Prayer

God who knows our pain,

Our familiarity with the pain of sickness and disease doesn’t make these realities any easier to accept. And yet we must. Today, on World Cancer Day, we ask for strength to better confront the pain caused by cancer rather than avoid it. May we be devoted to the cause of supporting and empowering all those who are challenged by cancer. With dedication, diligence, and determination, may we accompany those in pain and journey together towards new paths of prevention, treatment, and cure. As we strive to heal rather than avoid the pain, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Heartbeat of life,

There are so many reasons to guard our hearts. Yet today we are concerned, quite literally, with the dangers of heart disease and the need to promote heart healthy habits. For the women whose health is most at threat, lead us to support them as we encourage each other, to pursue every opportunity for prevention and healing. For the researchers and clinicians engaged in discovering and promoting new interventions, we ask you to guide them with wisdom and excellence in all their endeavors. May we all be more conscious of the choices we’re making and the impact these have on our sources of life, health, and well-being. Amen.

Prayer

God,

As a ministry, we recognize the power and witness of black history and experience. And though we devote a month for such recognition, every day we are inspired, to open our hearts and our minds and our arms to one another, in respect and gratitude. Day by day, lead us further to see one another for the gifts that we are and the gifts we possess, in all our marvelous diversity. Month by month, help us better to embrace one another in freedom and love. Year by year, transform us more into a ministry community of authentic inclusion, so that a world in fragments might be healed and inspired towards change. Amen.

Prayer

Indwelling God,

On the Feast of St. Brigid, we rejoice at the gift of your presence among us. In all of your creatures, we are the signs of your marvelous handiwork. May we learn to see you more clearly this way, as if all the world might become transparent to us, revealing your truth, beauty, and goodness. For the inspiration she gives us, we give thanks for St. Brigid and ask for her help in leading us nearer to you, in all of your creatures, including each other. Amen.

Prayer

God of work,

Wherever we serve and whatever the task, help us be glad for the work that we have. Let us take on our assignments with humility and joy, grateful that you have trusted us to serve you in this way, even as we serve the people and places around us. Let the people and places around us be blessed by our presence, whether we are sweeping the floors or excising tumors. May we see your more clearly each day, through the commitments we make to serve as you served. For the life of the world, we pray. Amen.

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.

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.