Prayer

God-with-us,

We have grown perhaps too cozy with the story of your coming. Awaken us again to the disturbing wonder of the way you entered our world. When you chose to make your home in our flesh, you did not choose the greatest and brightest in our eyes. A young girl from a seemingly insignificant village was brought into the very center of history. May we all have a share in Mary’s pondering heart. May we be more attentive to the mysterious ways in which you really do choose to come and meet us, right where we are. And may we all have the grace to say “yes” to your call on our lives, no matter what we are called to do. Amen.

Prayer

God of life,

We should all know by now the truth of your word, that there is life and death in the power of our tongues. Sadly, though, we forget! And in the heat of anger or in self-centered grumbling, we let careless words slip and we hurt those around us. Heal us of the damage we have caused through our words and help us forgive others for the damaging words they have spoken over us. Help us to guard against wasting our breath in lifeless speech, that we might speak as you speak instead, with words full of life and spirit and love. Amen.

Prayer

Sacred Silence,

As the Christmas season approaches, a frenetic spirit seems to take over us. We find ourselves more easily snared by the hustle and bustle of daily living. Help us to pause and reset by engaging more occasions for silence. The kind of stillness in which your gentle voice can speak to us about who we are before you and who we are called to be for others. As the days tempt us to feel more chaotic, lead us to embrace more of your peace, wisdom, encouragement and love. Amen.

Prayer

God of neighbors near and far,

As a Catholic health ministry, we have every reason to be grateful for the diversity of peoples who come through our doors and who serve by our sides. Help us to let your love and respect for our differences become more manifest in our workplaces, for we recognize the wisdom in your designs over us. We are not all the same, and we are glad. Amen.

Prayer

Spirit of Mercy,

Repentance is truly a gift. You have taught us that we are never so far gone down a poor choice of road that we cannot stop in tracks, turn right around and come on back to the way you have shown us. The road on which we belong. On this Second Sunday of Advent, may each one of us consider the various roads we are walking and the ways we are living. Encourage us to repent from the waywardness that keeps us from you, that we might welcome your coming to us. Amen.

Prayer

Source of contentment,

We live in a culture that leads us to think the size of our storage unit reflects the wealth we possess. Yet there is a higher wisdom if we would but listen. Our own experiences teach us that deep and lasting joy does not come from our having many things, but in our having freedom—from desire, necessity, and want. Free us more, then, today. Make us more content so that we are free to invest our treasures in the things that bring genuine wealth: people, service, community, and love. Amen.

Prayer

God,

We should always give thanks for the goodness you have shown to us all, as our common Creator. Without qualification, you are good, and you love all that you have made. Yet the world as we know it is also broken in so many ways. Some are advantaged by an unjust system while others are disenfranchised. And yet you love all that you have made. As we strive to extend your love for the world, help us to see as you see, to love as you love, and to bring restoration for those who are without the most basic securities, of food and shelter. Lead us to embody solidarity with them today. Amen.