BY: SR. BARBARA McMULLEN, CDP
Call to Prayer
Leader
Loving God, we thank you for this day and the opportunity to serve you in Catholic health ministry.
All
We ask your blessing on each of us as we enter into the mystery of your ongoing molding and shaping of our life. May the spirit of Christ give us wisdom to discern our place in the new structures, partnerships, and sponsorship arrangements in Catholic health ministry today. Be with us as we work together for the future of the ministry. Amen.
Reading — Jer. 31:33, Ez. 36:26
Deep within I will plant my law, not on stone, but in your heart. Follow me, I will bring you back; you will be my own and I will be your God. I will give you a new heart and a new spirit within you, for I will be your strength. I will make you live by my statutes, careful to observe my decrees. You shall be my people and I will be your God. The Word of the Lord.
Response — Psalm 19:8-12 (alternate verses)
The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. The command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye.
The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The statutes of the Lord are true, all of them just. By the laws your servant is instructed; obeying them brings much reward.
All
Let the words of my mouth meet with your favor, keep the thoughts of my heart before you, Lord my rock and my redeemer.
Reflection
What law of the Lord does our organization try to follow? How are we preparing people for future sponsorship roles?
Closing Prayer
All
O God of wisdom, pour out your spirit upon us. As we ponder new structures and sponsorship arrangements in Catholic healthcare, may we be dreamers and visionaries, witnesses to your reign, a reign that we know calls us to radical healing and work of transformation. May we be faithful stewards of the law written in our hearts and carry out this mission of Jesus with courage and hope. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
SUGGESTED MUSIC
Deep Within" and "The Name of God," by David Haas, in As Water to the Thirsty, GIA Publications, Chicago.
This prayer service focuses on the law Jesus writes in our hearts: to follow him and consider new and evolving roles in the ministry. You may use this service at meetings or on any occasion when you wish to take a moment to reflect on the mission of Jesus. Feel free to adapt the service to suit your own needs.
— Sr. Barbara McMullen, CDP, senior associate, Sponsor Services, Catholic Health Association, St. Louis
"Prayer Service," a regular department in Health Progress, may be copied without prior permission.
Copyright © 1999 by the Catholic Health Association of the United States
For reprint permission, contact Betty Crosby or call (314) 253-3477.