“[The human] mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.” –Oliver Wendell Holmes Prayer Expansive God, We are so grateful for the gifts of discovery and insight, and the opportunities we possess to lea

Prayer

Expansive God,

We are so grateful for the gifts of discovery and insight, and the opportunities we possess to learn more and more about your world. Expand our minds, so that we may never be satisfied with a narrow perspective but will continually seek to learn and grow as persons. As a ministry, striving to extend your compassionate ministry, strengthen our capacity to welcome new ideas and engage fresh initiatives so we can serve our patients and communities more effectively and make a greater impact for health and well-being. In your name we pray, Amen.  

Reflection “[The spiritual life] is not a consoling retreat from the difficulties of existence, but an invitation to enter fully into that difficult existence, and there apply the Charity of God, and bear the cost.” –Evelyn Underhill

Prayer

Loving God,

We come before you in hope, seeking the strength to embrace the challenges of life with faith and perseverance. Help us rely upon our spiritual foundations in order to meet the difficulties we encounter, trusting upon your love and grace to guide us through. Grant us the courage to extend your charity and compassion to others who are going through their own difficulties, even when it requires sacrifice and endurance. By your spirit, empower us to bring hope and healing to a world in need. Amen.

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.