Prayer

Merciful God,

You taught us in word and deed that we are all called to be like the Good Samaritan, who witnessed a neighbor in need and had compassion at the sight of him. Help us to see each other that way today. As we acknowledge our own fragility and vulnerability, make us willing nonetheless to pause and approach those we encounter who are waiting for help. For the sake of our patients and families and wider communities, empower us to heal the wounds we see and raise each other up. In all our interactions today, let your compassion flow through us. Amen.

Prayer

Spirit of unity,

On Women’s Equality Day, we give thanks that our ministry is anchored upon foundational values that affirm and celebrate every human person’s equal dignity before you. As one human family, we are called to protect and secure the blessings of liberty that belong to all people without exception, by virtue of our creation in your image. Continue to guide us, therefore, to honor and support one another as equal members of your creation, working together for the common good. May our hearts reflect your love, and may our actions uphold the true spirit of unity you desire for us. Amen.

Prayer

God of Health,

Your blessings to us are beyond counting: to wake in the morning with air in our lungs; to put feet on the ground and move, walk, and run; to be energized with the rhythm of blood and the flow of nutrition from the circle of life. All this is gift, and we are right every day to give thanks for bodies that are healthy. Help us to keep them healthy as a sign of our gratitude to you, and may we use our vitality to care for those who are suffering, sick, or otherwise lacking in health and well-being. Amen.

Prayer

God with us,

We often struggle to navigate the detours we face while otherwise pursuing best laid plans. Guide us in such moments and help us to trust that each twist and turn holds purpose and may in fact be a gift, reflecting your wisdom about what’s ultimately best for us. Help us find grace in the unexpected and strength in the uncertainty. May we grow in patience and faith in such moments, remembering that even apparent deviations can lead us deeper towards who you’ve made us to be and what you’ve called us to do. Amen.

Prayer

God of beautiful memories,

Each moment of every day is a precious gift, with so much to offer if we just take the time to stop and notice what is right there in front of us.  It is a privilege and honor to be trusted with wonderful responsibilities such caring for our patients, making sure our children get to their events, making meals for our families, and being a part of community outreach projects, and yet sometimes in the busyness of daily life, we miss the opportunity of recognizing these as gift.  Help us to slow down, breathe, and take in these moments, so that when they do become memories, we smile with gratitude. Amen.

Prayer

God of creation,

The beauty of each tree in our world is due to your creative hands.  There are many wonderful gifts given through trees; shade on a hot afternoon, oxygen in order to breathe, a home for many of your creatures. Nature’s bounty of beautiful trees is something for which we are eternally grateful.  Help us to preserve these wonderful resources that you have entrusted to us. Amen.

Prayer

God of Life,

You have called each of us to live fully the life we have been given through your love.  Guide us each day to focus on our call, not based on what others say we should “do” or “be,” but rather based on what lies within our hearts in knowing who we are. Through your love for us, we are able to be our authentic selves and share that authenticity with others. Let us never miss an opportunity to do so. Amen.