BY: SR. PATRICIA TALONE, RSM, Ph.D.
VICE PRESIDENT, MISSION SERVICES, CATHOLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION, ST. LOUIS
CALL TO PRAYER
LEADER: Lord God, we come to you today aware of our own weakness and humanity. We pray for ourselves and especially for those who suffer from any form of mental illness. Mindful of our commitment to those who are most in need, we listen to God's promise as reflected by the prophet Isaiah.
READER: (Isaiah 42: 1-3; 6-7)
"Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one with whom I am pleased,
Upon whom I have put my spirit;
he shall bring forth justice to the nations,
Not crying out, not shouting, not making
his voice heard in the street.
A bruised reed he shall not break,
and a smoldering wick he shall not quench …
"I, the Lord, have called you for the victory of justice,
I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set
you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations,
to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners
from confinement, and from the dungeon,
those who live in darkness."
PSALM 27
(Responsive reading by alternate sides)
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom do I fear?
The Lord is my life's refuge; of whom am I afraid?
When evildoers come at me to devour my flesh,
These my enemies and foes themselves stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me,
my heart does not fear;
Though war be waged against me,
even then do I trust.
One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek:
To dwell in the Lord's house all the days of my life,
To gaze on the Lord's beauty, to visit his temple.
For God will hide me in his shelter in time of trouble,
Will conceal me in the cover of his tent;
and set me high upon a rock.
Even now my head is held
high above my enemies on every side!
I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and chant praise to the Lord.
Hear my voice, Lord, when I call;
Have mercy on me and answer me.
"Come," says my heart, "seek God's face";
Your face, Lord, do I seek!
Do not hide your face from me;
do not repel your servant in anger.
You are my help; do not cast me off;
do not forsake me, God my savior!
Even if my father and mother forsake me,
the Lord will take me in.
Lord, show me your way, lead me on a level path
because of my enemies.
Do not abandon me to the will of my foes; malicious and lying witnesses have risen against me.
But I believe I shall enjoy the Lord's goodness
in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord, take courage;
be stouthearted, wait for the Lord!
LEADER: Let us lift up the names of those persons or groups who may be in need of healing and consolation.
(Pause to allow people to speak names or groups.)
Let us pray together:
ALL: Lord God, you who comfort those who are suffering, afraid or shunned by our society, assist those of us in the Catholic health ministry to always provide solace, support and encouragement to people who suffer from mental illness. Grant us creativity, patience and steadfastness as we seek to reflect your face to all those whom we serve. We ask this, as we ask all things, in the name of Jesus, the Christ. Amen.