Christianity

An Example Of Common Prayer

Halton (Ontario) Catholic District School Board

More and more people are fostering principles of restorative justice: People from different spheres of judicial intervention or simply citizens who are concerned about social peace; but even more so, people experiencing interpersonal conflicts and people who are at the centre of the problems of crime as victims and aggressors. Restorative justice is transforming allowing those who have inflicted wounds and those who have sustained wounds to find their dignity again. Isn't that what Jesus calls us to do?

Call to Prayer

Let's begin our prayer this evening with a simple, but profound act of faith,
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer

Leader:Loving God of justice and mercy,
how often we come before you seeking to satisfy our needs
without recognizing that we close ourselves to the needs of others.
Open our hearts to the movement of your spirit
who hears the prayers of all people.
Open our ears to the cries of those who struggle for right relationships.
Open us to act with justice and compassion towards all people.
Challenge us to proclaim the good news of abundant life.
In the spirit of Christ we pray for our world and ourselves
who desperately need to grow in your love.

All:Amen.

Scripture(Luke 6:27-38)
A reading from the Gospel of Luke.

"But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you, and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive; what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful; just as your Father is merciful.

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back."
The Gospel of the Lord.

All:Praise to you, Lord Jesus

Responsive Reading - Based on Psalms 7 & 23

Leader: O Lord, my God, let me find refuge in your strength.

All:With you as my shepherd, I have everything I need.

Leader: Save me from those who would lead me into crime.

All:your green pastures and still waters will satisfy my soul.

Leader: If I have done anyone injustice or harm, how can I bear the shame?

All:The Lord will restore my spirit, and show me the righteous way.

Leader: Shield me from deceivers, false guides who lead me astray.

All:Though I walk through the deepest darkness, I will fear no evil for the Lord is at my side.

Leader: Your law shall be a comfort, your justice a healing hand.

All:Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
For we shall dwell in the presence of God,
our judge, our redeemer and our strength.

Reflection:"Anyway" by Mother Theresa of Calcutta

People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish motives.
Do good anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable.
Be honest and transparent anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
People who really want help may attack you if you help them.
Help them anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you may get hurt.
Give the world your best anyway.

(from Meditations from a Simple Path)

Closing Prayer

Leader: Gracious God, we thank you that despite our brokenness and sins, you forgive us and continue to love us unconditionally. We confess that, although we are grateful to you for your forgiveness, we find it very difficult to forgive others. Empower us to break forth from the fetters of anger and self-righteousness, to view the offender as your child. May we care for others as you have cared for us. We pray this through the Christ who told us to forgive seven times seventy.

All:Amen.