Reflection   “In the blame game, everybody loses, and nobody changes.” –Patsy Clairmont   Prayer   Gracious God,  Help us resist the urge to blame others for our struggles and shortcomings. Instead, may we cultivate hearts of humility an

Prayer

Gracious God,

Help us resist the urge to blame others for our struggles and shortcomings. Instead, may we cultivate hearts of humility and forgiveness, knowing that no one is perfect and that in blaming each other we only put obstacles in the way of your healing and transformation. Empower us, therefore, to take responsibility for our actions and to seek reconciliation where there is division. Guide us in fostering a spirit of unity and growth, through which your transformative power can bring about lasting change—in our personal lives, in the lives of the patients we’re called to serve, and in our wider communities. Amen.

     

 
    Reflection   “Never make your most important decisions when you’re in your worst moods. Wait. Be patient.”  –Robert H. Schuller   Prayer   Empowering God,  Discerning your direction for our lives can be challenging enough when times are

Prayer

Empowering God,

Discerning your direction for our lives can be challenging enough when times are calm, let alone when we are filled with troubled emotions or a disturbed mood. No matter what decisions we face today, give us the freedom to be able to work through the inner tumult we feel before taking decisive action. Help us instead to seek your way and to wait for peace in heart and mind, especially if we are facing choices that will dramatically affect the lives of others around us. As we all pursue the common good together, we pray. Amen.

     

 
    Reflection   “We do not remember days, we remember moments.”  ~Cesare Pavese   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

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.

     

 
    Reflection   “Seeds of faith are always within us; sometimes it takes a crisis to nourish and encourage their growth.”  ~Susan L. Taylor   Prayer   Faithful God,  You give us wonderful opportunities to walk by faith through differen

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.   

     

 
    Reflection   “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”  ~Jackie Robinson   Prayer   Loving God,  We come to work each day praying to make a positive impact in our patients’ lives and in the communities we

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.

     

 
    Reflection   “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”  ~Buddha   Prayer   God of the now,  We so often spend wasteful hours dwelling in the past or thinking too much about w

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. 

     

 
    Reflection   “What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?”  ~Vincent Van Gogh   Prayer   Encouraging God,  Your great love for us gives us courage and freedom to try new things. As a ministry, we know from experienc

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.