Reflection “For me, prayer is a surge of the heart. It is a simple look turned toward heaven. It is a cry of recognition and of love embracing both trial and joy.” –St. Thérèse of Lisieux  Prayer God of all, We are we

Prayer

God of all,

We are well-aware of how we need to hear your voice in our lives. And yet, quality time with you can often get put on the backburner—something we neglect to do until after we have completed all our other tasks. Forgive us for those times we have overlooked the simplicity of prayer. Inspire us instead simply to turn our hearts to you over and over again. By your Spirit within us, let a spirit of prayer attend all our tasks and duties, especially as we serve our neighbors in need. In your name, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.” –John Wooden Prayer God of the new, All throughout Scripture and in our own journeys of faith, you continually invite us to open our heart to the new things your S

Prayer

God of the new,

All throughout Scripture and in our own journeys of faith, you continually invite us to open our heart to the new things your Spirit is doing around us, if only we would open our eyes and follow. Give us the courage and the agility to do so today, that your mission among us might better succeed for the good of our patients and communities. Through our faithful obedience, help us serve more effectively as your hands and feet. Amen.

“We can never untangle all the woes in other people’s lives. But we can bring a cup of cool water to a thirsty soul, or a scoop of laughter to a lonely heart.” –Barbara Johnson Prayer God of my neighbor, The social problems we fac

Prayer

God of my neighbor,

The social problems we face today are multilayered, complex, and often resistant to change. Yet it takes no great skill or expertise to help a neighbor in need. Remind us today that, even if we cannot untangle all the issues affecting us as a community, nation, and world, each of us, with a cheerful heart, can do something that sincerely honors the dignity of the person before us. Amen. 

Reflection “Sometimes our breakthrough begins when we refuse to be impressed with the size of our problem.” –Bill Johnson Prayer God in our mess, As a community of healing, guide us to help one another put our problems in perspect

Prayer

God in our mess,

As a community of healing, guide us to help one another put our problems in perspective and to do what we can to alleviate our burdens together. Whether in the courage of patient care or in the workplace culture we share with colleagues, we pray to see more breakthroughs as we build one another up in faith, hope, and love. For those who are especially desperate for something in their world to change, we pray that by your Spirit and our accompaniment they will be led to new places of freedom and joy. Amen.

Reflection “For patients who are often overwhelmed, a caregiver’s expression can either provide comfort or amplify fear. Our facial expressions and demeanor are powerful tools in patient care, capable of soothing or unsettling those we

Prayer

God of Compassion,

We pause now in prayer and renew our commitment once again, to extend your healing compassion to others in need. Keep us mindful of the simplest things that can communicate powerfully with those we encounter—even our facial expressions. Help us become more deliberate and more authentic in our posture, demeanor, and eye contact, so as to share a spirit of peace, hospitality, and kindness, especially with those in need of some sign of comfort in a time of confusion or pain. Amen.

Reflection Prayer “The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. The LORD is good to all and compassionate toward all his works.” –Psalm 145:8-9 Prayer Compassionate God, Help us learn from you the

Prayer

Compassionate God,
Help us learn from you the meaning of genuine compassion and to practice showing compassion each day with more integrity and sincerity. Where kindness is lacking, give us the generosity of spirit to share kindness with others freely. Where grace and mercy are absent, lead us in our words and deeds to be channels of your gracious and merciful presence. With gratitude for your goodness to all, make us agents of that same goodness to others, renewing your people in the ways that we can. Amen.

Independence Day 250th Anniversary of the United States of America

Independence Day 250th Anniversary of the United States of America

Prayer

Liberating God,
On this important day in the United States, inspire all of us to appreciate both the gift and the responsibility that comes with our freedom. May we be deeply grateful for inhabiting lands that are structured to empower us as citizens, that we might become self-determining and attain the goals we set for ourselves. At the same time, make us all more aware of our personal and collective responsibility, to continually claim and defend our liberty with courage and compassion, looking for better ways to build the common good, so that all might flourish. In your name, we pray. Amen.