Reflection “We can no more do without spirituality than we can do without food, shelter, or clothing.” –Ernest Holmes Prayer Spirit of wholeness, We are anchored in a vision of health and well-being that includes the spirit as mu

Prayer

Spirit of wholeness,

We are anchored in a vision of health and well-being that includes the spirit as much as the body. As such, help us all to become better practitioners of the whole-person care that makes us unique. Lead us to see our patients and families and communities in all their depth, and equip us to better provide for their livelihood. Not just the basics needed for survival, but all the other, intangible and spiritual dimensions that make a life worth living. Amen.

Reflection “Compassion is the keen awareness of the interdependence of all things.” –Thomas Merton Prayer Compassionate God, Give us more of your compassion by sharpening our awareness of the interdependence of all things. May we

Prayer

Compassionate God,

Give us more of your compassion by sharpening our awareness of the interdependence of all things. May we live into the connections that we share with all living things and never fail in our duty to provide for the web of life that you have designed by your goodness and love. As those who’ve been made in your image, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children’s children. Do not let selfish men or greedy inte

Prayer

Loving creator,

Make us wise to the lasting impacts of our decisions and initiatives, as individuals and as a ministry together. May we show how we cherish the wonders of your creation in the way we protect them from the selfish and greedy. When we don’t know how to make a difference, show us new ways to advocate together in defending the beauty, riches, and romance of the country you have given us. Amen.

Reflection “Appreciation can make a day - even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” –Margaret Cousins Prayer Encouraging God, We are thankful that the ministry we serve has done such a go

Prayer

Encouraging God,

We are thankful that the ministry we serve has done such a good job establishing a vibrant culture of appreciation. May we be inspired to continue participating in that culture today, building up our colleagues by expressing our genuine gratitude for all that they do, in service to patients and families and communities in need. Especially when they may think no one is looking! With joy and gratitude for the abundant life you have shared with us, in words as well as in deeds, Amen.

Reflection “Let the breath lead the way.” –Sharon Salzberg Prayer Breath of life, Our tradition teaches that we are literally in-spired by the donation of your breath, as you breathed into us and we became living creatures before

Prayer

Breath of life,

Our tradition teaches that we are literally in-spired by the donation of your breath, as you breathed into us and we became living creatures before you. Help us appreciate the deeper significance of our breath today. And when times of stress especially seek to steal our breath away, may we practice returning with confidence to this great gift you have given. May the anchor of our breath give us resilience in a world in need of peace. Amen.

World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day

Prayer

Compassionate God,

As a ministry of healing, we desire to become more effective in identifying and responding to the mental health needs of those we serve, and also of those with whom we serve, our associates and colleagues. Help us on this World Mental Health Day, to renew our commitment to listen lovingly to each person we encounter, that we might serve them well in body, mind, and spirit. Amen.

Reflection “To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, but to live gratitude is to touch heaven.” –Johannes A. Gaertner Prayer Generous love, We pray for the grace to be civil and courteous in all our dealings, even in moment

Prayer

Generous love,

We pray for the grace to be civil and courteous in all our dealings, even in moments that would otherwise tempt us to be just as rude and unpleasant as the one who confronts us. Even and especially then, empower us to use our words in ways that build-up a culture of gratitude and thanksgiving, so that a generosity of spirit will become more the norm. May we live gratitude in such a way that, in our own small ways, we see your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.