Reflection “Globalization has helped many people rise out of poverty, but it has also damned many others to starve to death. It is true that global wealth is growing in absolute terms, but inequalities have also grown and new poverty a

Prayer

God of those who are poor,

Our interconnectedness across the globe affords us so many blessings. May it also engender a greater sense of responsibility on our part. For we who enjoy the world’s finest gifts are obliged to bridge the distance between our own state of life and the plight of those who are poor and vulnerable. Ignite a passion within us to overcome the disparities we see. Here and around the world. May we use the good gifts we’ve received to establish conditions of justice and peace for those who are more in need. As people of conscience, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “It is extraordinary how extraordinary the ordinary person is.” –George F. Will Prayer God who delights in us, No person is more valuable than another. Rather all people are bestowed with a dignity that can never be ta

Prayer

God who delights in us,

No person is more valuable than another. Rather all people are bestowed with a dignity that can never be taken away or destroyed. Open our eyes today to see the dignity of every person we encounter. Every person. Each one. Surprise us with the extraordinariness of so-called “ordinary” people. Remind us that you have called each one of us by name and you love us uniquely. May we believe and live into this truth about ourselves as we celebrate it in others today. Amen.

Reflection “But from this earth, this grave, this dust, my God shall raise me up, I trust.” –Sir Walter Raleigh Prayer Living God, As the Church continues its celebration of Easter, we give thanks for the way your son’s resurrecti

Prayer

Living God,

As the Church continues its celebration of Easter, we give thanks for the way your son’s resurrection confirms in us a living hope for a glorified body of our own. We are emboldened here and now, with strength and vitality for the calling you’ve given, convinced that death shall not have the last word. What a great and wondrous gift! To share in this abundant life that you have won for us! May that life fill each one of us to the point of overflowing today. For the sake of others in need, we pray. Amen.

Earth Day

Earth Day

Prayer

Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer,

May the glory of your creation enliven within us a spirit of gratitude for the blessing of the earth. As people of conscience, fill us with hope and inspire us to protect your creation by stewarding it responsibly. As a ministry united in purpose, may we affirm and embody our values by taking good care of the environments you have provided, that we might conduct your good work on behalf of others in need. In serving our patients and families and neighbors, may we be all the more willing to extend your compassion to the rest of the world that we share together. As creatures before you, in one common home, we pray. Amen.

For a short video prayer service and Earth Day resources, Click HERE

Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr

Prayer

Liberating God,

We celebrate today with our Muslim brothers and sisters, as they conclude their fasting throughout Ramadan. May we all give more thought to the way we are or are not training our desires in healthy directions. Inspire us all to become more disciplined in the best sense. Able to enjoy the good things of the world without being enslaved by them. As our Muslim colleagues have just done, lead us to embrace seasons when we can break from our usual habits of consumption, so as to be free of unhealthy attachments. For the sake of loving our neighbors and you more freely and selflessly, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” –Psalm 34:19 Prayer Healing presence, It’s as if you are magnetically drawn to those whose needs are the greatest. Your ears are t

Prayer

Healing presence,

It’s as if you are magnetically drawn to those whose needs are the greatest. Your ears are tuned to the cries of those who are crushed in spirit. Your presence moves in with those who are brokenhearted. What a God you are! Help us be more like you today. Loving, compassionate, and abounding in kindness to all, especially those who are most desperate to hear some good news. Help us be faithful to extend your good news for all those in need. Drawing close to them, being near them, and working to comfort them with the simple gift of presence. Amen.

Reflection “Easter is a time when God turned the inevitability of death into the invincibility of life.” –Craig D. Lounsbrough Prayer Author of life, Mindful that we are still in the season of Easter, we pause today and marvel at

Prayer

Author of life,

Mindful that we are still in the season of Easter, we pause today and marvel at your awesome, mysterious ways. You take no pleasure in death and it was not your idea. Yet even death has been transformed by the ever-greater power of your life-giving love. Thanks to your resurrection, we can be people of hope, even amid suffering and pain and the inevitable end of life’s natural course. As healers and caregivers, committed to serving those who are sick and dying, help us embody your hope more and more for their sake. For all our sake, as colleagues and neighbors, and communities together, let life-giving love spring forth. Amen.