Reflection “Hospitality is the first step toward dismantling the barriers of the world. Hospitality is the way we turn a prejudiced world around one heart at a time.” –Joan Chittister Prayer Loving God, The ministry we are called

Prayer

Loving God,

The ministry we are called to perform brings us into contact with so many different people, from different walks of life, facing different conditions and issues. As we engage them and strive to serve them, help us dismantle barriers by embodying a genuine and authentic form of hospitality. May we show all those we encounter that we are eager to receive them, just as they are. May we champion the dignity you have bestowed on each one of us, and thereby convert our prejudiced world towards a deeper unity, one heart at a time. Amen. 

Reflection “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.” ~ Helen Keller Prayer Lord of Light, As we move forward through Spring, we are grateful for the warmth of the sun, and the brightness it gives to our days.&n

Prayer

Lord of Light,

As we move forward through Spring, we are grateful for the warmth of the sun, and the brightness it gives to our days.  Though rain is needed to water the earth, the sun seems to brighten moods and brings joy and nourishment to our souls.  May we never take for granted the gifts you give us to help us grow, both physically and spiritually.  In the warmth and love of this beautiful day, we say, “Thank you.” Amen.

Reflection “It is worth living long enough to outlast whatever sense of grievance you may acquire.” ~Marilynne Robinson Prayer Forgiving God, As human beings we often find ourselves in difficult situations and relationships that

Prayer

Forgiving God,

As human beings we often find ourselves in difficult situations and relationships that bring us grief, hardship and pain. We can tend to hold on to our grievances much longer than we should, even while knowing that letting go would free us to be authentic and real with others.  Guide us in moving beyond any past grievances we may have with someone, so that we can all grow and experience the grace of freedom in the truest sense of the word. With your help, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “Peace begins with a smile."  ~Mother Teresa Prayer Peaceful God, In the height of turmoil and chaos, a simple smile can turn the whole day around, making circumstances more bearable.  Help us to be mindful of

Prayer

Peaceful God,

In the height of turmoil and chaos, a simple smile can turn the whole day around, making circumstances more bearable.  Help us to be mindful of how we can bring tranquility to situations that call for peaceful solutions, starting with just a smile.  Such a simple gesture can make a world of difference. Guide us in making that difference. Amen.

EMS Week continues

EMS Week continues

Prayer

God of Grace,

So many wonderful people answer your call through their work as Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics, helping those who are often in tragic situations.  It is the bravery and skills of these people that allow others the chance to continue to live life more fully, often at great personal sacrifice. We are so grateful for all of those who take part in any of the positions within the Emergency Medical Services field. We ask that you continue to bless the work that they do on a daily basis and that their own health and well-being would be strengthened through their service and provision of the same, to all those most in need. Amen.

Reflection “The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary, so that the necessary may speak.”   ~Hans Hofman Prayer Gracious God, Life has become so complex and complicated that we often miss the importance of sim

Prayer

Gracious God,

Life has become so complex and complicated that we often miss the importance of simple living as a means to fulfillment.  We have heard the phrase about living simply so others may simply live, but we often continue to fill our lives with unnecessary clutter.  Guide us to an appreciation of a more, simple lifestyle, taking time to really see the value of having only what we need to live simply.  In gratitude for all we have, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” ~Confucius Prayer God of true beauty, All that you created you saw as “good,” “very good,” and, even more, you saw it all as “beautiful.”  Help us to see as you se

Prayer

God of true beauty,

All that you created you saw as “good,” “very good,” and, even more, you saw it all as “beautiful.”  Help us to see as you see, noticing all the beauty that lies around us, whether that is in the patients we interact with each day, or the family members who greet us when we go home at night.  Help help us to behold all the beauty that you share with us each day and remain grateful for those experiences.  For the beauty of creation, we pray. Amen.