Prayer

God,

Our Catholic tradition insists that all people have been gifted with a natural desire to seek what is good. And yet we know that so much gets in the way. Baggage and hurt and division prevents us from realizing greatness together—as people and as nations around the world. Today, on Presidents Day, and with our country’s tensions clearly in view, we shall not romanticize our past or idealize our present. For we know, it will be a far greater testament to the best of our leaders if, instead, we will answer leadership’s call: to continue to believe in the goodness of humanity, and to continue to elicit greatness from the people around us. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

Keep us mindful of this simple yet profound truth, which you have revealed through your word: if we refuse to love those we encounter each day—the brothers and sisters with whom we share a common humanity—how can say we love you? Hatred between us reveals our deceit and should drive us to plead for forgiveness. Open our eyes, as one human family, to see your image reflected in neighbors and patients, family and acquaintances; anyone you happen to send into our path. May our caring compassion and love for them be a genuine reflection of our love for you. Amen.

Prayer

Creator,

Your goodness is manifest in nature’s diversity. Each living thing uniquely displays such remarkable creativity, and yet all find their place within a stupendous whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Give us eyes to see you reflected in this harmonious showcase of creatures that together sing of your goodness. Help us respond by joining the chorus and daily accepting the challenge to care and protect its most vulnerable members. Amen.

Prayer

Promise keeper,

By your word, you have promised us you will sustain and provide for the earth on which we dwell. And you have shown us throughout your long history with us, that you are on mission to bring all creation to its proper fulfillment. Yet we see every day how we have not always partnered with you in this plan. We have abused your creation and threatened its livelihood, including our own. Forgive us and inspire us to participate now in the ways that we can, for the healing and restoration for all living things. Season by season, day by day. Amen.

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.

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.

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.