Prayer

God in all,

Throughout our day, we encounter Your image reflected in every person we see, hear, or even think of, yet so often we miss the chance to recognize Your presence. You dwell within all people, calling us to love each person as we love You. Help us to pause, take notice, and realize that each person in our lives is one of Your beloved children, and through them, You reside among us. With grateful hearts, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Life-giving God,
All life is precious in Your eyes, and we are called to honor and respect every aspect of it. From conception to natural death, we recognize the sacredness of each person You have created. Guide us in providing the utmost care to all who come through our doors, especially those who are poor and vulnerable. We ask this in reverence for all human life. Amen.

Prayer

Healing God,
As we dedicate this week to Physician Assistants and all who work in primary care, we recognize that their contributions deserve daily celebration. These individuals are more than medical professionals—they are miracle workers, compassionate companions, and dedicated caregivers who put their patients first. Their impact on countless lives is profound, all because they care deeply. Throughout the ministry we share this commitment: while we may not always be able to cure, we always care. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,
We can love others because You first loved us. Often, we forget where love began, how it all started, and how we are able to share it. We walk our paths, hoping our love will suffice. Yet, when we pause to remember and rest in the deep love You offer us each day, we realize the true source of love. With this understanding, we can share Your love with others, a love far greater than our own. Guide us always back to the origin of love. Amen.

Prayer

God of all seasons,

As we step a few days into this month of October, remind us of the beauty of this time of year.  Fall festivals and country fairs, harvesting of crops, hot apple cider, and of course the celebration of Halloween at the end of the month. So many wonderful and pleasant experiences.  As joy fills our minds in thinking of these upcoming events, help us to carry that joy with us throughout our workday, sharing it with our patients and co-workers. In anticipation of sharing such joy, we pray. Amen.

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.