BY: MARY KAY MCVEY CHRISTIAN, MA
OPENING PRAYER
LEADER: It can be overwhelming when we see the amount of suffering by people throughout the world. Let us prayerfully reflect upon those who are in pain in our communities and in our world. May we find grace and strength to walk with them in their pain and to lessen their affliction when we are able.
READER 1: (Matthew 9:35-36)
Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.
Silent Reflection
LEADER: Let us take a moment in silent reflection, considering the reading we have heard.
READER 2: (Dorothy Day)
Love and ever more love is the only solution to every problem that comes up. If we love each other enough, we will bear with each other's faults and burdens. If we love enough, we are going to light that fire in the hearts of others. And it is love that will burn out the sins and hatreds that sadden us. It is love that will make us want to do great things for each other. No sacrifice and no suffering will then seem too much.
LEADER: For all who suffer from contagious disease and terminal illness.
ALL: (from Psalm 80)
Lord, let your face shine forth,
and we shall be saved.
LEADER: For those whose lives are threatened by lack of clean water and sustainable crops.
ALL: Lord, let your face shine forth,
and we shall be saved.
LEADER: For all who live in fear, oppression and the threat of violence.
ALL: Lord, let your face shine forth,
and we shall be saved.
LEADER: For all people trapped in poverty, the unemployed and those who have lost hope.
ALL: Lord, let your face shine forth,
and we shall be saved.
CLOSING PRAYER
ALL: Loving God,
May we see the plight of all those who suffer in our midst. Give us courage and compassion to live in solidarity with the suffering. May our hearts, burning with love, bear the burdens of all in our care. And may our loving example ignite the hearts of others to accompany the vulnerable in their affliction. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
"Prayer Service," a regular department in Health Progress, may be copied without prior permission.