Reflection “Be mindful of prisoners as if sharing their imprisonment, and of the ill-treated as of yourselves, for you also are in the body.” –Hebrews 13:3 Prayer God of those imprisoned, In response to your word, we are mindful o

Prayer

God of those imprisoned,

In response to your word, we are mindful of those who are imprisoned, mistreated, and otherwise lacking in the freedom to which you have called us. May they find healing right where they are—in mind, body, and spirit. For all our sake, let the virtue of solidarity guide us further into pathways of justice, knowing that we are all responsible for improving a system that is so often broken. May we never lose sight of these, our brothers and sisters, cut off from their families, their communities, and society at large. As one body, a family before you, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “The LORD sets prisoners free; the LORD gives sight to the blind. The LORD raises up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD protects the resident alien, comes to the aid of the orphan and the widow,

Prayer

Merciful Liberator,

You call us to advocate for all those who are vulnerable and otherwise experiencing limitations in life. As we strive to extend your compassionate ministry in our communities today, empower us to be become agents of true liberation, modeling a community built on your love and protection for all those in need. In our service to patients and families and neighbors, and in our work with partners and vendors who share in our mission, help us stand out as a voice of hope for those who are hopeless. Amen.   

Reflection “We give you thanks, most gracious God, for the beauty of earth and sky and sea; for the richness of mountains, plains, and rivers; for the wonder of your creatures, large and small; and for all the loveliness that surrounds

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.

Reflection “You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.” –Anonymous 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. R

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.

Reflection “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” –Nelson Mandela Prayer God who leads, We

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.

Reflection “Not to hurt our humble brethren [the animals] is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission – to be of service to them wherever they require it.” –St. Francis of Assisi Prayer Cre

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.

Bon Secours Day

Bon Secours Day

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.