BY: BRIAN YANOFCHICK, M.A., M.B.A.
LEADER
We are busy people with many demands placed on us. Yet in this moment, let us do our best to set aside that busy-ness, do our best to quiet our minds and hearts to focus on the here and now — the people in this place — and the presence of God with us.
(A moment of quiet reflection follows)
And now we listen to God's word:
READER
A reading from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians:
"There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom; to another the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit; to another mighty deeds; to another prophecy; to another discernment of spirits; to another varieties of tongues; to another interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes."1
(A moment of quiet reflection follows)
LEADER
That same Spirit is at work among us now. Let us take a few moments of quiet to name a strength we bring to the work we do, to those with whom we work, to those who are important to us in our lives.
(A moment of quiet reflection follows. Depending on the time and the setting, participants may be invited to quietly name a gift they identify in themselves. Alternatively, they may identify a gift they see in another person in the group. After a few moments of sharing, the leader moves to close the prayer.)
LEADER
We are gifted for the sake of others.
ALL
We are thankful for what we are given.
LEADER
We are gifted for the sake of others.
ALL
We share freely for the sake of the common good.
LEADER
We are gifted for the sake of others.
ALL
As a community of caring, we bring healing to those most in need. We ask God's blessing on our time together and the work we share.
Amen.
NOTE
- 1 Cor. 12:4-6, 8-11 (The New American Bible).
Brian Yanofchick, M.A.
Senior Director, Mission and Leadership Development
Catholic Health Association
Copyright © 2009 by the Catholic Health Association of the United States
For reprint permission, contact Betty Crosby or call (314) 253-3477.