Prayers for Support Staff and Leadership: February 18-22
MONDAY:
This week, we focus on the vital role of support staff and leadership, without whom the work of healing could not be accomplished. Called to the ministry through scheduling, taking phone calls, fixing problems and making difficult decisions, they are critical participants in bringing God's healing grace to the world, and are not to be underestimated.
Saint Mother Teresa loved to say, "Perhaps I don't speak their language, but I can smile." We pray today that all IT staff, administrative staff, call center staff and leadership continue the small acts of kindness they engage in daily, offering them to God as a sacrifice of love and service.
Pope Francis calls us all to carry the smile of Mother Teresa "in our hearts and give it to those whom we meet along our journey, especially those who suffer. In this way, we will open up opportunities of joy and hope for our many brothers and sisters who are discouraged and who stand in need of understanding and tenderness."
As we pray, our response will be: To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.
Reader: From the Book of Psalms
How shall I make a return to the LORD
for all the good he has done for me?
The cup of salvation I will take up,
and I will call upon the name of the LORD.
Response: To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.
Reader:
My vows to the LORD I will pay
in the presence of all his people.
Precious in the eyes of the LORD
is the death of his faithful ones.
Response: To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.
Reader:
My vows to the LORD I will pay
in the presence of all his people,
In the courts of the house of the LORD,
in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Response: To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.
Closing Prayer:
Generous Lord, with love beyond all telling, you sent Jesus who sends us to shower your love on those most in need, particularly in our ministry to the sick. Inspire us to serve with courage, love and generosity in the spirit of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
Give us the courage to be guardians of dignity of those who are abandoned and discarded. Let those among us whose voices are strong raise them in defense of the weak.
Give our support staff and leadership teams love that unveils the face of Christ in the face of every individual we meet, particularly in difficult times
Give us generosity born from the knowledge that all good things are gifts of your love and through us are to be shared with the world.
Amen.
Daily Prayers Feb. 19 - 22
TUESDAY: A prayer for those who work in Information Technology …
Prayer: Creator of all, we pray in gratitude today for those colleagues in IT who offer us help when we least want to admit we need it. Grant them the patience and grace to offer their knowledge and the technological support essential to our health care ministry.
Response: To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.
WEDNESDAY: A prayer for administrative support staff …
Prayer: God, we know that healing would not be possible without the tireless efforts of our administrative support staff. Their steadfast attention to detail even in the most commonplace tasks is a witness to the quiet, tender love you shower unnoticed on each of us daily. Make yourself known to them, God, that they might also know our gratitude for them.
Response: To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.
THURSDAY: A prayer for those who staff Call Response Centers …
Prayer: As we pray for those who staff call centers and emergency response lines, we ask Lord that you especially offer them your presence and peace of mind. May they respond to calls with poise and grace such that callers feel heard, understood and well-cared for.
Response: To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.
FRIDAY: A prayer for board members, CEOs, and other leaders …
Prayer: Infinite Spirit, we know that you walk with us both in the minutia and in that which is larger than us. As board members, CEOs and other members of leadership discern decisions around mergers, budget cuts, salary increases and growth opportunities, make yourself known such that your presence and your influence cannot be denied.
Response: To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.
Additional Resources
http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/sick/documents/papa-francesco_20181125_giornata-malato.html
http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2016/documents/papa-francesco_20160904_omelia-canonizzazione-madre-teresa.html
©The Catholic Health Association of the United States