Dearest Lord,

May I see you today and everyday in the person of your sick,

and, while nursing them, minister unto you.

Though you hide yourself in the unattractive disguise of the irritable,

the exacting, the unreasonable, may I still recognize you, and say,

“Jesus, my patient, how sweet it is to serve you.’

Sweetest Lord, make me appreciative of the dignity of my high vocation,

and its many responsibilities.

Never permit me to disgrace it by giving way to

coldness, unkindness, or impatience.

• St Mother Teresa of Calcutta