Prayer

Love divine,

It may be the most selfless prayer we can offer: to become so aligned with your mission that we are completely directed, guided, and empowered by you—into the lives of others, to serve them in their time of need. Liberate each one of us today, to make such a prayer our own, with authenticity and joy. And humbly, in exchange, we ask you to fill us with the kind of energy and resilience that can overcome our exhaustion and the heartache we so often encounter. May we be so filled with Easter’s vitality that we are eager to be sent out again, as love letters from you to our patients and families, our neighbors and colleagues, and our broader communities. Amen.

Prayer

Lover of life,

For too long we’ve had a taste for destruction, harboring apathy about the long-term consequences of our actions upon the common home we inhabit. Yet we see more and more how the world you created is straining beneath the weight of our irresponsible actions. As we strive now to restore and protect your creation, inspire us not with burdensome guilt or a sense of anxiety, but with joy and wonder. Restore to us a child-like wonder, which will ignite in us a love for your creation and a desire to treasure it for the gift that it is. As people of hope and a ministry united, we pray. Amen.

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.