Prayer

God with us,

When we are tempted to think of prayer as a distraction from the “real work” that needs doing in response to the needs around us, help us remember, prayer is what unites us with your presence. And your presence with us makes literally all the difference in the world. As those who are called to extend your work and ministry in the world today, help us to cultivate a habit of seeking your presence among us. In prayer, help us invite you continuously to dwell with us and show us the paths we should follow. For the life of the world, we pray, Amen.

Prayer

Everlasting Peace,

Our anxieties can take on a life of their own. Yet, when we reflect upon our reality, most of what we have fretted about never takes place. Instead, as we’ve been obsessing over the potential threats of our worries, all the good we’ve been called to do still remains undone! Heal us of this unhealthy pattern, in which our focus on self leads to neglect of others. May we cultivate instead a deeper sense of gratitude for the lives we are living, and may we marvel at how full they have been of genuine goodness, joy, and love. Amen.

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.