World Day against Trafficking in Persons Reflection “Clear lines of responsibility are necessary for countering trafficking and for the protection of victims and survivors. We all have a responsibility to transform this situation;

Prayer

Liberating God,

Our hearts are burdened by the injustice of human trafficking and exploitation. As a ministry striving to make a difference, fill us with courage to continue confronting this evil and the strength to continue responding to the suffering of our brothers and sisters. Guide us in spreading awareness, advocating for justice, and extending compassion to those who are trapped and oppressed. As we strive to transform lives and end this scourge in our communities and all over the world, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing.” –Luke 10:41-42 Prayer God our source of life and hope, In a world that gives rise to so much anxiety, worry, and concern

Prayer

God our source of life and hope,

In a world that gives rise to so much anxiety, worry, and concern, we need your accompanying spirit to keep us steadfast and focused on what matters most. Help us discern your voice above all the distractions, so that we may follow your will with courage, humility, and devotion. Inspire us to live each day more aligned with your truth and love, so that your compassionate ministry might be better extended through us to all those in need, especially those who are poor, dying, and underserved. Amen.

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.