Prayer

God who leads,

We have a natural desire to be relevant, significant, to leave our mark on the world. Such a desire is a gift in itself, which we are glad to possess. Yet we ask for your help in training this longing, so we won’t be content with making a name for ourselves or with serving our own ambitions. Instead, lead us further. Instill in us a deep aspiration to make a difference in the lives of others above all else. Yes, let our legacy be found in the lives we have touched through self-giving love and service. Amen.

Prayer

Creator of all,

Those who practice medicine are well-aware of the calling, first to do no harm. Yet as associates united in Catholic health ministry, we know we are called to a more expansive vision of healing, which includes protecting and defending the dignity of all your creatures. Help us in pursuit of this work, which stretches our expectations about what it means to serve and protect those who are vulnerable. Remind us of our connections with everything you have made and how you have asked us and tasked us, to cultivate, nurture, and love it in your stead. Fill us with wisdom and strength for this ministry, that health and well-being may flourish around us in the way you desire. Amen.

Prayer

Gracious and Merciful God,

Our hearts are full of gratitude and joy today, as we recognize the Sisters of Bon Secours and the gift of their ministry, to bring healing, compassion, and liberation to others. As Bon Secours Mercy Health, we ask for a share in their spirit, that we might honor their name and continue extending your good help to all those we see in need today. With faith, hope, and love, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Always good God,

We all know people who are consistently crabby, no matter how good their day otherwise seems to be. Whether it’s a colleague or patient or even an acquaintance during our frequent routine, help us to be more empathetic towards them and give them the benefit of the doubt. Free us from judgment as much as the temptation to avoid them. Instead, with humble persuasion, help us get more creative and learn ways to rouse them beyond negativity, to love and good works. May we all foster such readiness, to be the source of a gentle encouragement for each other. Amen.

Prayer

God of the new,

When we worry that our moment has past and it’s too late to make a difference, encourage us in the knowledge that even the simplest action today can reveal our profound hope for tomorrow. In recognition of Chinese New Year, empower us with focus and ambition today, that we may be more faithful collaborators with you in securing the health and well-being of all. Through simple daily commitments to serve one another and care for creation, may we embody our hope for tomorrow. Amen.

Prayer

God of all wisdom,

We ask you to transform our vision, that we might see things more from your vantage point. Instead of trusting the surface of appearance, lead us further in wisdom and understanding and especially the gift of discernment, so we can see and respond effectively to the needs all around us. Those needs that are hidden as much as those that are obvious. Individually and collectively, help us see as you see, that we might answer your call more faithfully, seeing precisely where you are calling us to invest our time, talent, and energy today. Amen.

Prayer

Loving Creator,

To see your love in creation can seem like a great act of faith today. We witness firsthand climate-driven disasters that devastate lives. We confront widespread pollution and the harmful effects of our failures to tend to creation. In the face of such horrors, the world can appear less transparent to your goodness, beauty, and love. Renew us today, that we might see beyond the way things appear and to see with fresh eyes. Permit us to see your love and accompanying presence in all you have made. May we live into your promise that creation itself is being redeemed, and that we can be a part of it now. Amen.