Prayer for the World May 22, 2024

Enlivened by the Spirit

Introduction

As we continue our journey of “Transforming Grace and Consciousness” we rely on the help of God’s Holy Spirit within and around us to create connections vs. division,  respect vs. rudeness, love vs. hate, truth vs. lies.

Song:  Taize, Veni Sancte Spiritu,

https://youtu.be/l8yOAxWyfvA?si=mFrN4IivxGaVBA2S 

Come, Holy Spirit, from heaven shine forth with your glorious light.

Veni Sancte Spiritus

Come, Father of the poor, come,

generous Spirit, come, light of our hearts.

Veni Sancte Spiritus

Come from the four winds, O Spirit, 

come breath of God; disperse the shadows over us, renew and

strengthen your people.

Veni Sancte Spiritus

Most kindly warming light!

Enter the inmost depths of our hearts, for we are faithful to you.

Without your presence we have nothing worthy, nothing pure.

Veni Sancte Spiritus

You are only comforter, Peace of the soul.

In the heat you shade us; in our labour you refresh us,

and in trouble you are our strength.

Veni Sancte Spiritus

On all who put their trust in you and receive you in faith,

shower all your gifts.

Grant that they may grow in you and persevere to the end.

Give them lasting joy!

Veni Sancte Spiritusnt that they may grow in you and persevere to the end. Give them lasting joy!     Veni Sancte Spiritus.

Questions for Reflection and Dialog

In the season of Pentecost, we hear the remembrance of the ways that those first gathered in Christian community understood the message in their own language.  At the same time, there were still differences of culture and understanding.  How do we preserve the right for freedom of speech while also standing for non-violence and making of peace?  Listen this week for places where you may experience discomfort as you encounter freedom of speech and rhetoric that does harm.  Notice what happens to you as you consider this dilemma in light of our work to address polarization.    

-LCWR Reflection, 5/19

Silent Reflection

Holy Spirit, open our eyes to the root causes of hatred and violence, especially in our own country, we pray.

Holy Spirit, help us to wake up to the reality of racism and help us to avoid any behavior or attitude that excludes others or causes another to de-value their own worth, we pray.

Holy Spirit, bring conversion and healing to bullies, oppressors and those who perform hate crimes, we pray.

Holy Spirit, help us to see our complicity in attitudes, actions and words which perpetuate harm to others.  Guide and strengthen us by your Holy Spirit, to continue our journey of “Transforming Grace and Consciousness” inspired by the radical call of the Gospel.  

“Be still and know that I am God”

Wonderful counselor, comforter,

God with usYou will never abandon us

You will always be with us

Your promises are sure

Help us to give like you, forgive like you, live for you.     

-Catholic Relief Services, Pentecost Prayer

Silent Reflection

Song