Benedictines
For Peace
Prayer to St. Joseph for
Peace
Mar. 19, 2006 + 3rd Anniversary
of War In Iraq
St. Joseph, just man, honest worker,
protector and provider,
be our model of holiness in this time of war.
Your life was one of Shalom:
right relationship with God, self, others and the world.
You knew and nurtured faith in God
with silence, scripture and prayer.
You could let go of self will,
desiring to do only God's will.
You obeyed and took Mary as your wife in faithful trust;
You went into exile in Egypt when warned of violence;
You returned to Nazareth at the angel's bidding;
You worked humbly at the carpenter's trade, living simply.
You searched for your lost Child
and taught him Torah, skills and care for the poor.
Beg God for us a share in your spiritual gifts:
a silent, recollected spirit to listen to the voice of God
in prayer and the events of life;
generous, loving obedience
and total availability to God's will
and a love of others that enables them to grow and flourish.
St. Joseph, intercede for us; by the strength of your prayers.
Where there is strife,
let us offer a faithful trust and openness to understand;
Where there is hatred and vengeance,
let us show mercy and forgiveness;
Where there is fear and terror,
let us witness to nonviolent love and hope.
Help us work humbly and live simply.
Help us teach others the ways
and skills of peace and a care for the poor.
May our prayer and work for peace
bring strength to all who suffer because of war.
By the grace of the One who is the God of Peace,
may there be Peace in our hearts and in our world.
This we ask in the holy name of Jesus. Amen.
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