Prayer

God of life,

As the new year continues to unfold, it can be tempting to abandon some of the changes we sincerely intended to improve our lives and relationships. When we feel stuck and hindered in our plans and goals, or even when we’re just feeling fragile and pained by the ongoing trials of life, remind us that our cries to you always fall on a compassionate ear. Comfort us knowing you are close to the brokenhearted, and may we find your presence there, in our struggle, inviting us to take a new step of freedom. Amen.

Prayer

Spirit of wisdom,

Guard our hearts from indulging in foolishness today. As we extend your healing to others, help us refrain from careless criticism and pointless complaining, so we can work better together instead, using our interactions and collective intelligence to improve the lives of patients and communities as well as our teams. Deeper than this, on a fundamental human level, help us learn to speak more in ways that edify and build-up all our neighbors, fueling the life and vitality of our unity as one human family. Amen.

Prayer

Abundant life,

On behalf of all those who are waiting on you for healing and hope, we come alongside them in prayer, right now, to implore your mercy and goodness. Fill them with the abundant life that your son came among us to share. Lift the spirits of the hurting that they might have courage and patience, strength and resilience, and to endure their trial with grace. Regardless of our position or role, give us eyes to see how we might be effective companions and caregivers, tending to them in mind, body, and spirit. Amen.

Prayer

Almighty God,

We pause on this solemn occasion to remember the holocaust and honor the memory of the dead. Grieved and humbled by history, commit us to live forward by your spirit and our own consciences, now to affirm and defend every person’s inestimable worth before you, no matter who they are or where they live. As a global ministry of a global Church, empower us to continue advocating for all who are especially vulnerable today—those who are suffering or otherwise in need of our help and our voice. Amen.

Prayer

Divine Spirit,

Across the centuries you have shown us how eager you are, to partner with humanity and do some truly incredible things. As we humbly extend your son’s ministry today, awaken in us a holy imagination anchored in our radical belief in your provision and goodness. May we dare to trust you more, that we might bring innovative and courageous ideas to fruition through our efforts together. That health and well-being might flourish for all, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God with us,

When we are tempted to think we don’t have time to pray, help us remember that communion with you makes literally all the difference in the world. As those who are called to extend your work and ministry in the world today, help us to cultivate a habit of seeking you in prayer and other spiritual practices, alongside each other. Amen.

Prayer

God of healing, compassion, and liberation,

Today we celebrate the Sisters of Bon Secours and their legacy of good help to those in need. We rejoice in the memory of their founding over two centuries ago. We recommit to the spirit of ministry they have so graciously shared with us and which inspires our work today. And we renew our hope in a future guided by your Spirit and the values of the gospel, which calls each of us to remain faithful to you through our love and service to neighbor. Amen.