BY: FR. THOMAS NAIRN, OFM, Ph.D.
SENIOR DIRECTOR, ETHICS, CATHOLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION, ST. LOUIS
CALL TO PRAYER
LEADER: Scripture tells us of the power of God's word: It is a creative word, a healing word, a hope-filled and transformative word. As we listen to the word of God, let us experience not only the power of God's word, but also the power of our own words — power for good or for ill.
READING 1: Isaiah 55:10-11
For just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, giving seed to him who sows and bread to him who eats, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it.
PAUSE
READING 2: John 1: 1-5, 14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. . . . And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth.
SILENT OR SHARED REFLECTION
RESPONSE: Psalm 19A
Recite alternately:
The heavens proclaim the glory of God and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands. Day unto day takes up the story and night unto night makes known the message.
No speech, no word, no voice is heard yet their span extends through all the earth, their words to the utmost bounds of the world. There he has placed a tent for the sun; it rejoices like a champion to run its course.
At the end of the sky is the rising of the sun; to the furthest end of the sky is its course. There is nothing concealed from its burning heat.
PRAYERS OF PETITION
LEADER: Your word brings order out of chaos.
ALL: May your word become flesh in us.
LEADER: Your word brings healing to those suffering in body and spirit.
ALL: May your word become flesh in us.
LEADER: Your word brings pardon and peace to those troubled.
ALL: May your word become flesh in us.
LEADER: Your word brings hope to the fearful.
ALL: May your word become flesh in us.
LEADER: Your word transforms the world.
ALL: May your word become flesh in us.
LEADER: Lord God, you have sent your followers to preach the Gospel to the whole world by word and example. We thank you for those who have used their talents to communicate your word and your love to us. We ask that you help each of us that we may always hear your word as it comes to us in the many areas of our lives. Help us to communicate your love to others that all may come to know you and be renewed in your love. We ask this through the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ our Lord.
ALL: Amen.
CLOSING
LEADER: The Epistle of St. James tells us to "act on the word." (James 1:22) May God's word remain active within us and among us.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
Prayer Service," a regular department in Health Progress, may be copied without prior permission.