BY: SR. PATRICIA A. TALONE, RSM, Ph.D.
Leader
Lord God, you have called forth generous women and men to minister to you and
your church by serving their sisters and brothers. May those who minister in
your name, especially within health care, be effective in their work and persevering
in their prayer, performing their ministry with gentleness and concern for others.
We ask this in Jesus' name.
All
Amen.
READING
Leader A reading from the Gospel of Mark:
"And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, and
gave them authority over the unclean spirits;
And He instructed them that they should take nothing for their journey, except
a mere staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belt—but to wear
sandals; and He added, 'Do not put on two tunics.'
And He said to them, 'Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you
leave town.
'Any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from
there, shake the dust off the soles of your feet for a testimony against them.'
They went out and preached that men should repent.
And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick
people and healing them" (Mk 6:7-13).
QUIET REFLECTION
How has Jesus sent me forth to help build up the reign of God? How
has God prepared me for the work that I am doing? Which of my colleagues are
truly companions on the journey?
RESPONSE (alternate sides)
Praise the Lord!
For it is good to sing praises to our God;
For it is pleasant and praise is becoming.
The Lord builds up Jerusalem;
He gathers the outcasts of Israel.
He heals the brokenhearted
And binds up their wounds.
He counts the number of the stars;
He gives names to all of them.
Great is our Lord and abundant in strength;
His understanding is infinite.
The Lord supports the afflicted;
He brings down the wicked to the ground.
Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;
Sing praises to our God on the lyre.
CLOSING PRAYER
Leader
Most gracious God, lovingly heed our prayers and enlighten the hearts of those
you have called to serve in your healing ministry. Enable them to serve worthily,
to love you with an everlasting love, and to attain joys without end in this
world and the next. We ask this in Jesus' name.
All
Amen.
Sr. Patricia Talone, RSM, PhD
Vice President, Mission Services
Catholic Health Association
"Prayer Service," a regular department in Health Progress,
may be copied without prior permission.
Copyright © 2005 by the Catholic Health Association of the United States
For reprint permission, contact Betty Crosby or call (314) 253-3477.