Franciscan Benediction

The origins of this prayer are unknown, but it surely presents another perspective of St Francis. May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.   May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger […]

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Prayers arising from Amos 7 — Ana Gobledale, UK

God of the prophets, we lift our prayers to you. Prayers of intercession for Eighth Sunday of Pentecost, Year B Amos 7:7-15 Ready-to-print copy:  PDF Prayers of Intercession – Amos 7,7-15 WORD Prayers of Intercession – Amos 7,7-15 A different responsive line might be chosen, e.g. God of the prophets, we lift our prayers to […]

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Prayer for Lent — Christian Aid UK

O Christ, you lived as an ordinary person not in style but simply, yet still you caused uproar, and questions everywhere; you drew the expectations of hungry crowds, and brought buried conflicts to the light. May we, who are sometimes swayed by the crowd’s approval, and who often avoid conflict for fear of its cost […]

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Growing peace — Steve Garnaas-Holmes, USA

Let me stand before enemies with love prepared to break soil, to prune branches to do the hard work of growing peace For I will need stout tools to work this rough land well, to bring fruits of justice out of rocky earth, to tend the muscular trees of mercy. Steve Garnaas-Holmes serves in ministry […]

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Rachel weeps — Steve Garnaas-Holmes, USA

The Empire Feeds Cold and dark clamp down on us. The Empire feeds itself, human bodies as fuel, boots tracking blood. Rachel weeping for her children, we’ve heard it before. The person with the megaphone doesn’t care. The emperor has spoken. Only the most fragile voice cries out for hope. The gentle bear it, weeping […]

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Day of Remembrance, Canada, 6 Dec

Why 6 December? On 6 December 1989 fourteen women were murdered and nine women and four men were wounded at the École Polytechnique in Montreal, Canada. The man responsible specifically targeted women, separating them from their male colleagues. The violence ended when he shot and killed himself. Since that day, 6 December has been set […]

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Christmas Carols with Justice — SimpleLiving, USA

Simple Living provides lyrics for Christmas Carols with Justice. The verses blend traditional and bold progressive language.  They are easy to use and bring the real world into Christmas. “Jesus’ birth has taken on much cultural significance as a celebration of good will, warm feelings and excessive consumerism. These new stanzas help to connect his birth […]

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Equity Prayer, Isaiah 11 — Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, USA

Inspired by Isaiah 11:3-4a Second Sunday of Advent, Year A     Holy One, open our spirits to your righteousness – a righteousness that helps us understand the power innate in all humanity. Grant us the righteousness to recognize the gifts, resources, resiliency, strength and wisdom present in ourselves and in others. Empower us, O […]

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Just Language — Kaye Ashe, USA

“Just language– language that reflects our changing consciousness about God, the universe, class, gender relations, race, disabilities and violence– is essential if we are to overcome the injustices and hatred that obstruct the peace, equality and harmony we long for.” –Kaye Ashe, O.P., Eighth Day Center, Chicago USA The Eighth Day Center in Chicago publishes […]

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Prayer response to natural disaster — Christian Aid UK

Merciful God, we pray for those whose land and lives are destroyed by climate chaos, especially today in [country/area names affected current climate-related event]. We pray for those who give immediate humanitarian assistance, and for [Christian Aid / or other organisation through which the congregation supports assistance] partners who support communities in the slow and careful […]

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