Religious Education and Social Justice
As we continue to deal with the challenges of lockdown restrictions, the constant changes in our lives can leave us feeling emotional and anxious.
Let's pause and try to find some positives in what is happening in our lives. Take some time to reflect on what we can be grateful for in each day and make some time each day to take care of ourselves and those around us.
Below are some prayers from jesuitresource.org which may give some comfort at this time.
We Asked
Loving Creator,
We asked for strength, and you gave us difficulties to make us strong.
We asked for wisdom, and you gave us problems to solve.
We asked for prosperity, and you gave us purpose and brains to use.
We asked for courage, and you gave us fears to overcome.
We asked for patience, and you gave us situations where we were forced to wait.
We asked for love, and you gave us troubled people to help.
We asked for justice, and you called us to be just and lead with integrity.
Lord, we have received nothing that we asked for or wanted.
And yet, we receive everything that we needed.
For this we give thanks.
- By Colleen Hanycz, PhD incoming President at Xavier University
Strength for this Challenging Time
We pray for your love and compassion to abound as we walk through this challenging season.
We ask for wisdom for those who bear the load of making decisions with widespread consequences.
We pray for those who are suffering with sickness and all who are caring for them.
We ask for protection for the elderly and vulnerable to not succumb to the risks of the virus.
We pray for misinformation to be curbed that fear may take no hold in hearts and minds.
As we exercise the good sense that you in your mercy provide, may we also approach each day in faith and peace, trusting in the truth of your goodness towards us.
We Bring Your Love
Loving God,
Help us to focus on what we have not on what is removed or changed.
Strengthen us when we feel discouraged or overwhelmed.
Embrace us so that we know your loving presence within us and among us.
Walk with us as we bring your love, and carry your light, into our world.
Amen.
- Sandra Lucas, MDiv., BCC
May God bless us all and keep us safe.
Jane Wilkinson
Religious Education Leader