Reflection “My life has been full of terrible misfortunes, most of which never happened.” –Michel de Montaigne Prayer Everlasting Peace, Our worry about the future can often grow far out of proportion, as we catastrophize and sp

Prayer

Everlasting Peace,

Our worry about the future can often grow far out of proportion, as we catastrophize and spend our time envisioning any and every unfavorable outcome. Heal us of such unhealthy patterns of thought, which lead us to focus on ourselves while neglecting the needs of others. May we cultivate instead a deep sense of joy for the gifts you have already given, that we might look to the future with faith, hope, and love. For our own sake, and the sake of all those you send us to serve, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “Jesus said to his disciples: ‘To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.’” –Luke 6:27-28 Prayer Loving God, Your teaching is har

Prayer

Loving God,

Your teaching is hard! And on our own merit, impossible. Knowing our weakness, we invite your spirit to transform us more and more, that we might grow in practicing this kind of love, which is radically inclusive, wide enough to encompass even the darkness we encounter. At the same time, we know you do not send us into harm’s way on purpose. So we pray as well for colleagues facing challenging working conditions, who may even be fearful in their duties and service. May we support them better and do all that we can to protect them, working together to see your vision of love-in-community flourish among us. Amen.

Reflection “Commitment is an act, not a word.” –Jeanette Winterson Prayer Merciful God, As people of conscience and a ministry together, we invite you to fill us with the courage we need to enact our deepest commitments. May our m

Prayer

Merciful God,

As people of conscience and a ministry together, we invite you to fill us with the courage we need to enact our deepest commitments. May our mission go beyond words, as we commit to embody your healing compassion, bring good help to others, and advance the health and well-being of our patients and communities. No matter what our role or position, help us live into the connections between our own sense of purpose and the direction our ministry is headed. United in commitment, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “Let us turn our eyes to the Father and Creator of the universe, and consider…the total absence of any friction that marks the ordering of His whole creation.” –St. Clement of Rome Prayer Creator God, We do well these d

Prayer

Creator God,

We do well these days to contemplate your goodness in creation, especially when there seems to be so much friction in our culture—as confusion, chaos, and uncertainty give us reason to wonder about the future. You invite us instead to pause, breathe, and reorient ourselves as creatures made in your image, called and equipped to preserve the good order you have designed. As you restore our sense of belonging to the world you made, empower us to do what we can to bring it more in alignment with your good purposes. Amen.

Reflection “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.” ~Brené Brown Prayer God of creativity and love, Through the beauty and wonder of your creation, you have shown us the power of imagination and the

Prayer
God of creativity and love,

Through the beauty and wonder of your creation, you have shown us the power of imagination and the gift of innovation. You have placed within us the ability to think, dream, and create, reflecting your divine image. Guide us to use these gifts for the uplifting of others, never to tear down, but to build pathways of compassion and understanding. May we live with purpose, seeking the good of all, and share love without limit to all those we meet. For this, we humbly pray. Amen.

Reflection “Patience attracts happiness; it brings near that which is far.” ~Swahili Proverb Prayer God of wisdom and joy, Within the human spirit lies a profound sense of happiness when we seek to fulfill our moral duties, especi

Prayer
God of wisdom and joy,

Within the human spirit lies a profound sense of happiness when we seek to fulfill our moral duties, especially in the sacred field of healthcare. Though some decisions we face are challenging, through patience and reflection we trust in your guidance to lead us to what is right. Remind us always of your presence in the work we do, strengthening our hands and hearts for the good of all people. May our efforts draw those who feel distant from you closer, so that in that relationship, true and lasting happiness may flourish. Amen.

Reflection “Winter is on my head, but eternal spring is in my heart.”  Victor Hugo Prayer God of seasons, In the midst of winter’s chill, it is easy to lose sight of the promise spring holds. Dark days, frosty mornings, and h

Prayer
God of seasons,

In the midst of winter’s chill, it is easy to lose sight of the promise spring holds. Dark days, frosty mornings, and heavy snow can weigh on our spirits. Yet, we trust in your eternal rhythm, knowing that spring will follow winter and life will emerge anew. This cycle reminds us of the triumph of life over death and hope over despair. Help us to carry this assurance in our hearts, knowing that we are always held tenderly in your care. With gratitude for your steadfast love, we pray. Amen.