Reflection    “Let the refining and improving of your own life keep you so busy that you have little time to criticize others.” –H. Jackson Brown, Jr.   Prayer   Spirit of love,  We live in a polarized culture that is well-practiced at l

Prayer

Spirit of love,

We live in a polarized culture that is well-practiced at launching judgment, criticism, and blame towards those who think and feel differently about so many things affecting our lives together. In such a climate, help us to focus on what we each need to do to better serve the common good. Make us humble enough to recognize our own imperfections and to work at our own spiritual renewal, so that we are less inclined to blame and judge others for the problems we see. For the health and well-being of our families, our workplaces, our communities and around the world, we pray. Amen.

     

 
    Reflection    “There is nothing so healing in all the world as real presence. Our real presence can feed the ache for God in others.” –Macrina Wiederkehr   Prayer   Gracious God,  As colleagues and partners with you, seeking to extend yo

Prayer

Gracious God,

As colleagues and partners with you, seeking to extend your healing and to bring good help to others, we ask for the liberating power of your spirit to fill us today. Bless each one of us with a deep and abiding sense of your presence within, so that we might embody that same gift of presence to others, especially those who are longing for a peace beyond understanding. In the way we conduct ourselves as much as the work we perform, guide us to be vessels of your love, facilitating healing connections everywhere we go. Amen.

     

 
    Reflection    “We are all fragile and vulnerable, and need that compassion which knows how to pause, approach, heal, and raise up.” –Pope Francis   Prayer   Merciful God,  You taught us in word and deed that we are all called to be like

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.

Women’s Equality Day

Women’s Equality Day

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.

     

 
    Reflection    “Keeping your body healthy is an expression of gratitude to the whole cosmos.” –Thích Nhất Hạnh   Prayer   God of Health,  Your blessings to us are beyond counting: to wake in the morning with air in our lungs; to put feet

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.

     

 
    Reflection   “Ask anyone you admire: Their lucky breaks happened on a detour from their main goal. So embrace detours. Life is not a straight line for anyone.” –Kevin Kelly   Prayer   God with us,  We often struggle to navigate the detou

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.

     

 
    Reflection    “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory.” ~Dr. Seuss   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

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.