Prayer

All in all,

Your ways are higher than our ways! And it is a sign of your greatness that you seem to be closest in the humblest of places. Help us to become more aware of your presence in the simple things we take for granted each day. The certainty of the rising sun; the blessing of vivid and natural colors; the kindness that strangers show to each other; or even the faithful love of our pets. In these and so many other ways, may we perceive and receive your goodness is like a gift. Amen.

Prayer

Gentle God,

Help us never to underestimate the significance of a smile. May we build a culture in which we are eager to share a sincere smile and a kind word with those in need. No matter who they are or what has brought us together, help us practice your kindness towards all those you send our way. When we encounter especially the crestfallen, the hurting and sorrowful, may we serve them as you would, with love, joy, and compassion. Amen.

Prayer

God in the chaos,

Your ministry among us revealed the strength and boldness of divine compassion. You entered our mess and disorder and showed us that, even there, your peace can rule in our hearts. Help us live in the hope that such an example brings, and to be a source of stability for others in their time of need. When chaos and disorder threaten us and our neighbors, may we be a community of support for each other, anchored in your presence among us through it all. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

In accord with the mission to which you have called us, we believe that all people are deserving of the wholeness that comes from conscientious attention to every facet of our humanity: mind, body, and spirit. During Spiritual Care Week, we give thanks for those who have dedicated themselves to serving the spiritual health of others. And we ask you to bless them with the renewal of their own spirits, that they may be equipped and empowered to do good for others today and each day. Amen.

Prayer

God on mission,

We are privileged to share this incredible mission with you, extending the compassionate ministry of your son, Jesus. Equip us to carry that mission today in every way, not only in the quality patient care we provide but also in the attitudes and values we exhibit in the process. Inspire us to be agents of hope and help, who lead others to see the open future before us. Liberate us to spread love and peace and inclusion as we respond to the concrete needs we see, especially the needs of those who are poor, dying, and underserved. Amen.

Prayer

God with us,

The “mountaintop” spiritual experiences we have had in the past are certainly precious, and yet we learn over time that our spiritual lives show their true colors in the way we engage and respond to the day-in, day-out joys and pains we face, here and now. May this be our freedom, to discover that your spirit is near to us even in that which is routine, and that we are invited to grow through the real and present encounters that you have blessed each one of us with, just as we are, today and tomorrow and henceforth. Amen.

Prayer

Almighty and eternal God,

We know that sometimes in life, we bristle at rules that must be followed or approvals that must be granted. And yet, we also know that sometimes rules are helpful and approvals generate better outcomes. Help us always to be mindful of the importance of regulation and the value of accreditation in creating greater patient safety and establishing a necessary minimum quality of care for all. Stir within each of us a commitment to loving service that we might provide to all we encounter the highest quality of compassion and care. Amen.