Prayer

God of joy,

Today we give thanks for the life and ministry of St. Anthony of Padua. Along with so many saints, his life reminds us that joy-filled service is what speaks loudest in the hearts of humanity. Yes, your good news is most effectively spread through our actions as much as our words. May St. Anthony’s life inspire us today, to embody a sincere respect for human dignity and to build up the common good. May we thereby preach without preaching, to the glory of your love for us all. Amen.

Prayer

Magnificent God,

What a thought! To imagine that all of creation invites us to rejoice, even the smallest blade of grass! This beautiful, colorful world is so precious in your sight, and you call us to love it and care for it in your stead. May we do so boldly, by sharing in your vision of creation’s goodness, so we can steward its beauty and vitality with joy and gladness. Amen.

Prayer

God with us,

Your presence among us is such a gift. Yet on this holy day especially, we give you thanks for the promise you’ve made to always be near us in holy communion. As we strive to reciprocate your great love to us, may we be refreshed and renewed in our efforts of extending your healing touch to others. Send us today, as agents of your life-giving presence, so that all may experience the hope and joy of communion. With you and each other, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Joyful Creator,

To observe your creation is to witness a world that is vibrant with life and joy and, indeed, a good dose of fun! So many of your creatures exhibit a playfulness that, we can only conclude, comes straight from your heart as the all-good designer. You must truly love fun and laughter. May we follow your lead in this and deliberately build into our lives a place for fun and joy. May we celebrate your creation with hope, knowing that our work in conserving and protecting the web of life you created is not a chore, but a deep cause of delight and purpose. Amen.

Prayer

Font of all joy,

The world is wanting for joy. People are waiting to hear they are loved, and loved unconditionally, simply for who they are and who you made them to be. Help us to serve our patients and families and communities with this kind of joy-filled love today. In all our engagements, conversations, and transactions, may we be extensions of joy, revealing a love beyond conditions. Amen.

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.