A Litany for the New Year
based on a Prayer attributed to Saint Francis
With all our hearts and all our minds, we pray to you, O Lord:
Make us instruments of your peace.
For the peace of the world, that a spirit of respect and forbearance may grow among nations, we pray to you, O Lord:
Where there is hatred, let us sow love.
For our enemies and those who wish us harm, and for all whom we have injured or offended, we pray to you, O Lord:
Where there is injury, let us sow pardon.
For all who fear God and believe in you, Lord Christ, that our divisions may cease and all may be one as you and the Father are one, we pray to you, O Lord:
Where there is discord, let us sow union.
For those who do not yet believe, for those who have lost their faith, and those in despair and darkness that they may receive the light of the Gospel, we pray to you, O Lord:
Where there is doubt, let us sow faith.
For the poor, the persecuted, the sick and all who suffer; for refugees, prisoners, and all who are in danger; that they may be relieved and protected, we pray to you, O Lord:
Where there is despair, let us sow hope.
For the mission of the Church, that in faithful witness it may preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth, we pray to you, O Lord:
Where there is darkness, let us sow light.
For those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; that they may be comforted and healed; give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation, we pray to you, O Lord:
Where there is sadness, let us sow joy.
Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand,
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
(Bill Wilds)
