Prayer

God our joy,

May we never underestimate the power of a smile. A face shining with joy can be such a genuine comfort to people in pain, experiencing loneliness and isolation, all those who are desperate for hope. As we gather our hearts and minds in prayer today, we ask that each one of our associates might have a new experience of your indwelling spirit and the joy that it brings. Let it spring up from within, so that every patient, family member, colleague and neighbor might be graced with the gift of a hospitable smile. For our sake as much as for those that we serve, Amen.

Prayer

God of our journeys,

So often you call us, out of the harbors of safety and into uncharted waters. It can be hard to follow that call, whether in our personal lives or in the organizations that we form together. And yet we have seen and believed that it is better by far to answer your call, stay close to your voice, and let you lead the way. Therefore, we ask you: lead us. May we always remember that our safety depends not on the stability of the familiar, but on our constant pursuit of who you made us to be. Amen.

Prayer

God of order,

We live in a society where it seems increasingly difficult for our politics to embrace the “both/and” of justice and charity, together. And yet in your vision of persons in community, these virtues together form the one foundation of any society that hopes to cultivate deep and genuine peace. Help us to work towards a more peace-filled social order, as we respond compassionately to the wounded and the vulnerable that you put in our path. And may we be just as proactive in protecting our neighbors from the forces that would try to inflict harm. Amen.

Prayer

God of all wisdom,

In our personal and professional lives, we are often beset by a lack of self-awareness. In times of stress and anxiety especially, we make decisions and respond to others without even thinking, basing our words and deeds on instinct and reflex, rather than self-conscious attention and foresight. Heal us of our weakness and lead us to be more conscientious, level-headed partners with the people around us. You saw fit to gift us with such powerful minds—help us to use them rightly! For the success of your mission, together we pray, Amen.

Prayer

God of our plans,

Perhaps the biggest challenge we face with respect to any big task is the question of proper preparation. As we take on tasks that sometimes feel so daunting, give us your wisdom and insight to guide us in the planning. Give us patience and deliberation, so that when it comes time for execution, we can be all the more confident that the job will be done and done well, sparing ourselves and our colleagues the undue burden of fatigue and exhaustion. Yes, may we continue thinking creatively together, about how we can better meet the needs of our patients and communities by innovating with the resources you have already given. Amen.

Prayer

God our protection,

Our hearts remain concerned for all those who continue to suffer from the effects of natural disasters, hurricanes, and flooding. As we continue to pray for their protection, safety, and security, we pray as well that you would show us concrete ways for us to protect and provide for those most in need. Inspire us this day to be good help and to put your compassion and mercy into concrete action. Amen.

Prayer

Wonder-working God,

Every day we should pause and give thanks that this work we enjoy is more than just work; it is, indeed, ministry. We are collaborators with you and each other, sharing our gifts and talents so that your own good purposes can flourish among us. As we continue to do so, help us remember the wisdom of St. Teresa of Jesus, especially today, as we honor her life and witness. It is right for us to ask great things of you—to expect great things to happen among us and through us as coworkers with you. Give us the courage to dream big and ask for your help! For the life of the world, we pray. Amen.