Prayer

God of those most vulnerable,

Today we recognize the ongoing impact of leprosy and other diseases that for much of our history have caused untold suffering. Not just physical suffering, but the emotional and relational suffering that attends these illnesses, as they become laden with stigma and prejudice. As those who have partnered on mission with you, help us to recommit ourselves each day, to touch the wounds of those ostracized by illness and to serve all people as you served them, with compassion, love, and inclusion. Amen.

Prayer

God of new beginnings,

You call us out of the comforting places we create for ourselves and into the wider world where we must exercise faith and take risks. Yet we often drag our feet, and the first steps are always the hardest. Inspire us today to stop the cycle of worry, of turning plans over in our minds, that we might get out of our heads and be brave. May we respond to your calling by remaining always beginners, eager to step out and follow you in new directions. Amen.

Prayer

God of all kindness,

So many stories attest to this truth: it only takes one real encounter with genuine kindness to change a life. Help us to never underestimate the value of a kind word or gesture. Inspire us to take more advantage of the many creative and sincere ways we can show our love and respect for others. Regardless of how the world prefers to measure “success,” let those of us who extend your compassion today always measure success by the kindness we’ve shared with those we serve, and also towards those with whom we serve: our colleagues and partners. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

Too much noise in our lives crowds out your voice. Too much distraction makes it hard to sit still, let alone sit still long enough for the fullness of solitude to be felt. Nevertheless we pray for the freedom to find moments of stillness, silence, and solitude, where your voice can be heard in the quiet of our hearts, speaking words of life that we need and can share with others around us. We pray this for the sake of those who serve so faithfully in this healing ministry, devoting so much of their time and energy to the care of our patients and families, and our wider communities. Indeed we pray this for all our sake—lead us into more frequent moments of life-giving solitude. Amen.

Prayer

God our help,

Today we celebrate the 200th anniversary of that momentous day in Paris, when twelve brave young women entrusted themselves fully into your service, establishing a foundation from which to continue bringing bon secours, “good help,” to neighbors in need. Bon Secours Day is a testament to the sisters’ perseverance and to the abiding hope that comes from your call. As we reflect gratefully on their legacy of healing, compassion, and liberation, empower each one of us to respond to your own call in our lives and bring good help to others, sharing your light with a world in need. Amen.

Prayer

God of wholeness,

We can no more separate our personal lives from our work lives than we can separate our bodies from our spirits. And so we give thanks that the ministry we’re a part of is committed to our growth as persons and invests so much in our advancement. Guide our leaders to continue such good work, as they identify and promote those ready for something new that fits their gifts and talents. Let all our associates feel the invitation to bring their whole selves to work, no matter their role or function, that we might be a place where all want to work and practice, seek wellness and thrive. As we extend your compassionate ministry with authenticity today, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of my neighbor,

In a culture struggling to embrace “both-and” ways of thinking and speaking, help us remember that all our perspectives and opinions are limited as a matter of course. More than this, help us to see the dangers of imposing uniformity at the expense of free-thought and dialogue. Whether it concerns our politics or our religious convictions or even the most basic ways we conduct our affairs together in society, lead us to see the benefits and the blessings of diversity in unity. As we each pursue you and your will, in our own ways today, we pray. Amen.