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The second International Day of Prayer For Peace is on March 19, the Sunday closest to the anniversary of Saint Benedict's death. Benedictines, Oblates and lay associates of many religious orders, and all people around the world are asked to join us in praying for peace on this day. Our chorus of prayer will be heard around the world for a 24 hour period. "Let us join hands around the world and ask our Creator and God for His PEACE." This year a declaration has been added encouraging each participant to feed a homeless person or visit the sick, and to reach out in forgiveness "and make an honest effort to forgive and bless an enemy that day." PRAYER God, we come to you with arms outstretched in praise, thanksgiving and petition. Please consecrate our plea for peace and make it Holy: Bless the hungry with Your Harvest, and the homeless with Your Shelter. Bless the oppressed with Your Freedom, and those who are desperate with Your Hope. Bless us all with tolerance for our neighbor and relief from the corrupt. Bless those who are hungry of soul and spirit; let them lean on you, and know Your Guidance and Your Love. And please heal the woundedness of our world. Let us go beyond our earthly limitations, forgive those who tear down our buildings and kill our loved ones. If we have thwarted peace, let us restore it, and welcome others with a smile. We pray for our nations' leaders to bring us balance, order and justice. Make our determination strong; fill us with resolve to withstand evil. Lord, we pray for our own inner peace; let us reach out to you for Your Comfort. Touch us, Heal us. And Lord, please protect those who protect us. And may the mighty arm of the Archangel Michael, Your Defender, stay the hand of evil. And finally, God, as Your Son taught us to love our enemies, bless them as well. Jesus, heal our woundedness. Holy Spirit, soften our hearts with the Hidden Light of Your Love. In the Name of Jesus, we pray, Amen." St. Benedict, pray for us. St. Scholastica, pray for us. Prayer was written by several oblates and Benedictines on both coasts. |