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Prayer
Hope impels us to try to make of our world
a great banquet
an open table
where both bread and word are shared
where Christ wipes away the tears of so much oppression,
injustice, violence, division.
What draws us together is the celebration of the daughters
and sons of God
where the little ones are the first
and where we wash one another's feet
which are weary from the journey.
(From: General Chapter 1994, page 26)
Reflection and Action
Eucharist is thanksgiving -- is our Thanksgiving this year also eucharistic
for/of all peoples?
I also invite you to visit the Sojourners web site -- there are some nice
resources on that site, and maybe you would like to join in their campaign
about Afghanistan to "Feed the People, Respect Ramadan, Halt the Bombing."
Their web address is: www.sojo.net Then click on "Faith in Action" for info
on the campaign.
Prayer - Psalm 51
Have mercy on me, O Gracious One,
according to your steadfast love;
According to your abundant kindness
forgive me where my thoughts and
deeds have hurt others.
Lead me in the paths of justice,
guide my steps on paths of peace!
Teach me, that I may know my weaknesses,
the shortcomings that bind me,
The unloving ways that separate me,
that keep me from recognizing
your life in me;
For, I keep company with fear, and
dwell in the house of ignorance.
Yet, I was brought forth in love,
and love is my birthright.
You have placed your truth in the
inner being;
therefore, teach me the wisdom
of the heart.
Forgive all that binds me in fear,
that I might radiate love;
cleanse me that your light might
shine in me.
Fill me with gladness; help me to
transform weakness into strength.
Look not on my past mistakes
but on the aspirations
of my heart.
Create in me a clean heart, O Gracious One,
and put a new and right spirit
within me.
Enfold me in the arms of love, and
fill me with your Holy Spirit.
Restore in me the joy of your saving grace,
and encourage me with a new spirit.
Then I will teach others your ways,
and prisoners of fear will return
to You.
Deliver me from the addictions of society,
most Gracious One,
O keep me from temptation that
I may tell of your justice
and mercy.
O Gracious One, open my lips and
my mouth shall sing forth
your praise.
For You do not want sacrifice;
You delight in our friendship
with You.
A sacrifice most appropriate is a
humble spirit;
a repentant and contrite heart,
O Merciful One,
is the gift You most desire.
Let the nations turn from war,
and encourage one another as
good neighbors.
O Most Gracious and Compassionate Friend,
melt our hearts of stone,
break through the fears that
lead us into darkness, and
Guide our steps into the way of peace.
(From: Nan C. Merrill, Psalms for Praying, Continuum, NY, 1997)
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