BY: LYNDA PALAZZOLO
MISSION SERVICES, CATHOLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION, ST. LOUIS
CALL TO PRAYER
LEADER: Catholic health care faces turbulent times. Facilities confront staggering medical, social, political and financial challenges as they continue to carry on the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. It is important that we periodically take time to reflect upon God's eternal providence, which continues to support us and compel us forward. Let's pray together the words of the psalmist.
READING 1
ALL: Psalm 27:1-8 (New American Bible)
(Recite in alternate sides)
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom do I fear? The Lord is my life's refuge; of whom am I afraid?
When evildoers come at me to devour my flesh, these my enemies and foes themselves stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me, my heart does not fear; though war be waged against me, even then do I trust.
One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek: to dwell in the Lord's house all the days of my life, to gaze on the Lord's beauty, to visit his temple.
For God will hide me in his shelter in time of trouble, will conceal me in the cover of his tent; and set me high upon a rock.
Even now my head is held high above my enemies on every side!
I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and chant praise to the Lord.
Hear my voice, Lord, when I call; have mercy on me and answer me.
"Come," says my heart, "seek God's face"; your face, Lord, do I seek!
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
LEADER: Let's take a moment of silence to present to God the concerns and fears that each of us faces as we, together, carry out this healing ministry.
Pause for silent reflection
READING 2
With confidence in our loving God, we pray the prayer of St. Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Church.
ALL: Prayer, St. Teresa's Bookmark
Let nothing trouble you,
Let nothing frighten you.
All things are passing;
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
He who possesses God lacks nothing.
God alone suffices.
Translation by the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus
Copyright © 2011 by the Catholic Health Association of the United States
For reprint permission, contact Betty Crosby or call (314) 253-3477.