Prayer

God of all,

In recognition of World Day of Migrants and Refugees, we ask you to open our eyes to see more clearly our fundamental unity, as one human family. Remind us of our solidarity as sisters and brothers across the globe, sharing a common origin and destiny, knowing that one day we all will be gathered before your throne. Until then we pray for those who lack or have been deprived of a stable dwelling in a land they call home. Let those of us who are so blessed continue extending helping hands to them, insisting that their dignity always be upheld as we serve them in tangible ways. As advocates of the sisters and brothers in need in our communities, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Gracious God,

We acknowledge you as the source of every good gift and we praise you for the many graces you show us each day. We also admit to the confusion and pain we feel when gifts we rely on are taken away from us, especially the gift of good health. For those who are struggling today with the loss of function and vitality, help us be a community of support and healing for them as they face the challenge of sickness and disease. Along with their loved ones, may we accompany them faithfully and somehow reveal your hope and goodness even in this time of trial. As we all look to you, we pray. Amen.

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.