Weekly Peace Prayer

for October 7, 2025
prepared by
Sister Carmel Little, CSJP

Constitutions:   
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

Reading:
Many of us find it difficult to imagine ourselves causing harm in the world. But with no ill will or malicious intent, we may inadvertently cause harm to other people, animals, and nature. Becoming conscious of the  effects of our choices can enable us to stop contributing to the damage.

We can begin by becoming aware of everything we buy, eat, drink, wear, and use. We can ask ourselves what we are sending out into the world’s air, water, land, and consciousness. If we don’t know, we can find out. Everything we do has some impact for which we are responsible. We can change our habits to lessen the burden on the earth and to treat other people with compassion. Living as harmlessly as possible, we lessen the total harm done. If enough of us did this, think of the difference it could make. 
Veronica Ray, Green Spirituality

Prayer: Psalm 85 Peace
O God, you have given us a beautiful earth—
Grant us the wisdom to use it well.
Lead us to an inner life in which we can rejoice.
Speak peace to us that we may live in peace.
May your mercy and truth meet together
righteousness and peace kiss each other,
surrounding us with your light.
Help us know true prosperity,
and be gentle with your Earth.
Guide our feet in the ways of peace.
Psalms for a New World

Quiet Reflection

Poem
It will be as if, in the
dry autumn of earth’s life,
the world’s people, together,
walk a woodland path –
expecting only
crumbling, rustling leaves.
Maybe a shriveled
mushroom or two.
And around a bend
tiny white doves
have appeared everywhere;
and they are not afraid.

The glade became watered,
turned to spring, and now –
littered with peace.
Not just here, or there;
but everywhere.
And it is not afraid.

It will be like that –
truly, the springtime
of earth’s people.

Imagine, being not afraid –
peace everywhere.
It will be like that.   
Clem V. Nagel , National Catholic Reporter May 30, 2008

Quiet Reflection

Prayer:
Wind of God, blow far from us
all dark despair,
all deep distress,
all groundless fears,
all sinful desires,
all Satan’s snares,
all false values,
all selfish wishes,
all wasteful worries.

Wind of God blow into us
your holy presence,
your living love,
your healing touch,
your splendid courage,
you mighty strength,
your perfect peace,
your caring concern,
your divine grace,
your boundless joy.
Pamela Wilding, Kenya, Excerpt Prayers Encircling the World

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