BY: CARRIE MEYER McGRATH, MDiv, MAS
CALL TO PRAYER
As the Catholic health ministry, we are called to continue Jesus' mission of love and healing today. In light of his special concern for people who are poor and marginalized we are compelled to act together outside of our walls. As our country makes decisions about programs for the poor and the underserved in need of health care, we pray in a special way for those who have access to health care services through Medicaid. Let us turn to the words of Scripture and tradition.
READING ONE (From Populorum Progressio, 23, Saint Paul VI)
"He who has the goods of this world and sees his brother in need and closes his heart to him, how does the love of God abide in him? Everyone knows that the Fathers of the Church laid down the duty of the rich toward the poor in no uncertain terms. As St. Ambrose put it: 'You are not making a gift of what is yours to the poor man, but you are giving him back what is his. You have been appropriating things that are meant to be for the common use of everyone. The earth belongs to everyone, not to the rich.'"
READING TWO (James 2:15-17 NIV)
"Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
INTERCESSIONS
Rooted in Scripture and grounded in our tradition, let us pray together for all those who have access to health care services through Medicaid.
Please respond: Loving God, hear us.
For the elderly, that they may know comfort and care as they navigate complex and ongoing health care. We pray, Loving God, hear us.
For people with disabilities, that they may receive the specialized care necessary for their unique needs. We pray, Loving God, hear us.
For pregnant women, that they may know care that leads to healthy long-term outcomes for themselves and their children. We pray, Loving God, hear us.
For children, that they receive reliable and consistent care to lay a foundation for healthy lives. We pray, Loving God, hear us.
For those in crisis, that they have health care to support any unusual or unexpected needs. We pray, Loving God, hear us.
CLOSING
God of all providence, as the Catholic health ministry, we carry out your mission of healing. We sit in gratitude for the grace and gifts you give us in our work. As we pray for those we serve, we ask you to move in the hearts of leaders and decision makers. Inspire them to make loving choices in favor of human dignity and the common good so all may have needed access to health care. Strengthen in us a commitment to those who are poor and a willingness to use our voices and our influence for their good. Amen.
"Prayer Service," a regular department in Health Progress, may be copied without prior permission.