Inspirational Thoughts

In light of world conditions, of wars, hatred, selfishness, we find ourselves burdened down with hopelessness, doubts and fears. Rather than make New Year’s resolutions, let’s try prayer.

I am often moved in my spirit to pray the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi which encapsulates the will and desire of our Lord Jesus. He spoke of peace in the world and the possibility of obtaining that peace, which lives inside of each of us. It is a prayer for people whose concerns are more for others than themselves.

Let us agree that for the month of January, we pray this prayer with sincerity of heart and with love for others. Let us watch God as He listens to our humble prayer…..believing that we are changed into His image.

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, I will sow love;
Where there is injury, I will pardon;
Where there is doubt, I will plant faith.
Where there is despair, I will encourage hope;
Where there is darkness, I will show light;
Where there is sadness, I will bring joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek,
To be consoled as to console others,
To be understood as to understand my brothers and sisters,
To be loved as to show love to everyone,
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we ourselves are pardoned,
It is in dying to self, that we are born to eternal life.

Let us pray:

Thank you God for changing me first. As I change, others will change. Then and only then, will we have peace on this earth.

Amen