Reflection   “It’s easy to come up with new ideas; the hard part is letting go of what worked for you two years ago but will soon be out of date.” —Roger von Oech    Prayer   Creator Spirit,  As we extend your ministry further into the f

Prayer

Creator Spirit,

As we extend your ministry further into the future, we trust that you will accompany and bless us as we face the unknown. Bless us with courage, tenacity, and an abundance of imagination. Let us not be so tied to what’s worked in the past that we overlook new and innovative opportunities for providing health and wholeness to those that we serve. We ask above all for greater discernment, that we might respond effectively to the signs of our times and the needs of our neighbors. Amen.

     

 
    Reflection   “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” –Dalai Lama   Prayer   Loving God,  Open our eyes to the many opportunities you provide us each day, to be genuinely kind. To friends and strangers alike, and especially to

Prayer

Loving God,

Open our eyes to the many opportunities you provide us each day, to be genuinely kind. To friends and strangers alike, and especially to those who are vulnerable, marginalized, neglected, or otherwise forgotten, help us reflect your own kindness so that we all might be edified by love put in action. May those most in need find us to be a hospitable and welcoming community, eager to reach out to them with gestures of love and respect. For our own sake and theirs, we pray. Amen.

First Sunday of Lent

First Sunday of Lent

Prayer

Merciful God,

You love us and give yourself to us as a gift even though we are not always who you create and call us to be. Give us the courage during this sacred season of Lent and beyond to acknowledge that we do fail, even fail repeatedly, in our efforts to be who you call us to be. Fill our hearts with your Spirit that we might trust in your mercy and goodness, believing that we can be forgiven, that we can begin again. Through the gift of your mercy, transform our hearts, minds, and lives that we might embody for others the love you so freely share with us. Amen.

     

 
    Reflection   “Truthfulness is even more important than peacefulness. Indeed, lying is the mother of violence.”  –Mahatma Gandhi    Prayer   Spirit of truth,  Empower us to build a culture committed to integrity, honesty, and transparency

Prayer

Spirit of truth,

Empower us to build a culture committed to integrity, honesty, and transparency. Whenever we ourselves are tempted to cover the truth with lies, urge us instead to bring darkness to light, for we know that not even a hint of deception should exist among us. For the sake of the peace you won for us and desire to see flourish among us, commit us to be truthful and to speak the truth, in love. Amen.

     

 
    Reflection   “I used to think that you had to be special for God to use you, but now I know you simply need to say yes.” – Bob Goff   Prayer   God who calls,  Give us hearts that listen for your voice and the courage to say yes when you

Prayer
God who calls,

Give us hearts that listen for your voice and the courage to say yes when you call. When your invitations stretch us, guide us with trust; when they humble us, fill us with grace. Help us recognize that every yes to you becomes a doorway to greater love, deeper purpose, and truer service. May our lives reflect a willing spirit that follows where you lead. May our patients, families and communities benefit from us answering your call to serve. We ask this through your Son, Jesus. Amen.

Ramadan continues

Ramadan continues

Prayer
God over all,
As our Muslim brothers and sisters enter the sacred month of Ramadan, unite our hearts in respect, friendship, and shared hope. May their fasting, prayer, and acts of generosity inspire us to seek deeper compassion and greater understanding in our own lives. Help us walk together in peace, honoring the dignity you have placed in every person. Let our unity be a witness to your love, shining across our communities and our world. Amen.

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday

Prayer
Creator God,
As we begin this Lenten season, help us to be mindful of all that you have made and entrusted to our care. We came from dust and will return to dust, yet in the sacred space between, guide us to notice and cherish the blessings that surround us. Draw us closer to you in prayer these forty days, and let our actions reflect your great love in ways that uplift and inspire. May we hold special care for those who are poor, dying, or underserved, carrying them with compassion in our hearts and hands. Prayerfully, we pray. Amen.