Reflection “Copying others is a good way to start. Copying yourself is a disappointing way to end.” –Kevin Kelly Prayer God of the new, Our health care context is constantly changing, forcing us to stay on our toes. As we learn h

Prayer

God of the new,

Our health care context is constantly changing, forcing us to stay on our toes. As we learn how to adapt to the changes, we give thanks for those gone before us, who gave us such a rich legacy of life-giving lessons: about how to stay in step with your spirit, how to respond to the signs of the times, and how to embody compassion with selfless commitment, even in times of risk and confusion. In our own place and time, as we seek learn our lessons and strive to move forward, help us be just as aware and accepting of the new things you are doing among us. For the mission ahead, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “We know so many things, but we don’t know ourselves!” –Meister Eckhart Prayer All-knowing God, Despite our advancements and technology and all of our so-called “progress,” still we remain a mystery to ourselves. Events

Prayer

All-knowing God,

Despite our advancements and technology and all of our so-called “progress,” still we remain a mystery to ourselves. Events transpire that leave us shaking our heads, painfully aware that your human family on earth is just as desperate for wisdom and understanding as ever. We are a people in need of transformation. To that end, help us better to understand one another and to unite around the things that matter: belonging and community, love and relationship, mutual respect and support. Lead us to know and understand ourselves better, so that all may flourish in the way you desire. Amen.

Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day

Prayer

Loving God,

As we rightly have fun on Valentine’s Day today, we also take time to give thanks for love’s depth and significance. Beyond simple romantic attraction, true love always calls us to be selfless and focused on the good of the “other.” Let this kind of love be multiplied among us, so as to become a community that naturally manifests love’s generosity and hospitality. May we love in such a way that the souls around us are drawn out of their hiding places, and into the light of belonging, acceptance, support and respect. Amen.

Reflection “Some people look for a beautiful place. Others make a place beautiful.” –Hazrat Inayat Khan Prayer Beautiful One, Help us grow more and more into the kind of people who are equipped to beautify the world around us. In

Prayer

Beautiful One,

Help us grow more and more into the kind of people who are equipped to beautify the world around us. Infectious people, with a positive energy and an inexplicable desire to spread blessing wherever we go. May we foster relationships with others in which we are slow to complain and quick to say thanks for all that we have together. May we cultivate our natural environment so that the spaces and places we live, work, and play will become that much more lovely, simply for our having been there. Amen.

Reflection “But I say to you, do not swear at all. Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’” –Matthew 5:37 Prayer God of truth, You call us to greater integrity in the way we use words. We are prone to make promises an

Prayer

God of truth,

You call us to greater integrity in the way we use words. We are prone to make promises and then struggle to keep them, yet you challenge us simply to say what we mean and mean what we say. Forgive us for times when we have not been sincere in our speech, or when we have lacked the courage to own our words in truth and authenticity. As we strive to move forward as a people on mission, individually and as a ministry, help us to stand up and stand out for our commitment to transparency and integrity in our words and our deeds. Amen.

Reflection “You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read.” –James Baldwin Prayer God who knows our pain, It can be rather comforting to discover that we are not alone in

Prayer

God who knows our pain,

It can be rather comforting to discover that we are not alone in our struggles. That there are others out there who’ve been where we’ve been and faced the same kinds of challenges. Across time and space, so much of our experience is felt and held in common. And this is a gift you have given, for it means we are able to carry our burdens together. Help us to do so faithfully, supporting one another as we strive in our mission. Through the pain and heartbreaks, just as much as the wins and the triumphs. Amen.

Reflection “If your goal does not have a schedule, it is a dream.” –Kevin Kelly Prayer God of reality, The ministry we share today is complex and prone to complexity. We struggle to stay ahead of the curve as we read the signs of

Prayer

God of reality,

The ministry we share today is complex and prone to complexity. We struggle to stay ahead of the curve as we read the signs of the times. Yet we take comfort in knowing that you journey with us, in thick and in thin. With gratitude for your accompanying presence, give us courage to set tangible goals framed by realistic expectations. Inspire us to carry your compassionate ministry forward, with confidence and vigor. For the sake of all those in need, especially those who are poor, dying, and underserved, we pray. Amen.