Prayer

God of the now,

We so often spend wasteful hours dwelling in the past or thinking too much about what will happen in the future. In so doing, we miss valuable moments in the present—right here, right now. We know that tomorrow is never promised us and that we cannot change what happened yesterday. Guide us, therefore, to spend more time in the present, whether through mindful meditations or quiet walks and prayerful moments, always on the lookout for your great gift of presence in the here and now. Gratefully, we pray. Amen. 

Prayer

Encouraging God,

Your great love for us gives us courage and freedom to try new things. As a ministry, we know from experience and from those gone before us that with your presence to guide us, we are free to take risks and to pursue our mission boldly. Therefore, we ask you to continue inspiring us with courage, that we might advocate for the good of our patients and communities in new and innovative ways. You came to share with us a life more abundant. Give us the courage to step out and share that great gift with others today. Amen.

Prayer

Joyful God,

You have called each of us to a life of service, in the course of which we often discover that by reaching out to help others we experience a deep and lasting joy within our own hearts. Guide us in serving those most in need today, especially those who are poor, vulnerable, and underserved. Through our words and deeds help us to bring your joy to them, so that their joy may be more complete in knowing you. We ask this with joyful hearts, Amen.

Prayer

God of great advances,

Fifty-five years ago today, the first human walked on the surface of the moon. At that time, it was the greatest of all technological achievements and we continue to marvel at such a remarkable feat. Indeed we are inspired by all the benefits our science and technology afford us. Yet in the ministry we share together we are especially grateful for advancements in health care. Guide us in our own work in research, development, and innovation, trusting that any small step toward healing can amount to a giant leap in our shared well-being together. With gratitude for your gifts among us, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Transforming God,

Guide us in every interaction to speak words of encouragement and compassion, leaving hearts lifted and souls strengthened. Help us, as a ministry of healing, to embody your love so that through our words and deeds others will experience your grace and find renewed hope and joy. We pray especially for those caregivers who are serving at bedsides today, that you would enable them to administer your healing touch in powerful ways. For the sake of patients, families, and our wider communities, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of the possible,

As people of conscience, we are proud to serve in a ministry so energized by hope and possibility, eager to lead our communities towards greater health and well-being. Grant us wisdom to discern and respond to the actual needs around us today, while at the same time cultivating the kind of vision that sees the new directions you are calling us to in the future. Strengthen our resolve to lead with vision and to embody your goodness in every decision and action. Amen.

Prayer

God of all that is good,

We thank you today for the example and influence of the Sisters of the Humility of Mary. Through their innovative spirit and humble devotion to the people around them, their mission to change lives has flourished for over 170 years. As their ministry in health care extends through us, help us to be worthy of the calling before us by trusting in your wisdom and guidance. We ask for your continued blessings on the Sisters’ ministry and the personal intentions of each Sister. Under the guidance of Mary, your mother, we pray. Amen