Blessing of the Senses Prayer Service

Opening Prayer

Leader: God who heals, today we celebrate National Nurse's Day and hold in prayer all nurses who have committed themselves to the care of your children. We follow your son, Jesus, in his example to care for us in both body and soul.

Scripture

Reader 1: "Come lay your hands on her, so that she be made well and live." (Mark 5:23)

Reader 2: "He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her." (Luke 4:39)

Reader 1: “He spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. ‘God,’ he told him, ‘wash in the Pool of Siloam.’ So the man went and washed and came home seeing.” (John 9:6-7).

Reader 2: “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received: freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)

Leader: God created the human body vulnerable - but also able to heal. How and why bodies suffer and recover is not always known to us. With great love and compassion, Jesus healed the bodies of many. He commissioned his disciples to heal people of what ailed them, in body and in soul. Where in your own body and soul can you ask God to help you heal? How has God invited you to help others to heal?

Silent Reflection

Blessing of the Senses

(participants may make the sign of the cross on the corresponding place on their body or on that of another person as appropriate)

Reader 1: Lord, bless these hands that hold humankind in their vulnerable moments. Keep them strong and gentle as they care for your beloved children.

Reader 2: Lord, bless these eyes, may they continue to see beyond the surface. May they always recognize the patterns and signs the body shares.

Reader 1: Lord, bless these ears, may they hear and hold the story of each person they meet. May they listen to what others may not recognize. May they hear what is spoken through silence.

Reader 2: Lord, bless these lips, that they may always speak truth with courage and kindness. May the Holy Spirit guide them with the words to speak, when to speak them, and when to hold them back.

Reader 1: Lord, bless these minds, that continue to be sharp and clear as they hold everything brought to them through the gifts of their senses. May they always remain open to learn and grow, that they may prudently discern all they receive.

Reader 2: Lord, bless these bodies. May they have the strength to bear the load of others’ sufferings and joys. May they find the sustenance they need to be nourished. May they rest well when they are weary.

Reader 1: Lord, bless these hearts, that they may never forget how to break. Grow and nurture them to always carry compassion, even in the bleakest moments, for others and for themselves. Keep them ever-filled with the passion to care for those in need.

Closing Prayer

Leader: Lord, you created humankind in your image. You created us, body and soul, as intrinsically good and worthy of care. Remember always those who have dedicated themselves to the care of your children.

We ask Saints Agatha, Catherine and Elizabeth to pray for nurses across the world, that they may always be strengthened and consoled in their ministry. Grant that our gratitude and appreciation for nurses may only deepen as they continue to nurture your people.

In your name we pray, amen.