Weekly Peace Prayer

‍ ‍ for March 17, 2026
prepared by
Sister Carmel Little, CSJP

in honor of St. Patrick and St. Joseph

Reading:  Today as Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace,
we build upon a rich heritage.
Our founding spirit calls us
to further the work of peace.
Responding to this call
we experience our own need
for continuing conversion
to gospel values which engender peace.  #10

Prayer:

 I arise today
Through the power of the Trinity,
Though faith in the threeness,
Through trust in the oneness,
Of the maker of earth,
And the maker of heaven.

I gird myself today with the power of God:
God’s strength to comfort me,
God’s might to uphold me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me,
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me.
God’s hand to lead me,
God’s way to lie before me,
God’s shield to protect me,
God’s angels to save me.

Christ behind and before me,
Christ beneath and above me,
Christ around and about me.   
Saint Patrick’s Breastplate

Quiet Reflection

Reading:        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.         Constitutions #36

Poem:            

O Sapientia
“Three Songs of Mary”, as Mary speaks to us of Joseph in her life.
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.
Madeleine L’Engle

Prayer:      Joseph, our patron and friend, be our guide as we walk the ways
of justice and peace.  Teach us to be open to the surprising ways of God.
Teach us to face the challenges before us with the firm conviction of the strength among us.  And teach us to find beauty, wonder, joy, jubilation in the gifts of family and friends, creation and creativity, work and relaxation. We pray this in Jesus’ name.  Amen  Pray Peace p. 16

Quiet Reflection

Prayer:           God of Peace, You have called us to live the Gospel of Peace in its
mission of Justice as Sisters and Associates of the
Congregation of St. Joseph of Peace.
We hear this call to be people of prayer
to realize our interconnectedness
to recognize the gift of diversity
to stand with all people in our search of justice.
We ask you to send your Spirit so that we can
continue to respond to your call to service with generosity and joy.
May our patron, St. Joseph, inspire us to trust in God’s abiding love and                           live a life of faith and peace. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen                                                                Pray Peace p. 78