Reflection “Just living is not enough... one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” ~Hans Christian Andersen Prayer God of all creation, There is so much more to flourishing than eking by and just earning a living. T

Prayer

God of all creation,

There is so much more to flourishing than eking by and just earning a living. To thrive and flourish in the way you intend means living in the fullness of all the good gifts we’ve been given and stewarding those gifts for the good of others.  Open our eyes to see the good gifts all around us, especially in the blessings of your creation.  The gift of the sun to warm us, the freedom and space to be our true selves, and even the beauty of a small flower, which shows us the splendor of living in simplicity.  As we celebrate your gifts today, grant us a deeper appreciation of your great love for us that we might continue to grow, thrive, and flourish in the ways that we ought.  Amen.

Reflection “Compassion will cure more sins than condemnation.” –Henry Ward Beecher Prayer God of compassion, In a culture so prone to judgment and condemnation, empower us to stand up as champions of compassion, committed to seein

Prayer

God of compassion,

In a culture so prone to judgment and condemnation, empower us to stand up as champions of compassion, committed to seeing others through your eyes of mercy. Grant us wisdom to discern the needs around us and the courage to act with kindness and empathy, following the example of your Son, Jesus Christ. In our thoughts, words, and deeds, may we mirror your boundless love for all people, doing all that we can to heal wounds and overcome divisions. With gratitude for the mission we share, extending your compassionate ministry today, we pray. Amen.

“Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” –Simone Weil  Prayer  God who sees us, We are humbled by how you see us, attend to us, and love us, just as we are. Help us share this same gift of attention with eac

Prayer 

God who sees us,

We are humbled by how you see us, attend to us, and love us, just as we are. Help us share this same gift of attention with each other—with the patients and families we have the privilege of serving, with the colleagues who serve beside us, and with all those we encounter in the course of this ministry. Let there be no strangers among us today, as we practice seeing all those we meet as icons of your presence and truly listening to the burdens they carry. With gratitude that we are freely able to share such a rare and pure gift as attention, we pray. Amen.

Memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola

Memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola

Prayer

Rejuvenating Spirit,

On this feast day devoted to St. Ignatius of Loyola, we remember the saint’s remarkable journey from wounded soldier to founder and leader of the Jesuit community. Give us a share in St. Ignatius’s spirit, that we might be even bolder in pursuing your will for our lives, personally and together as a ministry, striving to share your abundant life with all people—within our facilities and out in our communities. No matter what it is we’ve been given to do today, inspire us to “set the world on fire” with your message of hope and the promise of restoration. Amen.

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.