Prayer

Happy God,

Our culture compels us to be in constant pursuit of some next thing on a list of secrets to happiness. Whether in our careers or possessions or even relationships, something “else” is apparently needed to unlock new levels of joy and contentment. We should know better. Especially as we come closer to the miraculous gift of your presence this Christmas, help us to let go of unhealthy attachments and self-serving acquisitiveness, that we might practice instead simply being happy, with you and each other. With grateful hearts turned towards you, giver of all that is good, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Liberating God,

It sometimes happens in our relationships, that we feel compelled to take on more than our share of responsibility for another person’s well-being and happiness. For those of us in the helping professions especially, may we all be set free of undue guilt for other people’s choices. Instead, we invite you to help us sharpen our consciences, so we can live more faithfully your call to love neighbors as we love ourselves and then let the rest go. For the good of our neighbors as much as ourselves, Amen.

Prayer

Spirit of Unity,

As we recognize International Day of Persons with Disabilities today, we recommit ourselves to pursuing the unity within all our diversity, working to foster a more inclusive culture of well-being that extends beyond our facilities’ walls and into our wider communities. May all those who find themselves excluded, by structures and systems that disadvantage them in a host of ways, instead find us as ready allies, eager to share their concerns and work for their good, in big ways and small. Amen.

Prayer

God of the voiceless,

As we respond to the signs of the times and extend your compassion today, we are thankful to have leaders within this ministry and across the Catholic community, who remain unflinching in their defense of human dignity. May their courage inspire our own, that we may fulfill our moral imperatives, as a ministry of the Church, distinguishing ourselves especially through service to and advocacy for all those who are particularly vulnerable and marginalized in our society. As a global ministry, help us to love and pray for our respective countries, while raising our voices in defense of our shared dignity. As one human family, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of compassion,

As we observe recognize World AIDS Day, let us recommit as a ministry to accompany neighbors near and far who are and have been wounded in different ways by AIDS. Those who grieve the loved ones lost, those presently affected, the young and vulnerable who are susceptible—all those who are so much bigger than the pain of disease and illness. Help us love them with compassionate and quality care, while continuing to invest in prevention and treatment. For the good of all, we pray. Amen.

God of love,

Your love for us has never been based on material items, rather it is a love that is all encompassing and dwells deep within our hearts. As we enter this most sacred season, help us to understand more fully the love you have for us, the love that Jesus brought to the world, and the love that we are called to share with each other every day. May we begin each day with a desire and dedication in sharing that same love with our patients, families, communities and co-workers, and may this time of Advent deepen our love for you. We ask this in the name of God, who loved us first. Amen.

Prayer

God over all,

Fill us with creativity and love, which flows from spirits eager to make a difference across the human family and the world we share together. May we employ our gifts and talents, guided by your Spirit’s inspiration, in the service of the common good, advancing a social fabric that protects and advances the inherent dignity of every person. Let our spirituality facilitate real and tangible cultivation of inclusive communities worth inhabiting. Amen.