Spirituality and Prayer Resources: Blessing of the Hands
We thank our members for submitting the following resources.
Send yours to our webmaster at pparadowski@nacc.org. If you have other resources or suggestions for new types of resources, just let us know!
Blessing of the Caregivers – submitted by Sister Lenore Thomas IHM
Sr. Lenore, Pastoral Care Coordinator at Saint Joseph’s Center in Scranton, Pennsylvania, provided a Blessings of Hands that was used last year for the staff: Blessing Of Caregivers 2017
Blessing of Hands – submitted by Sr. Mary Lou Palas SC
Bless the Work of Your Hands (ASPIRUS-Pat Duffield) (PDF)
Blessing of Hands – submitted by Sr. Mary Lou Palas SC
When we reach our hands out to provide care, to do our work as part of the care of others, we are saying to others, you are important to us, and you are cared for by the efforts of many who value you and your needs.
Holding your hands in front of you observe their appearance and think of all that you do with your hands each day which contributes to the needs of our residents physically, spiritually and emotionally.
You have chosen to bless others with your hands in the work you do. Now we are going to bless your hands in recognition of the holiness of what you do everyday. Extend your hands with palms up to receive the blessing.
O Holy God, bless these hands that they may continue to be a blessing to others. Amen
Or
I ask God’s blessing on these hands that they may continue to be a healing touch to others. Amen.
Or
Blessings and appreciation for the healing touch these hands have brought to others.
Download the preceding Blessing as a Microsoft Word document: Blessing of Hands (from Sr. Mary Lou Palas)
Blessing of Hands – submitted by Mary Salois
Blessing of the Hands
An InterFaith Service in Recognition of National Healthcare week and in Honor of the Attentive, Healing, Meticulous, Reliable, Hard-Working Hands of Mercy Hospital
L: There are many names for God. Regardless of
the tradition, God is God. We come to this
service of blessing and invite God to be with us.
God of Health and God of Healing, be with us
in this time of blessing. Amen.
BLESSING OF THE OIL
L: Holy God, as oil was used as a base for
medicine in ancient times, we ask you to bless
our use of this oil today. May it’s fragrance be a
symbolic offering of what is pleasing to you.
May its texture remind us that the soothing
work of our hands is also pleasing to you.
Amen.
BLESSING OF THE HANDS [SELECT ONE]
May the work of your hands bring healing to all the
people you touch. [or]
May the God who formed these hands guide them to
bring the healing touch of life. [or]
Holy God, bless these hands to be instruments of
healing. [or]
Blessings and appreciation of the many tasks these
hands can do.
SCATTERING
L: God blesses our hands for service.
P: We receive the strength offered by our Creator.
L: Let us also receive the vision to see with the
eyes of our hearts
P: And the courage to persevere in difficult times.
L: May all whose lives we touch come to know
God’s love.
P: May that same love be a consolation to us.
L: Let us return to our duties with blessed hands
that are attentive, healing, meticulous, reliable,
and hard-working.
P: We go, renewed and refreshed, ready to imagine
peace in new ways.
Download the preceding Blessing as a Microsoft Word document: Blessing of Hands (from Mary Salois)
Blessing of the Hands (2) – submitted by Mary Salois
Leader: When we reach our hands out to provide care, to do our work as part of the care of others, we are saying to others, You are important to us, and you are cared for by the efforts of many who value you and your needs.
Holding your hands in front of you observe their appearance and think of all that you do with your hands each day which contributes to the care of the health care needs of our Mercy community.
You have chosen to bless others with your hands in the work you do.
Now we are going to bless your hands in recognition of the Holiness of what you do everyday.
Leader: “Oh Holy God, Bless these hands that they may continue to be a Blessing to Others.” Amen
Now before you return to work, let’s say the following prayer.
ALL: Holy God, may your presence be in all that I do. Renew in me awareness of your sustaining love that touches me each day, opening the eyes of my heart to see that you touch the world through the work of my hands. Amen.
Download the preceding Blessing as a Microsoft Word document: Blessing of Hands (from Mary Salois)
The Blessing of Hands by Paul Kselman (article from Vision, 2001)
Blessing of Hands NACC Vision 2001.pdf
