Prayer

Source of rest,

Many of us serving in health care are chronically deprived of that soul-satisfying, life-giving, body-renewing kind of rest that we need to feel whole and complete. We pray especially today for colleagues who are especially weary right now. Bless them with peace beyond understanding and remind each of us again of your own example of labor followed by rest. Help us discover new opportunities to enter your sabbath, even if only in brief spans of time. Maximize every opportunity by your spirit, so that our service for others will be as life-giving for us as it is for those we have the privilege of serving each and every day. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

What a gift it is to realize, in the depth of our being, that you love us simply for who we are and who you made us to be. It is truly “good news” to live in the truth that we don’t have to earn your affection or satisfy a list of demands before we receive your attention. Heal us, then, from the fallacy of thinking our identity is a function of our performance and that our value as persons depends on what we do. Instead we pray for good works to flow from us naturally, like fruit from a tree, as we commit to being true to who we are and living authentically before you. Amen.

Prayer

God our creator,

You have designed us in such a way that, as we align ourselves with your will, we naturally become all the more aware of life’s miraculous gift reflected like a kaleidoscope in all that surrounds us. Our tradition attests to this, as so many saints have spoken of seeing your goodness, truth, and beauty reflected in even the most humble forms of life. May we learn from their example and more faithfully embody your will for us and the rest of creation. May your kingdom come and your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven, through us, today. Amen.

Prayer

Divine Protector,

As we celebrate Patient Safety Awareness Week, we lift up and affirm its theme of “safer together.” We know already that our collaboration together makes all the difference in securing better patient outcomes and protecting them from unintended exposure to harm. In moments that are vulnerable enough as it is, help us go above and beyond all expectations in keeping our patients safe and comfortable and free from undue burdens caused by preventable mistakes. May we earn their trust and give them every reason to believe we have their best interests at heart and will do whatever we can to secure their well-being. As a ministry called by your name, we pray. Amen.

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.