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.