2.9.21 - Universal Prayer - World Day Of The Sick (Please see description for Prayer)

St. Joseph Health, Home Care Services

2-9-2021 Universal Prayer World Day of the Sick Good morning, this is Liz Wessel and it is an honor to be with you and to share in a short time of prayer and reflection. I have woven together a compilation of prayers from various sources. I will share the name of author after each one. First let us begin to center ourselves and settle into a comfortable position. Take 3 deep breaths, one to let go of stress, another to let go of worry and the third breath to become fully present. To the God of our understanding, the spirit with whom we gather this morning – we ask that our minds be open, our hearts welcoming in this shelter of belonging. For Pope Frances and others before him, February 11 is a day of recognition and prayer for the sick and for the ministry of health care, both professional and family caregivers. He reminds us, “The commandment of love that Jesus left to his disciples is also kept in our relationship with the sick. A society is more human to the degree that it cares effectively for its most frail and suffering members, in a spirit of fraternal love. Let us strive to achieve this goal so that no one will feel alone, excluded, or abandoned.” -Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the 29th World Day of The Sick This year’s theme from the Gospel of Matthew calls us to remember, “You have, but one teacher, and you are all brothers” (Mt 23:8). However, each of us understands God; we are created in the same light. Even as the pandemic separates us, remakes the world around us, our shared humanity continues to bind us in as one family. As the pandemic continues to surge, wane and wear us down, Christians find support in Jesus, who knows our illnesses and strengthens us to serve. This year we cannot escape the ongoing effects of the worldwide COVID pandemic, and our prayers are offered for those most impacted by the virus. (CHA) Please take a moment to reflect in the spirit of prayer and to offer our own silent intentions. (Ring the chime and pause for 3 seconds) Loving God, you fill all things with a fullness and hope that we can never comprehend. Thank you for leading us into a time where more of reality is being unveiled for us all to see. We pray that you will take away our natural temptation for cynicism, denial, fear, and despair. Help us have the courage to awaken to greater truth, greater humility, and greater care for one another. May we place our hope in what matters and what lasts, trusting in your eternal presence and love. Listen to our hearts’ longings for the healing of our suffering world. Knowing, good God, you are hearing us better than we are speaking, we offer these prayers in all the holy names of God. Amen. (Fr. Richard Rohr) God of our understanding, How often we find ourselves thinking that it is impossible to make a difference in the world in which we live in. There are difficulties, challenges and injustices that can seem too big for our attempts to try and conquer them. Help us to focus on our vision, instead of the problems. Inspire us to think beyond our thoughts of the impossibilities and to focus instead on what our own contributions might be. Help us to live within the power that You have given us and to believe that the way we look at problems can, and will, make a difference. Inspire us to give gifts of love and gifts of kindness as we move about this day. Help us to recognize, and to extend the gift of unconditional love. May we model Your unlimited love for all people as we give, and receive, today. Above all else, may Your love be expressed and all people blessed. Amen -Samantha Gilbertson, PNMC Mission Integration and Spiritual Care We are deeply grateful to each of you for your service and for making a difference.