Reflection “I do not think the measure of a civilization is how tall its buildings of concrete are, but rather how well its people have learned to relate to their environment and fellow man.” –Sun Bear Prayer Good Creator, We are

Prayer

Good Creator,

We are proud to be part of a ministry that is so committed to our fundamental calling, as citizens and as creatures before you, to advance sustainability and steward your creation responsibly. Lead us further in new and innovative directions that will enhance the well-being of our shared environment as one human family, tending to the health of all living things and the systems we depend on in order to flourish. Remind us that the richest measure our flourishing as a society is how well we are learning to relate to each other and to the gift of your creation. Amen.

Reflection “Don’t just write a ‘To Do’ list. Write a ‘To Be’ list.” –Karen Salmansohn Prayer God in our being, Many of us are so consumed with what we have to get done in the course of a day that our awareness begins to grow dim o

Prayer

God in our being,

Many of us are so consumed with what we have to get done in the course of a day that our awareness begins to grow dim of the inner life we are also called to sustain. Yet we know that it’s here, at that deeper level of our being, where we find the meaning and purpose beneath it all. Open our hearts and give us conviction to attend more deliberately to our spiritual foundations and to remember that we don’t have to set aside hours—just a few moments will do—in order to remain grounded in the things that matter most. Amen.

Reflection “Don’t let people pull you into their storm. Pull them into your peace.” –Kimberly Jones Prayer Spirit of Peace, As we strive to extend your compassion today, help us to be anchors of peace for those who are facing espe

Prayer

Spirit of Peace,

As we strive to extend your compassion today, help us to be anchors of peace for those who are facing especially difficult trials and unique challenges. Whether it’s our patients or coworkers, or even the strangers we encounter in the course of our routines, give us the grace and the wisdom to effectively spread your gift of calm wherever we go. With gratitude for the peace you supply, above and beyond our understanding, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.” –Matthew 7:12 Prayer Eternal Wisdom, Your golden rule is as needed today as it was two-thousand years ago, and it’s just as count

Prayer

Eternal Wisdom,

Your golden rule is as needed today as it was two-thousand years ago, and it’s just as countercultural, too! For we live in a culture prone to forget about treating others the way we want to be treated—regardless or not whether they do. Instead, we see an atmosphere of retribution and retaliation that goes far beyond the demands of real justice. Grant us your mercy and give us your courage, that we might embody an ethic that embraces our common good together and keeps our eyes fixed on the good of “the other.” May we in this ministry especially be focused on treating others rightly, exemplifying unity, and seeking to live in harmony across all our differences. Amen.

Reflection “If it weren’t for hope, the heart would break.” –Thomas Fuller Prayer Source of all hope, As a people of hope, we are especially sensitive towards those who are hopeless, even to the point of heartbreak. We put them be

Prayer

Source of all hope,

As a people of hope, we are especially sensitive towards those who are hopeless, even to the point of heartbreak. We put them before you, and with a spirit of compassion we implore you: rekindle their strength and lift their hearts. Use us in our service to them, that we might ignite at least a glimmer of expectation for the future ahead. May we be companions to them and stand on your promise together, that somehow you are able to bring about good from even the darkest of circumstances. Amen.

Reflection “It is what it is. But it will be what you make it.” –Pat Summitt Prayer Empowering God, The gap between the world as it is and the world as it should be is often cause for grief and frustration, even anger. Yet we are

Prayer

Empowering God,

The gap between the world as it is and the world as it should be is often cause for grief and frustration, even anger. Yet we are here, today, standing up as a ministry and as people of conviction, believing we can make a difference—on behalf of patients and families, our wider communities, and the world to which we belong. Inspire us today to continue serving as agents of transformation, willing to do what we can to bring more of your dream for the world into reality. Amen.

Reflection “Coincidences are spiritual puns.” –G. K. Chesterton Prayer All in all, It’s a sign of our times that we put so much stock in scientific and rational explanations for everything. Open our eyes to see more broadly and to

Prayer

All in all,

It’s a sign of our times that we put so much stock in scientific and rational explanations for everything. Open our eyes to see more broadly and to perceive more of the mystery laced throughout our experiences. Lead us to develop the kind of spiritual awareness that is eager to discover signs of your presence, even in something as simple as a coincidence. For the many ways you orchestrate simple blessings all throughout our days, we give thanks. Amen.