Prayer

God who looks at the heart,

Remind us today that you are always more concerned with the state of our hearts than with the record of our outward “success” and achievement. For we live in a culture that tempts us to cover-up lack of self-worth with pompous show and egoism. Help us in what we do and say, to reveal a different ethic of care and concern, for ourselves and each other. Let us first accept who we are before you, and then may we find our true selves as we build up community together, in the service of those around us. Amen.

Prayer

Gracious God,

Open our hearts to the workings of your grace, that we may receive all the assistance you offer us, to do more than we could ever wish or imagine on our own effort. May we appreciate our limits as creatures before you and reach out for the help we need. May we learn how to live grace-fully, offering others the same measure of good help, humility, and mercy that you have shown us. For the life of the world, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Spirit of peace,

As a ministry of healing, we pray for a renewed sense of unity across this one human family. Heal us from division and hatred and all forms of violence and use us, in the ways that we can, to transform the places we serve. May we stand out as a ministry for the way we are advocating for a more just community in all our markets. May each one of our sites of care be shaped by a spirit of peace, understanding, and inclusion, so that our associates as much as our patients will be protected from aggression and encounter instead your healing touch. As your hands and feet in the world, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of blessing,

We gather in thanksgiving today for the harvest of our lives, which includes our family and friends, food and shelter, and your very own presence among us. Whether we are gathering around a table or celebrating in other ways today, may we all take time to express our thanks for all the good in our lives and the lives of those we love. We pray especially for those in our ministry, who will spend this day caring for others and serving their needs. May they, too, be blessed as they continue to extend your compassion for others and may we show them our gratitude. Amen.

Prayer

God of tomorrow,

Bless us as a ministry with a long view upon what we are doing in pursuing our mission together. May we be inspired each and every day with a passion that drives us to continue extending your healing love in the lives of our patients and families and wider communities. Yet may we also have patience and rest in your promises, knowing that the changes we long to see often come about only through a slow transformation. Bless us with both patience and passion, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Merciful God,

Today we pray for leaders of nations and people in power. All those who are able somehow to put into motion events that so directly affect the life and vitality of others. Amidst so much hostility and confusion in our world today, we pray for leaders to become all the more sensitive to the deepest understandings of justice and mercy. May they have the courage to make decisions that secure lasting peace rather than prolong conflict, and may they be diligent in seeking wisdom, embodying virtue, and practicing forgiveness. Amen.

Prayer

God of those who are poor,

You hear the cries of those in need. You hear and you act on their behalf and have called us to do the same. Forgive us for times when we may have rebuked those we deemed “interruptions” to your cause. Remind us instead that, to know and worship you in the way you desire means being faithful to hear and respond to neighbors in need, in the same way you showed us. And so may we listen better today to the cries of people oppressed, and may we join you in bringing to them good help. Amen.