Prayer

God of Light,

In a ministry that engages much suffering, help us as healers to preserve and protect the humor we enjoy as a community. Not in a way that denies the misfortunes we see, but as a sign of our hope and our present joy at sharing more of your abundant life with all people. Let your divine spirit of life bubble among us today, as we serve patients and families and communities in need. With all seriousness, help us treasure our capacity for humor and respect our laughter, for healing it can provide hope to those who are weary and hurting. Amen. 

Prayer

God of justice,

In times of conflict and tension, within our own lands and around the world, lead us as a ministry and as people of conscience to advocate for your vision of justice and peace. Your ways are higher than our ways! And you call us personally and collectively to be more discerning about the methods and solutions we employ to confront the evils we see. May our leaders, especially, be guided by principles and precepts that flow from your vision of the good, as we strive to secure hope and flourishing for all. With your vision to guide us, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of all joy,

It can be tempting at times to indulge in wishful thinking about good times to come, if only our circumstances would change. Yet you are not only the God who surprises us with abundance and blessing, you are the consoler of souls and the source of all joy in every circumstance. And so, no matter what challenge or struggle we may be facing today, bring each one of us the joy of your Spirit within. For those who are especially desperate for something around them to change, let their joy be followed by your peace beyond all understanding, strengthening them to stand firm. Amen.

Prayer

Empowering Light,

The ministry we share with you is both a joyful privilege and an ongoing challenge. Each and every day we are challenged, as teams and professionals, to learn and grow and develop new ways of efficiently and accurately responding to people’s needs. Help us do so with an agility that keeps us laser focused on what must be done today, while at the same time continuing our commitment to always be learning. With gratitude, for the difference we get to make in people’s lives, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God of today,

We are sometimes guilty of taking your gifts for granted, especially the gift of time. Help us to adopt a greater sense of urgency as we actively extend your ministry of compassion, in the here and now. Release us from some of the burden that comes from worrying about tomorrow. Instead make us free to engage today’s suffering and the injustice we see with our very best efforts, knowing we have the promise of your accompaniment. For the sake of those who are most vulnerable among us, we pray for renewed urgency and collaboration. Amen.

Prayer

God in stillness,

As we remember St. Jarlath today, we are inspired by a life so devoted to prayer, study, and good works for others. In our own ways today, give us a measure of peace, so that we too can be still, get to know you and ourselves better, and then act in ways that extend your presence with and for others. We all long at times for a quiet moment to recoup and refresh. May the saints’ own habits inspire us to embrace prayerful silence whenever and wherever we can. Amen.

Prayer

God of creation,
On this World Environment Day, we marvel at the beauty of your creation. Inspire us to care for the natural world with the same love and reverence with which you created it. Help us to protect, preserve, and nurture every tree, plant, and living creature, so that the earth may continue to flourish. May our actions honor your gift and reflect our gratitude for the life and beauty that surrounds us. Amen.