JILL FISK, MATM
DIRECTOR, MISSION SERVICES, THE CATHOLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION, ST. LOUIS
OPENING PRAYER AND READING
Leader: God is our steadfast guide and constant abiding presence. Let us set our minds, hearts and bodies on the Eternal's goodness and hear a song of trust and security in God from the words of the psalmist:
(Pause)
Reader: "I bless the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart extols me.
I keep the Lord always before me; with him at my right hand, I shall never be shaken."
(Psalm 16:7-8)
Reader: A reading from the Acts of the Apostles:
"He made from one the whole human race to dwell on the entire surface of the earth, and he fixed the ordered seasons and the boundaries of their regions, so that people might seek God, even perhaps grope for him and find him, though indeed he is
not far from any one of us."
(Acts 17:26-27)
The Word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
(Pause)
REFLECTION
As forgetful beings, we need reminding. We rely on our calendar apps to keep our schedules ever before us. We set alarms to determine our waking and for reminders as we go about our days. Notifications even prompt us when to stand or breathe or practice
mindfulness.
Yet, it is sacred scripture that returns us to an eternal but all-too-quickly-forgotten reality that God is right here. The God who nudges us by day is the same God who guides us by night. God is on the job, whether we realize it or not. Our ability to
remember God's presence does not determine God's faithfulness toward us.
Think for a moment: In what circumstances do we forget God's presence? How might an awareness of our forgetfulness awaken us to God's faithfulness?
(Pause)
Leader: Let us draw near to God as God draws near to us.
INTERCESSION
For those we hold close to our hearts who don't know where to find you, we pray: O God, be their guide.
For our leaders, those within our health care systems, our communities and at state and national levels, we pray: O God, be their guide.
For those who know deeply the fatigue in the world, complacency, indifference, hatred and silence, we pray: O God, be our guide.
For all peoples from all nations to live together in union with one another and with you, we pray: O God, be our guide.
CLOSING PRAYER
Wake us up, O God, to your faithfulness and our forgetfulness. Whether we turn to the right or the left, it is you who is there. When we discern and steward and promote the dignity of the voiceless, you are at our right hand. By your grace, help us receive
your wisdom by day and by night. And teach us to live in the fullness of joy as you guide us on the path to life.
Amen.
"Prayer Service," a regular department in Health Progress, may be copied without prior permission.