Reflection   “The sun will set without thy assistance.” –the Talmud   Prayer   Loving God,  You have called us to partner with you in transforming the world. As we strive to do so faithfully, help us remember that you are God and we are

Prayer

Loving God,

You have called us to partner with you in transforming the world. As we strive to do so faithfully, help us remember that you are God and we are not. It is your mission we seek to extend, simply by contributing what we can and then trusting you for the rest. Grant us the wisdom to know how to let go of undue burdens and the false expectation to “do it all.” Instead, help us embrace the limits within which you created us, and to find freedom in sharing our gifts as best we can, with whomever you put in our path. Amen.

     

 
    Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary    Reflection    “For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death, for ‘he subjected everything under his feet.’” –1 Corint

Prayer

God of all creation,

On this day, as the Church celebrates Mary’s bodily assumption into heaven, we are invited to celebrate the goodness of the body and to remember that you are the very author of life, who loves life and gives life to our bodies, who laid down your own life for love’s sake and then took it up again, in resurrection power! Death is your enemy, as is sickness, disease, and all forms of suffering. Therefore, today, we pray to be filled with resurrection hope, that we might comfort those who are suffering, strengthen the weary, and accompany the fearful through their time of trouble. Amen.

     

 
    Reflection    “Who can you give the credit to, before you take some for yourself?” –Michael Bungay Stanier   Prayer   Encouraging God,  With humble hearts we pause to appreciate the vast contributions of so many talented, gifted, and dev

Prayer

Encouraging God,

With humble hearts we pause to appreciate the vast contributions of so many talented, gifted, and devoted colleagues across this ministry. Providers and caregivers, partners and vendors, associates of all kinds, all who serve so selflessly as your hands and feet to people in need. Open our eyes today, to see this diversity as a colorful spectrum of your own compassion and love for humanity. May we encourage each other in words and gestures to stay the course and keep up the good work. Amen.

     

 
    Reflection    “Whenever ‘Me’ takes precedence over ‘We’, and pleasure today over viability tomorrow, a society is in trouble.” –Rabbi Jonathan Sacks   Prayer   God over all,  The culture in which we live is prone to selfishness and short

Prayer

God over all,

The culture in which we live is prone to selfishness and short-sightedness. As those devoted to your mission of healing, help us continue to resist such tendencies and to continue advocating for a society founded on unity and the pursuit of the common good. May we stand out for the sincerity of our commitment to serving patients and communities, not for our own sake but because you called us, equipped us, and sent us to do this good work. With thanks for your invitation to be part of this mission, we pray. Amen.

     

 
    Reflection    “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” –Suzy Kassem    Prayer   Spirit of hope,  We work hard as a ministry to bring more of your dream for the world into reality. Yet we also face challenges that can sometimes d

Prayer

Spirit of hope,

We work hard as a ministry to bring more of your dream for the world into reality. Yet we also face challenges that can sometimes distract us from the vision we’re called to pursue. In responding to setbacks, we invite you to dispel every doubt that would otherwise tempt us to think we aren’t making difference. Grant us instead an unwavering faith in your promises and the resilience to hold on to your mission. May we trust that, with your hand to guide us, all things are possible. Amen.

     

 
    Reflection    “I sought the LORD, and he answered me   And delivered me from all my fears.  Look to him that you may be radiant with joy.” —Psalm 34:5-6   Prayer   God who hears us,  We pause now to seek your face again, thankful that yo

Prayer

God who hears us,

We pause now to seek your face again, thankful that you are so faithful to answer our prayers and deliver us from every fear that would grip our hearts. Help us focus on you today, the source of all joy, so we might freely share your life-giving love with others, especially those who are most in need. For the sake of all our patients and families and wider communities, may our lives reflect your healing compassion, drawing all those we serve into a deeper experience of wholeness, integrity, and peace. Amen.

     

 
    Reflection    “If you want to see the brave, look at those who can forgive. If you want to see the heroic, look at those who can love in return for hatred.” –the Bhagavad Gita   Prayer   Holy Spirit,  Bravery and heroism are expressed in

Prayer

Holy Spirit,

Bravery and heroism are expressed in many ways, yet perhaps never so powerfully as when we choose to forgive those who wrong us; or when we are strong enough to confront hatred with love. As those called by your name, fill us with your spirit so we can exemplify your character towards all those we encounter, including even those who are hard to love or who otherwise offend us. May our lives bear witness to your grace and mercy, and may we be instruments of peace and reconciliation in a world that desperately needs your healing touch. Amen.