Prayer

Spirit of love,

Your call to serve others entails a paradox that we get to prove true in our experience: by serving others, we somehow find ourselves the more richly blessed with abiding happiness and a job well done. As we work hard today to share your healing compassion with others, we pray that each one of our associates and leaders and partners would experience a deep sense of joy as they collectively perform so many acts of service. May our patients’ lives be blessed through so many faithful servants; and may those who serve be rewarded in knowing that, even in the smallest of gestures, they are ultimately serving you, the source of all blessing. Amen.

Prayer

Spirit of hope,

We pray today against cynicism and unite before you, inviting you to fill us with more of your hope for the world. For those who are struggling with disappointment today, give them stamina to fan into flame their own sense of hope. Use us to do so! For our colleagues and patients and their families, for our own families and wider communities, help us to avoid growing bitter when the world falls out of step with your will. Instead make us bolder, all the more eager to express and embody the love you have for all people. In the hope of your kingdom among us, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God our provider,

As we partner to extend your ministry in our communities today, we are emboldened by faith that you will provide all that we need to succeed in what is ultimately your mission among us. Strengthen this faith of ours, as we continue working diligently—staff and supplying our facilities, mobilizing services for the sake of neighbors, and bringing good help to those most vulnerable, especially the poor, dying, and underserved. For their sake especially, empower us to dream big and step forward, knowing you are with us every step of the way. Amen.

Prayer

God of all,

Your son Jesus proclaimed that the blessed are those who seek justice, who make peace, and who serve the needs of their sisters and brothers. Following the example of Catherine McAuley, open our hearts to the inspiration of your Spirit, that we might reaffirm our dedication to serving the needs of all those we encounter, especially those who are poor and vulnerable. We offer this prayer in the name of the God who is mercy and compassion. Amen.

Prayer

God beyond time,

Some of us grieve time that we’ve wasted, yet you call us ever forward in the hope of a truly new day, another chance to make the most of the time you have given. Help us, therefore, not to dwell on mistakes in the past but instead to learn and move on by your grace and forgiveness, so that this day might be more filled with your light and love, in communion with others. Be gracious to us as a ministry, as we continue to grow in the directions you call us. May we all look back on this day with contentment, knowing we filled our time doing your good work in the world, especially for vulnerable people in their time of need. Amen.

Prayer

Good Creator,

The beauty of autumn invites us to wonder at your creativity. The crispness in the air and the vibrant colors transforming each day signal a transition that captures our attention, reminding us to be more alert to this good world you have made and in which we belong. As we “officially” welcome fall today, let this season of transition be filled with opportunities for us, individually and together as a ministry, to reflect on your goodness and mercy in every season, so that we might reflect those same qualities to others. Amen.

Prayer

Gracious God,

We will never run out of reasons to feel grateful, just as we will never run out of opportunities to express gratitude for all the incredible gifts in our lives. What a gracious mystery, that in your divine economy we can share our thanksgiving flagrantly and it is never depleted! For the people among us, for the good things in creation, for the benefits of good work done together, inspire us to express gratitude in tangible, uplifting ways. As we keep our hearts open to receiving and sharing the abundant life you have so richly poured out upon us, we pray. Amen.