Prayer

Guiding Spirit,

The call to obey often sounds negative. As if obedience were somehow opposed to our exercise of freedom. And yet we know, obedience teaches us a deeper meaning of freedom. It’s not about being released from all constraint to do as we please, but about being finally liberated to make the choices that lead to a life of flourishing. Help us approach the challenge of obedience this way. Give us courage, each day, to follow the life-giving pathways you lay out for us. Not just for our own sake, but for the flourishing our neighbors as well, especially those most in need. Amen.

Prayer

God of tomorrow,

The world, in all its volatility and uncertainty, is no match for your own character. You are faithful and true, a God in whom we can place all our hopes and fears. Quell our fears, then, about tomorrow, as we place our trust in you. As a ministry, lead us into an unknown future anchored firmly in our knowledge of who you will be to us and how you will accompany us throughout every turn. With gratitude for your promise to lead and be with us, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of today,

We do well to remember that this present moment is all that we are guaranteed. While we are right to plan for the future and to be wise in our endeavors, help us at the same time to keep balance. May we be anchored in today, and remember to celebrate and enjoy the life you have given us. Surely no one was busier than Jesus, yet still he knew how to celebrate! His first miracle was performed at a wedding reception. He gladly hit “pause” so he could enjoy time with children. Although the needs he faced were endless, still he took time to rest and told us to do the same. Inspired by Jesus’ example, help us to live in the moment, today and each day. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

Lead us further into the fullness of the truth about love, for love is not empty of power. It stands up for justice and, in turn, calls justice to affirm and defend love’s own demands. For it is love that calls us to protect and defend our neighbors in need. It’s what urges us to pursue the common good and to build a just future worthy of our children. In all that we do and say as a ministry, help us to embody the fullness of your truth about love, in all its transforming power. Amen.

Prayer

Healer,

We give thanks for the talent and devotion of our associates. For their strength and expertise, and their commitment to provide quality care to all those in need, especially people who are poor, dying, and underserved. As we continue your mission today, we also give thanks that at the end of the day it is our shared dignity before you that enables us to open the doorway of healing. In all the ways that matter most, we heal with our selves, through the human touch. May we all find ways to be truly present with and for those we have been given to serve this day. As one family before you, Amen.

Prayer

God over all,

Memorial Day is about gratitude and remembrance. It’s about honoring the men and women who made it possible for us to gather on this day in peace. Let us not forget that the reason that there is a Memorial Day is so we might remember those who made our way of life possible. They truly are the guardians of our freedom. May our celebration of Memorial Day renew our commitment to the mission of Bon Secours Mercy Health and the ministry we share together. Amen.

Prayer

Spirit of Life,

You have been so faithful to us, especially in moments of seeming despair. There have been times in our lives when we felt breathless and drained of life. Yet your spirit has filled us, carried us, and empowered us to stand up again. Fill us that way today, on this Pentecost Sunday, as we open our hearts to your life-giving presence. Empower us to be agents of life to all those we meet. In the reality of the abundant life that you’ve won for us, and in the hope of your coming kingdom, we pray. Amen.