Prayer

God over all,

As our Muslim brothers and sisters enter this season of Ramadan, we can all take inspiration and consider for ourselves how we do or do not create special opportunities for prayer and fasting, exercising the muscles of spiritual discipline. Not from a desire for reward or a certain outcome, but simply to draw closer to you. And so we invite you to bless us with moments of greater intimacy with you. Let it be your spirit within us giving strength and endurance, to continue reflecting your compassionate mercy to others. With thanks for your presence among us, Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

On World Kidney Day we are proud to champion its theme, raising awareness about kidney health and seeking to increase access to high quality care for all people. As a ministry called by your name, help us remain faithful to our deepest convictions about improving the health and well-being of all those we have the privilege of serving. May we continue to advocate for more just and equitable access to care, especially for the sake of those who are vulnerable among us, ensuring that they have all the resources they need for a life more abundant. Amen.

Prayer

God of all,

During this International Women’s Day, help us to recall the women in our lives that have made a difference to our self-understanding and the way we engage the world around us. Their dedication in words and deeds to support the cause of women are great examples of the importance of a feminine point of view.  Help us to be guided by their example so that we too can make a difference in the lives we touch, especially for the patients in our care, their families, and our broader communities.  We ask this, in the name of all women today. Amen.

Prayer

God of all time,

There is no time like the present. For the past is gone and you challenge us to let go of our cares about tomorrow. You call us to live in this moment, this very moment.  We often have a hard time doing that, but when we realize that what is truly most important is what is happening right here in front of us, in the eyes of the person before us, we can allow ourselves to be fully present to what you are doing in our midst, here and now. Help us to remain fully present, that we might better extend your compassion to others—today. Amen.

Prayer

Faithful God,

Often times in our lives we face challenges that are difficult to discern and understand.  We may even wonder why we must go through these circumstances.  However, when we put our full faith in you, many times we later learn the importance of those challenges and how beneficial they were in making our lives stronger.  Help us to always put our faith in you first and foremost, trusting you somehow to bring good out of all the trials we face. For this we pray, Amen.

Prayer

God of human dignity,

We are all innately born with a dignity that you have given and it cannot be taken away from us.  In the midst of turmoil, doubt, and confusion, help us to remember the value we have in life.  Grant us an acknowledgement of our worth so that we might know and believe, regardless of the situation, that we are enough just the way you have made us. Amen.

God of Experiences,

So much of our lives are based on our successes and how others see us.  But in your eyes, our success lies in living as children before you, enjoying more of the love that you share with us.  Help us to be mindful of those simple, daily experiences that bring to light your love for all.  Guide us to share those experiences with others, so that all may see your glory.  In love, we pray. Amen.