On reconciliation
Jesus, Reconciler;
be the encourager and sustainer
of those who strive for human reconciliation now.
Through all doubts and difficulties
keep alive in them
the vision of your better way.
A better way
God of peace, overturn warring;
God of mercy, awaken our forgiveness;
God of healing, guide us to a better way.
Where there is turmoil
God, whose word brought order out of chaos,
Hear our plea for communities whose lives are in turmoil:
Overcome disorder with stability,
Rancour with harmony, and
Violence with peace,
That all may know
The blessings of life free from fear.
"We must strive:
To bring the light of the Gospel to those living in darkness,
To bring the hope of the Gospel to those living in despair,
To bring the healing of the Gospel to the lonely,
the disadvantaged, the marginalized.
And to bring the peace of the Gospel to a divided
world"
[Pax Christi]
'Lord I am discovering two things are essential:
to recognise the world is a terrible place
- and to try to change it,
and at the same time to accept
things absolutely and lovingly as they are.'
'Lord I am discerning that two other essentials are:
firstly, to hold to our truth as we have experienced it;
and secondly to think it is possible that we may be mistaken.'
[From: Rt. Rev Peter Price, Bishop of Bath and
Wells, based on reflections from Alison Leonard in Telling our
Stories, pub. Darton, Longman & Todd]
A Responsive Lord's Prayer
Our Father in Heaven,
Remind us constantly that you are parent to all your children,
Whoever, or wherever they are or come from.
Hallowed be your name.
Your Kingdom come,
Establishing peace and justice, hope and life for all peoples.
Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Disturb us into awareness of the needs of others.
Forgive us our sins,
Our pride and our prejudices.
As we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
Especially keep our hearts and minds open
To see the good in others.
Deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom,
Just and true,
The power,
Gentle and fair,
And the glory,
Shot through with the colours of love,
Are yours for ever and ever.
Amen.
