Prayer

God of earth and sky and sea,

Thank you for the gifts of creation. Help us make choices today that can better protect the beauty and goodness of all that you’ve made, nourishing the web of life all around us for the sake of a better tomorrow. May our enjoyment of the abundant life you have so richly spread abroad inspire us to be more committed, as persons in communion, with you and each other, to steward all of your gifts with discernment, wisdom, and love. Amen.

Prayer

Holy God,

As a ministry called to extend your life’s work and purpose, we know there is such a thing as justified anger. Righteous anger, which confronts every injustice with the challenge of genuine peace. And yet, in our culture today, we can feel a spirit of anger that is hardly so holy. Help us respond to this anger by exposing its lovelessness and its drive to divide us. May we boldly embody a spirit of peace. In our words and our deeds, help us quell anger’s fire and prevent it from spreading. For the sake of a culture more anchored in peace and justice, we pray. Amen.

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.