Prayer

Compassionate Healer,

We have already discovered this reality: if we neglect caring for ourselves, we will eventually be unable to tend to the needs of others. Yet still we learn things the hard way. Sharpen our discernment together, that we might know with clarity when it’s time to step away and recoup. When it’s time to reach out for help. And when that time comes, surround us with colleagues and friends who embody the right combination of sensitivity and boldness. Sensitive enough to detect our need for self-care, and bold enough to insist we pursue it. As we strive to follow your golden rule, loving our neighbors as we love ourselves, help us we pray. Amen.  

Prayer

Ever-new Love,

In so many powerful ways, we bear witness to the renewing dynamic power of love. In our patients’ experience of healing in mind, body, and spirit. In the transformation of our relationships in community. In the many ways we see good help and compassion expressed to those who are suffering. Love is constantly being remade through this ministry we share, thanks to the loving attention of so many associates eager to serve. Inspire us all to follow such footsteps, that we might continue to let love lead in all that we do and say. Amen.

Prayer

God above us,

As we remember St. Jarlath today, we are inspired by a life so devoted to prayer, study, and good works for others. In our own ways today, give us a measure of peace, so that we too can be still, get to know you better, and then act in ways that extend your presence with and for others. We all are longing these days for a quiet moment to recoup and refresh. May the saints’ own habits inspire us to embrace a prayerful silence whenever we can. Amen.

Prayer

Missional God,

The church’s reason for being is to extend your mission across space and time, announcing the good news of your coming reign. We participate in that mission in this ministry of healing that we share together. We commit ourselves to extending your compassion to all those in need, especially people who are poor, dying, and underserved. Empower us in this effort today, that the flame of your love will continue to burn bright and warm the hearts of our neighbors. Amen.

Prayer

Triune God,

On this holy day we celebrate this most life-giving mystery of faith: the revelation of the Most Holy Trinity. What a gift it is to imagine the love and fellowship that you must enjoy eternally, as God, three in one. And to think as well about how you have so graciously offered us a share in this very same experience of communion! What a blessing! Help us each day to enjoy more of the abundant life that you extend to us from the depth of your very being. Bless us in our efforts to renew the strength of our fellowship. With you and each other, we pray. Amen.

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.