By Barbara Howard, archived
This is a blockquote tolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.
God of all time and place,
We thank you for sacred time spent in the holiness of your presence. We sense you permeating all space, even amid suffering and violence. We pray for awareness of your world in this moment. Help us to sense the pain of others and to be a healing presence for them. Just as our breath sustains life, we pray that your life in us shall create a new reality of peace.
You love us when we are least loveable—hold us when we are most afraid. Strengthen us when we are most fragile.
Just when we think we have climbed the last mountain, we turn to view the vista of all we have learned and understood. You whisper, “Look around. There’s a new path to greater understandings of my love and calling. Listen now for my presence.”
Creator, we may resist. We may stop. Still you nudge us with your compassionate, firm Spirit and move us to see new terrain. You call us forward to those unknown places and open our hearts to that which we do not yet understand.
May our gratitude for your constancy open us to the wonder and pain of every life that touches our own. Stir in us a desire to respond to each opportunity to be an instrument for your love.
United in this moment may we respond to your call to move in faith—to struggle, to change, to venture—supported by your nurturing Spirit. Now, trusting in your promise, we offer ourselves as vulnerable disciples. Sustain us with growing awareness that you are the source of our strength. Deepen our resolve in this time of prayer, confident in the abiding grace and comfort of your Spirit. Amen.
Reflection Question
How might gratitude for God's constant love and presence inspire a more generous response to the pain and needs of other?
Prayer Phrase
“You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity” (2 Corinthians 9:11).
The Open Hands Prayer
Sit with your hands resting on your lap, palms up. Close your eyes. Silently reflect: What have I been tightly holding on to? What is mine to give today? As you inhale, imagine receiving God’s abundant grace. As you exhale, open your hands more fully and say: “Freely I have received, freely I give.” End by asking God to show you one person, act, or place where you can respond with generosity today.
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.