Prayer

Author of Life,

Our story began with your love for us, and from that love, you created us to live out our own stories. From the first breath we took so many years ago, through the interactions of childhood and our teen years, to where we are today, our stories together unfold to reveal your love for all humankind. Guide us through the remaining chapters of our lives, so that the conclusion will be one of love and legacy in helping those in need, especially those who are poor, vulnerable, and underserved. For this we pray, Amen.

Prayer

God of all abilities,

You have gifted each of us with unique and wonderful abilities. Every person should be valued for being a beloved child of God, rather than for having the same talents and skills as everybody else. Help us to understand that the term 'disability' could be seen as 'other ability,' for we are all endowed with different talents granted by you. Guide us to see as you see and to celebrate the skills and talents of everyone.

Prayer

Courageous God,

You call us each day to take time to just listen, whether it is with our patients, our family members, or a stranger on the street. Many times, we are eager to jump in with words or statements, but that may not be what is truly needed. Help us to be more like you, offering a listening ear and being fully present to those around us, and then, if needed, give us the courage to speak. By your example of always listening to us, help us to do the same. Amen.

Prayer

God of light,

Your path is easy to follow when we allow your Word to become a lamp shining on the journey. So often, we try to travel the road of life on our own, only to find that there are many roadblocks that prevent us from being our true selves. Guide us, through your Word, to trust you more and to recognize that the lighted path ahead is illuminated by your love and devotion to us, helping us become better human beings. Trusting in your guidance, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of rest,

After six days of creating such beauty, you rested. You knew the importance of taking time to step away and be refreshed. Your Son, Jesus, did the same, often retreating to solitary places to be alone and rejuvenated. Our lives can become so busy that we sometimes lose our productivity by not taking time to relax. Guide us in understanding the importance of stepping away from work to relax and recharge. Through your example, may it be so. Amen.

Prayer

God among us,

As those called into your service today, we invite you to inspire us by your spirit and by your promise, that you are close to those who are sick and brokenhearted. Remind us that when we minister to patients and families and care for our community’s needs, you are right there, too, near to them and empowering us, that we might serve as you served and love as you loved. Lift our hearts beyond a sense of duty alone, to receive afresh the deeper calling you have given each one of us, no matter our role or title, to extend this incredible ministry of healing. Amen.

Prayer

God our refuge,

Today we remember your servant, St. Laurence O’Toole, who among other things was a champion of justice and protection for the poor and marginalized. Let his legacy of ministry inspire our own, as we commit together to be good help and provide health and well-being to communities in need. Bless our eyes to focus our attention especially on those who are vulnerable, that we might listen carefully to their needs and respond in ways that bring healing and hope. Amen.