Prayer

God of grace,

When we take time to contemplate the memories of our lives, it’s not days in their entirety that we remember, but rather glorious and special moments that remain in our hearts and minds. A child’s first birthday party; hearing words such as, “You are cancer free;” looking into the eyes of one’s beloved and saying, “I do;” or seeing those hospital doors open as we finally go home after an extended stay. Such moments are unforgettable and are constantly unfolding from the day we are born, if only we would take time to notice. Help us to notice them today. Amen.

Prayer

Faithful God,

You give us wonderful opportunities to walk by faith through different experiences in our lives.  So often we try and go it alone, thinking we have all we need to overcome difficult and even critical situations. However, it does not take long for us to realize the importance of relying on your love and strength to help us through such times. Nurturing and cultivating the seeds of faith, which you planted within each one of us, will guide us to a life that flourishes. May it be so, for ourselves and for those we are called to serve today. In love, we pray. Amen.   

Prayer

Loving God,

We come to work each day praying to make a positive impact in our patients’ lives and in the communities we serve. In myriad ways—whether through medical treatments, necessary surgeries, psychological healing, or even spending time holding the hand of someone who is dying—we strive to embody your healing touch and to become a link to your love for all people. It’s by the power of your love that lives will be impacted in ways we know not, but certainly in ways that make a difference. Through your love, we pray. Amen.

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.