Prayer

God who journeys with us,

We offer a special prayer today for those who serve so faithfully at the bedside. We speak a blessing over them and ask you to be their wellspring of mercy, compassion, and stamina. By faith we believe that your presence goes with us in all that we do. In every room we enter, in every encounter, in every challenge and triumph and even in failure. Yes, you are with us. Let all caregivers be that much more aware of your presence today. And may our patients and families be all the more comforted, having encountered a peace beyond understanding, in the words and deeds of those who care for them. Amen.

Prayer

God of my neighbor,

The social problems we face today are multilayered, complex, and often resistant to change. Yet it takes no great skill or expertise to be an agent of change for the plight of a neighbor in need. All it takes is a heart still open to the call of compassion, kindness, and basic decency. Remind us today, that even if we cannot untangle all the issues affecting those we encounter, nevertheless we can all do something to honor each person’s dignity, and to alleviate their burden in a tangible way. As children before you, help us take care of each other. Amen.

Prayer

Living God,

It was love that led you to embrace our suffering, even unto death. And it was that same love that led you to the other side of life’s end. Now indeed you live eternally, risen and glorified! We are so thankful, and we marvel this day, at the incomprehensible gift of your abundant life, which you so freely share with us all. May we rejoice and be glad! Amen.

Prayer

Empowering God,

We all seek that which is best, for ourselves and for those we love. Yet sometimes we face circumstances in which the best seems elusive, where all we can do is try to make choices that avoid certain harm. Help us trust you better in the midst of such moments, that we might learn to embrace the opportunities you give, for us to grow inwardly while providing strength and hope for others. You are so faithful in transforming what looks like disaster into moments of grace, using it all for our good. Lead us in that way, today and each day. Amen.

Prayer

God who knows our pain,

On this day especially, Good Friday, we take time to remember the depth of your sacrificial love for us. The way you willingly chose to offer your life for our sake, so that we might have life and have it abundantly. We are humbled by such love! In response to your merciful goodness, may our spirits overflow with gratitude as we willingly choose to extend your compassion for the sake of others. Help us be willing to share their suffering in the ways that we can; in ways that reflect your mercy, compassion, and love. Amen.

Prayer

Wellspring of hope,

In our health care context today, it can be hard to stay focused on the long-term success of your mission. Much of our attention is otherwise consumed with the immediate needs and decisions before us. And yet, we are a people committed to playing our part in bringing your dream for the world into reality. We know it will take time; please give us patience. We know it will take determination; sustain us in hope. For those who are especially discouraged today, help us be a support to them and to invigorate hope in their hearts. May we stand out as a hope-filled community, anchored in the conviction that this work we share is truly a gift and a worth-while adventure. As those who are in it for the long haul, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of tomorrow,

Many people strive to leave their mark on the world. Some sign of their greatness that will stand the test of time. Yet you call us to convert this desire into selfless love and sacrifice, so that our legacy might be synonymous with the way we develop and empower those who come after us. May it be so. As our Jewish colleagues enter this holy season of Passover today, may we all to be more mindful of the way we are or are not engraving our values on the hearts of the young. Amen.