Reflection “When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go.” ~ Carol Burnett Prayer Giver of dreams, As children we would daydream about who we wanted to be when we grew up: a firefighter, a nurse, a mom with lots

Prayer

Giver of dreams,

As children we would daydream about who we wanted to be when we grew up: a firefighter, a nurse, a mom with lots of kids, a person who made a difference in this world. As adults our dreams may have changed, yet still we know that you are the source of every dream that is truly worth pursuing. Thank you for sharing with us your own dream for the world, in the words and deeds of your son, Jesus. As we strive to extend his ministry today, give us strength to hold on to the mission we share and to put all our skills and talents towards bringing your dream into reality. Amen.

Reflection “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.” ~ Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer God of hope, We come to you again today as our wellspring of hope, believing that the ministry we share and to which we’ve devoted our

Prayer

God of hope,

We come to you again today as our wellspring of hope, believing that the ministry we share and to which we’ve devoted our lives will bring us closer to you while improving the lives of those we are called to serve. Inspire us, no matter what task or role we’ve been assigned, to share with those we encounter a contagious form of hope, brighter than all despair. And for those who feel especially despairing today, help us be agents of your transforming hope, eager to lift their spirits and to accompany them on their journeys towards wholeness. Amen.

Reflection “My faith didn’t remove the pain, but it got me through the pain. Trusting God didn’t diminish or vanquish the anguish, but it enabled me to endure it.” ~ Robert Rogers Prayer Comforting spirit, Suffering may be part o

Prayer

Comforting spirit,

Suffering may be part of human existence, but that hardly makes it easier to deal with. We witness the suffering of others around the world, in our facilities, in our own homes, and perhaps even in the mirror each morning, and it can be wearing on the mind and heart. We pray, therefore, to be continually filled with your spirit and power, that we might better respond to the suffering we see. May we respond to their needs with compassion and a readiness to help, that we might bring your comfort and embody your love for all people. We ask this in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Reflection “Take care of God’s creation. But above all, take care of people in need.” ~ Pope Francis Prayer Good creator, As people of conscience in one human family, we are all called to take care of creation in the widest sense,

Prayer

Good creator,

As people of conscience in one human family, we are all called to take care of creation in the widest sense, from the largest animal to the smallest insect, including also the whole environment we share and depend on for life and vitality, and a future together. Yet as a ministry of healing and compassion, we are specially called to bring good help to people in need and to improve the health and well-being of our communities, especially for the sake of those most vulnerable. Keep us focused on this mission today, that we might serve your creation by serving those who are most at risk of being neglected or forgotten. For the good of all, we pray. Amen. 

Reflection “Just as love is a verb, so is faith.” ~ Nannie Helen Burroughs Prayer Faithful God, The exhortation to “have faith” can sometimes sound empty and trite, when offered in the face of so much tragedy in our world, or whe

Prayer

Faithful God,

The exhortation to “have faith” can sometimes sound empty and trite, when offered in the face of so much tragedy in our world, or when a loved one is sick, or when we accompany patients and families through the long road of recovery. Yet we know we are called not to sit passively on the sidelines, but to put faith into action and always move forward. By hope and confidence, knowing that you are with us each moment, guide our hearts and hands to help those who are struggling in the ways that we can and wherever we’re needed. Strengthen our resolve to embody our faith today, just as we strive to embody your love and compassion for all. Amen.

Hijri New Year

Hijri New Year

Prayer

God of a New Year,

The start of a new year is always exciting and filled with new dreams and endeavors. As our Muslim brothers and sisters walk into this Hijri New Year, we pray with them that the year is filled with many blessings, and that from these blessings many lives draw closer to you. May these moments of celebration be filled with joy, both for the gift of the present and for the new dreams of a brighter future ahead. In your name, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible!” ~ Katherine Hepburn Prayer God of Possibilities, We often write-off certain expectations and hopes as being “impossible”—until someone does them! Whether it’

Prayer

God of Possibilities,

We often write-off certain expectations and hopes as being “impossible”—until someone does them! Whether it’s a record-breaking scoring career, space flight, or medical miracles, much of what we previously regarded as “impossible” suddenly becomes an accomplished fact. We are inspired to believe that our true possibilities, especially if we are willing to cooperate together, are endless. Help us overcome the “impossibles” around us today by consistently opening the doors to new and exciting things for the good of the world. We thank you in advance for the results! Amen.