Prayer

Always good God,

May those who are gathering with friends and family today be filled with genuine joy and gratitude for the love they are privileged to share. May those who are serving others today, providing care without unceasing, be given an abundance of rest and refreshment in exchange for their sacrifices. And for all those who are suffering today, grieving the absence of belonging or struggling to feel grateful, we pray that a spirit of hospitality would impel those around them to gather them in, lift their hearts, and love and support them. With thanks to you, for your unending love and faithfulness to us, Amen.

Prayer

God of life,

We know the life of faith involves risk, yet we often find reasons to hunker down and remain in our zones of comfort. Give us courage instead to step out once more, like Peter your disciple, who followed your voice and walked on water. Yes, may we follow the examples of all of those before us who so boldly answered your call, risking their own sense of safety so that your compassionate ministry could more effectively reach those in need. For the sake of the great things you are eager to do through us today, make us as bold, ready to answer your call. Amen.

Prayer

Enlivening Spirit,

There is no area of our work or ministry that is closed to your life-giving spirit. Today, therefore, help us to recognize your spirit at work in all that we do, from the ordinary to the extraordinary, that we might enjoy a deeper awareness of the sacredness of each passing moment. May we be free to celebrate your presence wherever we come alive and to share your life more abundantly with those around us, especially those who are longing for joy, kindness, and laughter. For a spirituality that lifts others up and celebrates life, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God over all,

The example of your son, Jesus, continues to inspire our ministry as we extend his compassion to all those in need. Help us to better embody the values of his gospel today, in concrete and tangible ways—in the ways that we serve our patients and families and wider communities and as we care for one another as colleagues and friends. May we serve you well by living as good examples, always eager to do what is right and to work together for the common good. Amen.

Prayer

Everlasting God,

Your love and wisdom are so boundless! It fills us with awe as we grow closer to you, to realize that no matter how far we go there is always more to discover and more we can share of your love and wisdom. For all those who are serving others in your name today, we ask you would fill them with your boundless spirit, and that through their service they might grow closer to you. May we all desire to grow closer to you, eager to delight in your goodness and share your mercy with people most in need. Amen.

Prayer

Holy Love,

We celebrate the life of St. Columbanus today, whose passion for ministry inspires our own, that we might become as bold in our convictions and as eager to embody your love for the world. May we follow this trailblazing saint and walk in his footsteps, becoming all things to all people: gentle, firm, steadfast, and humble. For the good help of all those we have the privilege of serving, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of Creation,

Jesus often withdrew from others to go into the wilderness to find peace and solace. There is something about taking a walk in nature, amid fields of tranquility, that draws us closer to you and your love. Often, when we return from a quiet walk, we find ourselves more energized, focused, and ready to face the day. Help us to recognize the importance of these moments of quiet and solace, knowing that you are present in the midst of them. Amen.