For Nurses

an Invocation by Msgr. Charles Ramm from his book, "Invocations and Other Prayers" --

Almighty God,
Creator of Life and source of healing and strength,
who has willed that we should be dependent for these gifts,
not only upon Thee, but also upon one another,
and has laid upon us all, in measure, the duty of serving our neighbor,
grant unto these Nurses
who have chosen the difficult and human task of ministering to the sick,
an abundance of Thy grace, to enable them to be constant and generous
in the fulfillment of their blessed calling.

Let the knowledge of their minds and the healing of their hands
be directed by a quick understanding and applied with a
finely measured sympathy.

Give them tact, wisdom, and decision in difficulties and emergencies.
Endow them with discretion and reserve in the intimacies of their
professional relationships; and in their conversation,
with a talent for silence concerning much that they must see and hear.

Teach them to be firm without being harsh;
faithful without being slavish;
accurate without being mechanical;
and kind always.

Finally O Lord,
be pleased to grant to each one that each nurse
may live in Thy love and serve in Thy name,
so that their ministrations to those who suffer in body, soul, or mind,
may be freighted with the richness of Thy blessings,
who art God of all healing and comfort,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
AMEN.