Pope Francis 2017 prayer card (adapted from Pax Christi USA)
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Recognising the violence in my own heart,
yet trusting in the goodness and mercy of God,
I seek to practice the nonviolence of Jesus:
by striving for peace within myself and
seeking to be a peacemaker in my daily life;
by refusing to retaliate in the face of
provocation and violence;
by living conscientiously and simply so that
I do not deprive others of the means to live;
by actively resisting evil and working
nonviolently to abolish war and the causes of
war from my own heart and from the face of
the earth.
God, I trust in your sustaining love and
believe that you will give me the grace to live
out this prayer.
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Prayers for Justice and Peace (from Southwark Archdiocese Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission)
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Make us worthy Lord,
to serve our fellow human beings
throughout the world
by sharing the good things that you give us
with those most in need
promoting justice in a human society built on
love and peace.
Give them, through our hands
this day their daily bread
and by our understanding love
give them joy and peace.
We make our prayer.....
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Prince of Peace, help me to work effectively
for the justice, freedom, truth and love
which bring genuine and lasting peace.
May those who are at peace
grow stronger in all that is good
and those who are enemies
overcome hatred and be healed
that all might know the peace that you offer
us.
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Lord Jesus, friend of all in need,
you care for the homeless, for refugees and
exiles,
and all victims of violence.
Strengthen those who try to serve them
and help us to bring them your love.
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Give courage Lord, to all who work
to help hungry and poor people
develop their resources.
In the face of obstacles
give them strength to persevere
in faith, hope and love.
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Grant Lord, to those unjustly imprisoned
relief and freedom.
Help those in charge of prisons
and all who care for prisoners
to recognise your image
in every human being.
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Help me Christ, to give as well as cash
my love, my time, myself
while helping you in every human being.
Help me Lord, to live my life in this world today
in such a way that when I meet you face to face
You’ll say to me:
Come, blessed of my Father possess the kingdom
I prepared for you before the world began.
For I was hungry and you gave me food,
thirsty and you gave me drink,
naked and you covered me,
a stranger but you welcomed me,
in prison and you came to me,
sick and you cared for me.
For when you did it to the least of those
who are my brothers and sisters
you did it unto me.
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Lord God, we recognise that work
is more than merely having a job.
Yet much of our lives and the lives
of those we love turns upon employment
or the lack of it.
You created us to join you in the great work of our lives
Help us to discover our true calling
for your glory and our mutual wellbeing.
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Jesus Christ, who reached across
the ethnic boundaries between
Samaritan, Roman and Jew,
Who offered fresh sight
to the blind, and freedom to captives,
Help us to break down the barriers
in our community,
Enable us to see the reality
of racism and bigotry,
And free us to challenge and uproot
them from ourselves, our society and our
world.
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For children:
God our heavenly Father
thank you for loving us, each one
thank you for making us different,
so everyone of us is special,
whatever country we come from,
whatever colour we are.
Help us to love everyone the same
just as you do. Amen
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The CARJ Prayer
Heavenly God,
we praise your name and thank you
for your glorious goodness and mercy.
Lord Jesus
we pray a blessing for all those
actively engaged in the struggle for
racial justice.
Holy Spirit
we beseech you to enter into the minds
and hearts of all those in authority
in the Church.
Grant that they may
Hear the voices crying out for justice
engage in developing a better understanding
Act to bring about change
Lead and inspire others by their good example.
We ask this through our Lord and Saviour,
Jesus Christ.
We pray for racial justice:
in our own lives
in our parishes
in our dioceses
in our land. Amen
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Almighty and everlasting Creator
in whose image I was made,
grant that all who behold me
may see the You in me,
and see themselves in me.
May I see in everyone I meet,
in all of your creation,
a reflection of You in me,
and a reflection of me in them.
May all I meet behold in me
your image and your love,
which we share in unity with you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen
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Christ yesterday and today,
The beginning and the end,
Alpha and Omega,
All times belong to Christ,
And all ages.
To him be glory and power,
Through every age. Amen
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