Weekly Peace Prayer

March 19th, 2024
prepared by Carmel Little, CSJP

Constitutions:

From the beginning of the congregation
Joseph was chosen as our patron
Because he is a model of peace.
His courage to live a life of faith
Inspires us to trust in God’s abiding love,
Especially in times of struggle
and uncertainty. #36

Reading: a poem by Madeleine L’Engle: “Three Songs of Mary”, as Mary speaks to us of Joseph in her life.

O Sapientia

It was from Joseph first I learned of love.
Like me he was dismayed.
How easily he could have turned me from his house; but, unafraid, he put me not away from him (O God-sent angel, pray for him).
Thus, through his love was Love obeyed.

The Child’s first cry came like a bell;
God’s Word aloud, God’s Word in deed.
The angel spoke: so it befell,
and Joseph with me in my need.
O child whose father came from heaven,
to you another gift was given,
your earthly father chosen well.

With Joseph I was always warmed
and cherished. Even in the stable,
I knew that I would not be harmed.
And though above the angels swarmed,
man’s love it was that made me able
to bear God’s love, wild formidable,
to bear God’s will, through me performed.

Prayer:

Creator God, we thank you for Joseph, our model of peace.
May his courage to live a life of faith inspire us to trust in your
abiding love, especially in times of struggle and uncertainty. We
ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen

Quiet Reflection:

Litany of St. Joseph

Joseph most prudent – Pray for us and for peace in our world
Joseph most obedient – Pray for us and for peace in our world
Joseph most faithful – Pray for us and for peace in our world
Husband of Mary – Pray for us and for peace in our world
Foster father of Jesus –
Man of vision and wisdom –
Lover of poor and alienated people –
Model of peace –
Pillar of silence and prayer Pillar of silence and prayer –

Companion of displaced persons –
Witness of courage and prophetic risk –
Model of workers and artisans –
Pillar of families –
Guardian of youth –
Hope of the sick and dying –
Protector of the universal Church –
Patron of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace –

Quiet Reflection

Prayer

We thank you, Saint Joseph, for your constant care and protection as we journey on life’s way.

May we remain like you, strong in faith, firm in hope, active in charity. In your life you suffered from injustice and had to leave your homeland. We ask you to be guardian of all peoples suffering from war, especially the people of Gaza.

We pray that those who have the power may be touched by a spirit of compassion and mercy and work to bring about peace and justice in Gaza.

Help us in this time of struggle and uncertainty
to have the courage to trust in God’s abiding love.

We ask this for ourselves and for all people
through Christ Jesus. Amen

Community Prayer Book adapted by Carmel Little