Prayer

God with us,

The Feast of Our Lady of Knock is a special day in the spiritual life of Ireland and for us as a ministry united. We give thanks for the many signs of your presence among us, both in times of need as well as in the constant gift of creation. In concert with this year’s novena, we commit once again to care for creation and to seek for new ways to honor your nearness in all that you’ve made. As pilgrims spread abroad this beautiful earth, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Creator spirit,

Many today stand in need of the deep restorative power of contact with nature. It’s such a natural prescription for us, as creatures before you, to be embraced by the goodness and beauty of your glorious creation. As a ministry, help us continue expanding our vision of health and well-being so that it includes our relationship with nature. And may we continue to make good on our commitments to sustainable practices in all that we do. For the sake of your healing among us, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Spirit of freedom,

You loved us enough to give us the freedom of will. Help us to love others the same and to remember that, though we wish them the best and will always support them, their choices are ultimately theirs to make. Deliver us thereby from undue guilt, as we nonetheless pray and hope for true happiness come to families and friends, patients and colleagues. And may our own choices this day at least make room for your happy blessings to be shared with all those we encounter. Amen.

Prayer

Spirit of peace,

Some of us are more prone than others to lose our tempers as much as our wisdom, running our mouths in ways we (eventually) regret. Help us all to be more disciplined in our speech, that we might use words like you. To build others up instead of tearing them down. To exhort and encourage them and to extend a genuine spirit of peace. For the sake of our shared dignity before you, help us speak well towards each other today, building bridges not walls. Amen.

Prayer

World-changing God,

As citizens together, we humbly ask for more creative and effective imaginations. Help us to envision, and then implement concretely, the meeting of kindness and truth. The fusion of justice and peace. In a world of division and competition, may we emerge as agents of unity and solidarity, building a community together that can both protect and defend those most in need while establishing conditions for the good of all. Let your will be done, through us, as it is in heaven. Amen.

Prayer

God our vision,

We sometimes lose sight of the bigger purpose behind our daily activities. Yet still we believe and profess that we’ve been called to nothing less than the extension of your very own ministry. And so, for the sake of those we serve as much as our own inspiration, give us the strength to resist the trap of short-sightedness. No matter what it is we are doing, help us hold on to a vibrant and deep sense of connection to the mission and vision you have given. Amen.

Prayer

God of work,

There is a healthy sense of pride that accompanies a job well done. A job requiring grit, determination, and sweat. Such a feeling of accomplishment is often its own reward, teaching us that work is a privilege and a source of our dignity, as creatures before you. Humbly we pray that all our associates, no matter their role or function, will feel blessed in their work and proud to be a part of such a good work as this, extending your compassionate ministry to a world in need. Beyond all sense of luck, we ask for your abundant blessings to follow us as we follow you, and work hard in doing so. Amen.