Prayer

God over all,

Today we remember the life of St. Kateri Tekakwitha. Recognized as the first Native American saint and patroness of the environment, St. Kateri inspires us to celebrate the grace of God found in every culture on earth, and the gift God has given us all to share, the home we share in the wider creation. With gratitude for St. Kateri’s life and witness, may we recommit to loving the God we encounter in every human person and in the rest of creation. Amen.

Prayer

All in all,

The spiritual life sometimes feels like being on a journey for which there is no map. Yet a long list of sojourners before us insist, we can chart a sure course by learning each day to see you in everything. As we strive to grow in grace and gratitude, lead us to enlarge our perspective of the world we inhabit and the people we encounter. Help us to see you in them, that we might love them more faithfully as you would have us to do. With thanks for your love, which covers a multitude of sins, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Transforming God,

We are often resistant to change. Perhaps because we’re afraid it will mean hardship and burdens we never bargained for. Open our eyes to the many ways in which change can also bring blessing and gift and opportunity. Make us agents of that kind of change, eager to shape the culture and systems around us in new ways, improving the health and well-being of all. For the sake of patients in need of compassionate care, communities struggling beneath systemic injustice, and a world waiting for a reason to hope, we pray for change to come, through us, today. Amen.

Prayer

Affirming Spirit,

Some of the kindest words that people most deserve to hear never reach their ears. For reasons unknown we often hold on to our appreciations until it’s too late. Until some event or another takes a friend or colleague or partner away from us. Give us courage and boldness, and especially a willingness to make ourselves vulnerable today. May we choose to open up and let a colleague or friend or acquaintance know how much we admire and appreciate them. Such simple but heartfelt gestures are what make life together so sweet, for the giver as much as receiver. Amen.

Prayer

Creative redeemer,

There seem to be a lot of whiners these days! Among our family and friends, amidst those who share in our work and activities, or if we’re honest, in the face that we see looking back from the mirror. It seems to be part of being human that, at some time or another, we all become prone to whining and complaining about problems. Yet we ask for strength, that we might become the kind of people who can shut off the whining and get on with the tasks at hand. May we gain a reputation for being problem solvers who know how to manage the tensions we face with creativity and joy. Amen.

Prayer

Life-giving love,

This thought should probably make us more ecstatic! The Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us? Wow! Emboldened by such a promise, may we renew our commitment to pursuing the mission you have given us, extending your compassionate ministry to others in need. What have we to lose? As resurrection people, we pray for more courage and resilience to answer your call. Amen.

Prayer

Holy God,

If we survey the history that shapes who we are in Catholic health care, we really should have no expectation that our mission will lead us to enjoy security and comfort in this world. If we are extending your mission faithfully, we can be sure instead that our experiences will point us in hope for a world not yet come. As we strive to bring more of that world into the here and now, lead us into holiness rather than safety. Make us bolder in standing up for what’s right, defending those in need, and advocating for a world in which all can flourish. Come what may. Amen.