by: Cheryl A. Williamson
Father,
Help us develop a civil consciousness that recognizes the inherent dignity of all people in your world.
Help us to become less ethnocentric and more inclusive of diverse cultures.
Help us to carry the message of Christ's saving love through our willingness to listen to the hearts and spirits of people who are unlike us.
Only then, Father, can we learn from the wisdom of others and become better teachers ourselves.
Father, help us with our new found humility to speak the Word of Our Lord with credibility.
Only then, Father will our words be accepted as your Truth.
Help us, Father, to show not only with our words but with our actions that we are followers of Christ.
Only then, Father, can we become true brothers and sisters in your world.
We must learn to speak kindly with each other, act in unison together for the betterment of all mankind, and pray in community with each other, always.
Help us, Father.
In Jesus name, we pray…..
Amen.
by: Thomas Logsdon
Canticle of Simeon
Christ is the light of the nations and the glory of Israel
Lord, now you let your servant go in peace;
your word has been fulfilled:
my own eyes have seen the salvation
which you have prepared in the sight of every people:
a light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.