Reflection “Here is a test to find out whether your mission in life is complete. If you’re alive, it isn’t.” —Lauren Bacall Prayer God of today, To have woken this morning with breath in our lungs is already such a great gift! B

Prayer

God of today,

To have woken this morning with breath in our lungs is already such a great gift! Bless each one of us with a deeper awareness of the sacred gift of life itself. May we look in the mirror and recognize our own dignity, as beloved creatures made in your image, just as we honor and respect the inherent dignity of neighbors, friends, and strangers. Grateful of our shared mission as Bon Secours Mercy Health, serving your gift of life, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “I will turn their mourning into joy, I will show them compassion and have them rejoice after their sorrows.” –Jeremiah 31:13 Prayer Spirit of life, As we extend your compassion today, give us eyes to see and respond to

Prayer

Spirit of life,

As we extend your compassion today, give us eyes to see and respond to those who simply need our accompanying presence, to be with them and for them in their time of grief and sorrow. May we serve them in your name and by your grace—as your hands and feet, doing what we can to comfort and care for them in ways that will make a difference. For the good of our patients, their families, our colleagues and friends, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “Laughter is poison to fear.” –George R. R. Martin Prayer Encouraging Spirit, When we encounter fear today, within our own hearts or among those we are privileged to serve, encourage us with a greater measure of your sp

Prayer

Encouraging Spirit,

When we encounter fear today, within our own hearts or among those we are privileged to serve, encourage us with a greater measure of your spirit of everlasting joy. Renew us within, so we can be ministers of healing joy for others, driving away worries and soothing anxious hearts. Even among strangers, let our smiles and good humor lift up the energy in the room, in such ways that laughter can become its own form of healing. Truly you are a good and gracious God to bless us with such a gift! May it flow among us today. Amen.

Reflection “Salvation is not an abstract idea, but begins with the concrete action of healing the wounds of those who suffer.” –Pope Leo XIV Prayer Healing God, In the busyness of our tasks and duties, we can at times overlook the

Prayer

Healing God,

In the busyness of our tasks and duties, we can at times overlook the eternal value of the work and ministry we are pursuing together. No matter where we happen to serve or what we do in this field of healthcare, may we all be blessed with greater awareness of how we are ultimately serving your plan of salvation—not in the abstract, but in the concrete, as we work together to heal the wounds of the vulnerable and bring new degrees of wholeness to patients, their families, and our wider communities. Amen.

Reflection “I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God

Prayer

God with us,

We are often beset by various obstacles and challenges—sickness and disease, financial troubles, personal problems and wounded relations. Yet whatever the cause of today’s difficulties, remind us that nothing can separate us from the love you have so richly poured out and desire to see flourish among us. In grateful awareness of your unfailing love, help us to share and extend that love with those who are especially worried or anxious today. May we be for one another a community of unfailing support and encouragement. Amen.

Reflection “Love seeks one thing only: the good of the one loved. It leaves all the other secondary effects to take care of themselves. Love, therefore, is its own reward.” –Thomas Merton Prayer Love Divine, Our notions about love

Prayer

Love Divine,

Our notions about love often get skewed, leading us to think we can measure it by our personal satisfaction or fulfillment, rather than by the good of the one we love. Correct us gently and strengthen our resolve to embody love in all the ways you have so graciously showed us. Lead us on a path that is less self-seeking and more focused on expressing a love for others, focused on their good, and let that love become its own reward in our hearts. Amen.

Reflection “Joy doesn’t cancel out the heavy things, but it gives you little pockets of strength to carry on. Let it in whenever and wherever you can.” – Stacie Swift Prayer Joyful God, Thank you for the gift of joy, which shines

Prayer

Joyful God,

Thank you for the gift of joy, which shines even in the midst of life’s heaviness. Help us to receive those small pockets of strength, letting them refresh our hearts and renew our spirits. Teach us to welcome joy whenever and wherever it appears, using it to sustain us as we serve, care, and persevere. May your presence turn every moment of delight into courage to carry on with hope and love. Amen.