Prayer

God of stillness,

We are called to spend quality time with you, but life can be so busy that we often let those chances pass us by.  Help us to realize the importance of taking life a bit slower, choosing to take moments of stillness in our day, and resting in gratitude at the day’s end for those experiences of your love.  There can never be too many moments of your presence with us, rather help us to recognize you in all our moments of the day.  Amen.

Prayer

Living God,

As members of Catholic health care, we strive to care for and heal all those who walk through our doors each day.  Living out our values of Human Dignity and Compassion, we affirm each person’s right to receive health care, and though we may not always be able to cure, we always care with love and compassion.  Help us to be mindful of the privilege we share as a ministry, of reaching out to those in need, especially those who are poor, dying and underserved.  We pray this in your name. Amen.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.