Prayer

God of Memory and Promise,

As we strive to create a meaningful future for ourselves, convict us as a society to embody your call to care for each other, especially for those who are too often marginalized, like the young and the elderly. May we transform our perspective so we can see these brothers and sisters as living icons of both our shared memory and the promise of a shared tomorrow. Turn our hearts to desire the common good, so that in caring for all those most vulnerable we will experience the fullness of communion you desire for us, and for which your son gave his life. Amen.

Prayer

God of Learning,

Around 500 years after the death of Jesus, St. Jarlath walked the streets of Galway, Ireland. His love for you, along with his desire to teach others about you, led him to open a school at the monastery for which he founded.  As we celebrate the good works of St. Jarlath, may we too have a love of learning and a desire to pursue new discoveries. May we apply that learning in innovative ways for the good those we are called to love and serve in your name, especially those who are most in need. For this we pray, Amen.

Prayer

Creator God,

On this World Environment Day, help us to consider all we need to do to be good stewards of the beautiful land you have given us that we call home. Sustaining our Earth is so important, especially for the generations that follow. We ask that you guide our thoughts and actions in the work and ministry we share together. As we strive to serve patients and communities in accord with our mission, lead us to make good decisions that improve the well-being of the whole environment that we all share together. Amen.

Prayer

God of Compassion,

We are called to see beyond appearances and to live our lives each day with compassion for those in need. As one of our organizational values, we strive to show compassion to all those who walk into our facilities, those needing our help, and those who are wanting for a compassionate presence simply to accompany them through a challenging time. Guide us always to extend your loving compassion to our brothers and sisters, especially those who are poor, vulnerable and underserved. Amen.

Prayer

God of Change,

We know that change doesn’t happen overnight. Rather, it is through small steps in the right direction that we are able to put into action all that we have learned and practiced together. Giant leaps often led to missed steps that create greater problems down the road. As a ministry, help us to be faithful in the small thing, knowing that such devotion in the right direction will effect greater changes that will benefit our patients and communities. We ask this in your name. Amen.

Prayer

God of Peace,

We are suffering in our culture from a profound weakness that seems to have become habit. Skipping the hard work of real and sincere dialogue, we often settle for childish behavior and foolish arguments. Forgive us and heal us, so that we might be inspired to work together for the renewal of civil discourse. Exhort our hearts and minds to listen carefully to those with whom we disagree. May we extend them the courtesy of believing they are doing their best to create a meaningful future; and may we all believe, once again, that it is worth creating that future together. By your grace we pray, Amen.

Prayer

God of Light,

In your word you have taught us to let our light shine for all the world to see. With so much happening in our world today, we are sometimes tempted to shy away from letting our light shine too brightly, perhaps because we’re afraid of the consequences. However, with your encouragement and love, we come to realize the goodness that our light does for those around us, and how ultimately it brings others to you. Help us to be light in our world by shining forth your love to all. Amen.