13 August

On this day the Lutheran Calendar of Saints asks us to remember and give thanks to God for the witness and lives of two women:

Florence Nightingale, 1910, and Clara Maass, 1901, Renewers of society.

You may wish to add these prayers to your morning and/or evening office:

Almighty God, we praise you for the women you have sent to call the Church in her tasks and renews her life, especially Clara Maass and Florence Nightingale. Raise up in our day teachers, prophets, and healers inspired by your Spirit, whose voices will give strength to your Church and proclaim the reality of your kingdom; we pray through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever.

O God, by whose grace your servants Clara Maass and Florence Nightingale, kindled with the flame of your love, became burning and shining lights in your Church: Grant that we also may be aflame with the spirit of love and discipline, and walk before you as children of light; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.


On this day you may also wish include in your prayers doctors, nurses, hospitals, nursing homes, and others who work and support the healing arts.