Beginning Each Day With God

Every morning at our clinic, before we begin caring for our patients, we gather together for devotion. We sing, read from the Bible, share a short meditation, and pray together.

These moments may seem simple, but they are very important to me and to our entire team. Before the busyness of the day begins, we have the opportunity to place our work in God’s hands. We ask Him to give us wisdom as we care for our patients, patience when situations are difficult, and love and compassion for every person who comes through our doors.

As a chaplain, I am reminded each morning that we are not doing this work alone. God is with us in every room, every consultation, and every act of kindness and care.

Prayer Gives Us Strength

Working in a clinic can be challenging. We see people who are sick, hurting, worried, and sometimes discouraged. There are days when we become tired, and there are moments when the needs around us seem overwhelming. Prayer gives us peace in those moments. It reminds us that our work is more than simply a job or a profession. It is an opportunity to serve others and to show them the love of God. Most importantly, prayer reminds us that every patient who comes to our clinic has great value in God’s eyes. There are several Bible verses that give me strength when I feel tired or discouraged:

Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest.”

Isaiah 41:10: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you; do not be discouraged, for I am your God.”

When I read these words, they are like fresh water for my soul. They remind me that God sees us, strengthens us, and walks beside us even when the work is difficult.

Sharing Hope With Our Patients

Many of the people who come to our clinic are carrying heavy burdens. They may be dealing with illness, pain, financial struggles, or fear about what will happen next. As chaplains, we have the privilege of coming alongside them during these difficult moments. Sometimes, the most important thing we can do is simply listen. When we take time to hear someone’s story, they know that they matter. Sometimes, it is a word of encouragement or a Bible verse that gives someone strength to keep going. And sometimes, it is simply the way we treat people—with kindness, dignity, respect, and love. Through these actions, patients can experience something of God’s love even while they are facing difficult circumstances.

For me, morning devotion is like a spiritual key that opens the door to each new day. It helps us begin our work with the right hearts and reminds us why we are here. We may not know everything the day will bring. We may face difficult cases, tiredness, or unexpected challenges. But we know that God goes before us. Our clinic is a place where medical care is provided, but I believe it can also be a place of blessing. Through the hands of our medical staff, the words of our chaplains, the kindness of our team, and the prayers we offer, God can bring healing, comfort, encouragement, and hope.

That is why we begin each morning together—with our hearts turned toward God and our hands ready to serve.