Reflection “Flowers are the music of the ground. From earth’s lips spoken without sound.”  ~Edwin Curran Prayer God of Creation, The fact that no two flowers are exactly alike inspires us to be grateful for our individuality.

Prayer

God of Creation,

The fact that no two flowers are exactly alike inspires us to be grateful for our individuality.  Like fingerprints, we are all created in a unique and beautiful way. Guide us in celebrating our own uniqueness, and the uniqueness of each person on earth.  Gathered together, we resemble a beautiful bouquet of living souls, shining your brightness for all to see.  Amen.

Reflection “You do not just wake up and become a butterfly. Growth is a process.”  ~Author Unknown Prayer Loving God, All of life here on Earth is a process, and each step of the way takes time.  As children, we are so e

Prayer

Loving God,

All of life here on Earth is a process, and each step of the way takes time.  As children, we are so eager to grow and learn and become adults.  However, in reality we come to realize that life is a process that takes time to grow, incorporating what we have learned into what we become in our adult years. Sometimes we rush the growth too quickly, and then we must revert back to missed steps and learn them over again.  Thankfully, your patience with us never rushes us, but rather accepts each person in their own time.  Help us to be patient with others in the same way.  In gratitude, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “We can fixate on what’s wrong and miss the joy in life, or we can acknowledge and accept imperfections and consciously choose to look beyond to the beauty and good.”  ~ Claire McGarry Prayer God of all that is go

Prayer

God of all that is good,

Part of the beauty of this world is learning to accept the imperfections that surround us, allowing us to see that things do not need to be perfect in order to bless us with beauty and goodness. So much of life is based on perfectionism, which tends to squelch the joy out of fully living. Meanwhile, embracing imperfections can often allow us to see the joy of living through unforgettable memories and laughter, which we would have missed by being fixated on what’s wrong.  Thank you for granting us the freedom to not be perfect, but rather to be perfectly loved by you. Amen.

Reflection “Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.”    ~Madam CJ Walker Prayer God of Opportunities, Each day presents us with a variety of experiences, both at home and in the work

God of Opportunities,

Each day presents us with a variety of experiences, both at home and in the workplace.  Often, we miss the chance to take advantage of the opportunities waiting for us that may make our lives better, leading to making a better world. When we focus on others, helping them where help is needed, we are creating life-giving opportunities which in turn will benefit many.  Guide us away from self-focus to other-focus so that more opportunities for good may arise. For this we pray. Amen.

“Glorify the LORD with me, let us together extol his name. I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” –Psalm 34:4-5 Prayer God who hears us, We are often beset by fears of many kinds: a poor prognosis

Prayer

God who hears us,

We are often beset by fears of many kinds: a poor prognosis, worries about a loved one in need, a crippling debt casting a shadow on the future. In such moments, help us recall the way your gracious presence has sustained us in the past and may we rest in your promise to be with us in the future, no matter what. May we be comforted knowing you hear the cries of our hearts and will answer, delivering us from our fears. For all those who are especially gripped by fear today, send us as trustworthy confidants they can rely on to hold them up, encouraging them to look to you and to share their burden with us. Amen.

Reflection “The most exciting breakthroughs of the twenty-first century will not occur because of technology, but because of an expanding concept of what it means to be human.” –John Naisbitt Prayer Gracious God, Today’s technolo

Prayer

Gracious God,

Today’s technological culture gives us so much to be thankful for! At the same time, we know that the promises of technology are empty unless they become part of a bigger vision of what it means to be human together, in service to the flourishing of all people and the advancement of the common good. Help us as a ministry, to continue seeking your guidance in the ways we innovate and develop the incredible tools available through technology, so that your life-giving vision of justice and peace will continue to spread across all the areas we are privileged to serve. As one human family, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “Compassion is a muscle that gets stronger with use.” –Mahatma Gandhi Prayer God of compassion, We marvel today as we observe so many associates, partners, and colleagues expressing your heart of compassion to people in

Prayer

God of compassion,

We marvel today as we observe so many associates, partners, and colleagues expressing your heart of compassion to people in need. They use their talents and skills to ensure patients receive the highest quality of care. May these good servants know of our gratitude today, and may they be inspired to go on flexing the muscles of their spirits as they bring good help to people in need. For those whose muscles of compassion are especially tired, we pray you would heal and fill them with your rejuvenating touch, and that we would come around them to encourage and support them in whatever ways we can. Amen.