Prayer

Source of all stability,

Our world feels like a turbulent and violent place to dwell. Many live each day in fear and distress, lacking hope for tomorrow. May we join our prayerful voices with theirs and, as one human family, cry out for your transforming grace. Renew the face of the earth and use us to do so! As we choose today to continue extending your transformative healing to all those in need, we thank you for being our refuge and strength. May we serve as a refuge and strength for all who are especially vulnerable today. Amen.

Prayer

God who knows best,

We strive to make plans using the most reliable information. Yet we will always encounter uncertainties. Help us become more conscientious about the unknowns attending our decisions, so that we may learn to adapt in the moment, with agility and wisdom. Remind us that you have promised to accompany us in every phase of the mission we share. As we journey forward by faith, give us assurance that we can handle all the unknowns together. Amen.  

Prayer

Gentle leader,

We pause today and lift in prayer all those who are now walking in the shadow of death. Those who are struggling with suffering and anticipating more challenges on the road ahead. Deliver them from fear and let them perceive your abiding presence within them, before and behind them. Lead them in the way of comfort and illumine their pathway forward. May they be surrounded by family, friends, and compassionate others who are eager to bless them with peace, assurance, and solidarity. Amen.

Prayer

Gracious Spirit,

Today we commit ourselves to make those choices that enhance our sense of connection, purpose, and meaning. We choose to reflect inwardly on our highest calling, and to consider the ways in which we are or are not living that calling to the full. Inspire us with the thought that the world is genuinely waiting for us to embody the gifts and talents you gave us, as the individuals we are. And so may we serve the world better, by growing closer to our spirits. Amen.

Prayer

God of blessing,

Along with its religious significance, St. Patrick’s Day gives us a chance to show respect and gratitude for the legacy of Irish culture. And so we give thanks for such a rich tradition overflowing with blessings, songs, and stories that manifest the gift of our presence together, all throughout the journey of life. Inspire us all, to make more of an effort to bless one another in myriad ways. At life’s thresholds of comings and goings, in the day to day work that surrounds us, throughout every phrase of our mission together—may we become better at receiving and giving genuine blessing. With joy and gladness on St. Patrick’s Day, Amen.

Prayer

Creator of all,

Where did we get the idea that being spiritual somehow means being other-worldly? Free us from believing that the spiritual path leads us away from the concrete realities around us. Instead we ask you lead us more fully into that fruitful intersection, where our spiritual lives are fed and nourished by serving the material needs we see all around us. Amen.

Prayer

God of compassion,

Improving the health and well-being of our patients and communities is at the center of all that we do and say as a ministry. Yet so much work and stress and strain can attend this call that we sometimes exclude ourselves from our vision of compassion. Open our eyes. Make us aware of the dangers of neglecting our own health and well-being, and inspire us to seek interventions. Help us help one another to include ourselves in our circle of compassion. As we follow you in service and love, we pray. Amen.