Reflection “Things take the time they take. Don’t worry. How many roads did St. Augustine follow before he became St. Augustine?” –Mary Oliver Prayer Holy God, Even if we are gifted with patience for others, we struggle at times

Prayer

Holy God,

Even if we are gifted with patience for others, we struggle at times to have patience with ourselves. We expect a lot from ourselves and think it should be easier to grow into the people you have made us to be. Remind us in our impatient moments that becoming a saint takes time. Help us embrace the lessons you give us day by day through the people around us. Lead us to be faithful in small things, becoming better neighbors and friends and better partners with you in whatever you send us to do. As those called to the holiness of our humanity, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile, and a grateful heart.” –Zig Ziglar Prayer Gracious God, There’s nothing trite about recognizing the gifts that keep on giving! Just as you came to

Prayer

Gracious God,

There’s nothing trite about recognizing the gifts that keep on giving! Just as you came to bring us abundant life, help us to extend that very same life in ways that may seem so simple, yet they can nonetheless build up the bonds between us and sweeten our days with joy. May we never take for granted those gifts we can give without running short of supply: our words, our smiles, and the gratitude within our hearts. As we share and give thanks for your abundant life, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “Some people come in our life as blessings. Some come in your life as lessons.” –Mother Teresa Prayer God of all wisdom, You know us more intimately than we know ourselves. You already know what relationships, experienc

Prayer

God of all wisdom,

You know us more intimately than we know ourselves. You already know what relationships, experiences, and interactions with others we need, in order to grow as we should. Some people come to us as obvious blessings, pointing us in healthy directions and helping us to move forward. Others pose more of a challenge and calling, requiring our time and attention and our own care and support. Whoever you bring into our lives, give us patience and kindness with each interaction, trusting that we have something new to learn about love through the people you send us today. Amen.

Reflection “In times like these, it is good to remember that there have always been times like these.” –Paul Harvey Prayer God over all, We feel beset today by troubling circumstances and unique challenges. Whether it concerns o

Prayer

God over all,

We feel beset today by troubling circumstances and unique challenges. Whether it concerns our families and relationships, our community’s well-being and stability, the economic and financial outlook for our nation and world. As we look at these issues, help us take heart knowing that every age has struggled with the gap between the way things are and the way we long for them to be. Help us respond not with despair, but by daily committing to see your rule and reign come more fully among us, especially through our own readiness to participate in your good purposes on earth. Amen.

Reflection “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” –Lao Tzu Prayer Ever-working God, We operate in a fast-paced environment, in which we know we must perform well and stay ahead of so many changes if we have any

Prayer

Ever-working God,

We operate in a fast-paced environment, in which we know we must perform well and stay ahead of so many changes if we have any hope of remaining strong as an organization. Yet in the midst of all that, help us slow down and never become hurried in the things that matter most: the way we treat each other, the way we listen and care for patients and families, the way we engage community need. In our human interactions as one human family, help us give one another the gift of our time and attention, trusting that everything will fall into place. Amen.

Diwali begins

Diwali begins

Prayer

God of light,

As many of our colleagues begin the festivities of Diwali, we pause and give thanks for the power of light over darkness. Shed your light abroad in our hearts today, that we might illumine the places we serve and put the shadows to flight. Brighten the world through our lives of service and dedication, as we strive to express your compassionate love to all those in need. Amen.

Reflection “The LORD is a God of justice, who knows no favorites. Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet he hears the cry of the oppressed. The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her

Prayer

God of justice,

As your word proclaims, so we shall pray: Let the prayers of the lowly pierce the clouds. Let the cry of the oppressed inspire your action on earth. Without partiality, use us to minister justice in our relations, neighborhoods, and world. For the sake of those most in need, Amen.