues today, we ask that we might be bold enough to remain on the lookout for new revelations of your presence among us. Fill us with wonder! Amen.
