Prayer

Merciful Lord,

In a culture that perpetuates division and stokes judgment across differences, help us stand out for our promotion of the kind of community you lived and died for. A community in which forgiveness and mercy are the anchors of unity, and where no one falls out of reach of our care and concern. Let the example of St. Francis, whom we recognize today, inspire us as a ministry on mission, that we might better embody humility and kindness, and be eager to put our lives in service to the whole network of life that we share with each other and the rest of creation. In gratitude and hope, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of the humble,

The world tempts us to think that the power to make a difference depends on the position we occupy or the money we make or the number of people we’re in charge of. Yet in the ministry you started the reality is much more surprising and encouraging! Your transforming power often comes through the humblest of people from the lowliest places. Let this truth build up our spirits today, as we invite you to magnify the effects of our work. No matter what our role or function, how big or small our offering, we pause and give you thanks for this day’s opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of those we serve and serve beside. Amen.

Prayer

Author of life,

As our Jewish colleagues and neighbors celebrate Rosh Hashanah, we all take time to acknowledge your creative power within and above all things, especially your power over life itself. Who is like you? Humbled by your life-giving work of creation, we ask that you would hear the prayers especially of those who are sick and suffering today or otherwise longing for signs of new life in tough situations. Be merciful to them and use us to minister to them in ways that bring comfort and healing. Sustain us all with your lovingkindness, as we recommit to your mission among us today. Amen.

Prayer

Empowering God,

As we recognize Health Literacy Month this October, remind us that our work improving health literacy is a crucial way that we can honor the dignity of each person we have the privilege of serving. For all people deserve the chance to better understand, appreciate, and engage with information that is so relevant to their health and well-being. Inspire us, therefore, as health care professionals united in mission, to practice good communication and overcome barriers preventing patients and families and communities from being empowered in their decision making. As those called to bring good help to others, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

As we extend your compassionate ministry today, empower us to reflect your spirit of inclusion in everything we do and say. May we be truly hospitable in every encounter, with patients and families in our facilities and with neighbors in our communities. Let everyone you send us to serve feel our hearts responding to their inestimable value—for you called them into being and love them just as much as you love us. With our colleagues and partners in ministry, may we foster a culture at work that better reflects your own unconditional love, allowing people to be their true selves as we all seek to serve the common good. Amen.

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.