Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.

Lyrics by Cleo Hanthorne Moon, “The Weight of Past and Fruitless Guilt,” Community of Christ Sings 214

The weight of past and fruitless guilt
God lifts from us with loving grace.
Deep prayer, persistent faith unite,
God’s great compassion to embrace.

A buoyant freedom from despair
through love renews our eyes to see
Those desperate, hopeless friends in need
Who seek the face that makes us free.

The gift of pardon gives us strength
to grow from seed to fruit and flower.
We pledge our hearts to channel love
into God’s stream of healing power.

Prayer Phrase

“For by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:8).

Spiritual Practice

The Jesus Prayer of Mercy

The Jesus Prayer is an ancient spiritual practice from Orthodox Christianity. It is a way of connecting with the gracious Spirit of Christ as we ask to receive his mercy. The prayer comes from the scripture of the blind man calling Jesus to heal him. Silently enter prayer and let your breath become slow and even. Greet God and then take up the prayer phrase: Lord, Jesus Christ (as you breathe in) … have mercy on me (as you breathe out). Prayerfully repeat these words for several minutes (or forty times). Breathe the presence of Christ into your mind, heart, and body. Be transformed as you receive the compassionate, peaceful heart of Jesus.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.