Thursday, January 11, 2024

In the Chill of Winter, a Prayer of Light and Love


Earlier this evening I had the honor of leading the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet’s monthly “Signs of the Times” prayer service at Carondelet Village in St. Paul. Since 2008 I’ve been a consociate member of this inspiring religious order dedicated to embodyng and sharing active, inclusive love – “loving God and the dear neighbor without distinction.”

Following is the opening prayer I shared, written by a friend who wishes to remain anonymous.

_____________


O God of Light and Peace,
come among us this night.
Come among us in the chill of winter, come;
and form us into peace-makers.
Enable us to look within ourselves,
to make straight our crooked hearts,
to patiently and lovingly await changes
in ourselves and others.

As you gather us tenderly and hold us close,
may we also show that same compassion to the world.
Fill our minds with your peace,
and our hearts with the warmth
of your light and love,
that these may flow freely
from our lives into a weary world.

Amen.


See also the previous Wild Reed posts:
Light and Dark: “Both Holy, Both Life-Giving”
Dark Light
The Light of This New Year’s Day
Shining On . . . Into the New Year
Move Us, Loving God
Andrew Harvey on Radical, Divine Passion in Action
In This Time of Liminal Space
Cultivating Stillness
A Sacred Pause
Aligning With the Living Light
Mystical Participation
Being the Light
Winter Vignettes (2023)
Winter . . . Within and Beyond (2020)
Winter . . . Within and Beyond (2019)
Winter . . . Within and Beyond (2017)
For 2015, Three “Generous Promises”
The Vatican and U.S. Women Religious (2009)
Beginning the Process
Making My Consociate Commitment
The Inspiring Brigid McDonald
In Wintry Minnesota, An Australian Afternoon Tea
Celebrating the “Sisters of Peace”

Images: Michael J. Bayly.


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