At a team meeting this morning, we discussed the distinction between “listening,” and “listening for”…with the idea being, when we simply “listen,” we meet people where they are. Without judgment, nor pretense. A colleague stated, “listening is at the heart of healthy community.” Amen!
This week I share the below prayer along with the sincere hope for peace in our world. Respect for all begins with an honest embrace of the inherent dignity of each one of us, and through time in dialogue, time in quiet, and time together, may we build bridges and be peace to one another. In prayer and community we can move forward with hope. Blessings on your week ahead!
Emergency Novena for Peace, Justice, & the Protection of Human Dignity
Through the Intercession of Servant of God Dorothy Day.
God of all peoples, Your heart aches for every person who suffers.
You are near to the brokenhearted and close to those crushed by injustice.
We bring before You the violence of our time, the fear that grips many communities,
and the despair that tempts us to believe nothing can change.
Through the witness of Servant of God Dorothy Day, stir us from passivity,
move us toward our suffering neighbors, and teach us to love in ways that change the world.
Servant of God Dorothy Day, you chose the way of radical love in a violent world.
You trusted that small acts of faithfulness could reshape history.
You believed every human life mattered.
Intercede for us.
Pray that our nation may be healed of cruelty.
Pray that fear may not have the final word.
Pray that we may become builders of peace,
even when peace feels impossible.
Help us to live the Gospel with integrity, to love without conditions, and to seek justice without ceasing.
God of mercy, receive the prayers we have placed before You.
Hold close those who are suffering.
Protect those who are in danger.
Strengthen those who labor for peace.
Remain with us in the days ahead.
Do not let our hearts grow hard or our hope grow thin.
Make us instruments of Your compassion in a wounded world.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Keeping the Faith 