Hearts ablaze
Beautiful Lord,
may we say “yes” to You
so that the Spirit in our hearts
will once again be set ablaze.
Spirit of Wisdom,
guide our actions so they tell of God’s love.
Spirit of Truth,
open our eyes to see the world as it really is.
Spirit of Power,
enthuse us to work for justice throughout the world.
Spirit of Love,
inspire us to respect the dignity of each person.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill our hearts.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill us.
Come, Holy Spirit.
Come.
© Stephen Davies/CAFOD
Published in CAFOD’s new anthology of prayers, articles and reflections:
livesimply, a CAFOD resource for living simply, sustainably, in solidarity…
Edited by Annabel Shilson-Thomas. Available from resources@cafod.org.uk, price £9.99
Listen to the blowing of the wind
Please stop, please!
Silence!
Listen to the beating of your heart.
Listen to the blowing of the wind,
the movement of the Spririt.
Be silent – said the Lord
and know that I am God.
And listen to the cry of the voiceless.
Listen to the groaning of the hungry.
Listen to the pain of the landless.
Listen to the sigh of the oppressed
and to the laughter of the children.
For that is authentic communication;
listening to the people,
living with people
dying for people.
Indonesia
Published in CAFOD’s new anthology of prayers, articles and reflections:
Live simply, a CAFOD resource for living simply, sustainably, in solidarity…
Edited by Annabel Shilson-Thomas. Available from resources@cafod.org.uk, price £9.99
Whirlwind Spirit
Whirlwind Spirit of God,
Roar through our timidities and fears,
Shake the foundations of our ill-placed securities,
Sweep away the cobwebs of our apathy,
Blow down the walls that separate us, one from another.
Then into all our empty spaces, breathe
re-strengthened courage to challenge injustice,
renewed belief in the urgency of our vocation,
revitalised passion to change our lifestyles,
re-dedication to speak only words that build and unite.
Let gentle breeze and still small voice
become in us today
mighty wind and loud proclamation.
Make of us a Pentecost people!
Amen
© Kathleen O’Brien/CAFOD
Spirit of justice and community
Give us the confidence to challenge injustice
And to nurture the flame of justice until it burns brightly
And may the Spirit of justice and community
Accompany you and light your way
May this Spirit move you, heal you,
Guide you and challenge you
Call you to action and to prayer
May this passion for justice burn through you and in you
And may it warm the hearts of those around you
Encouraging hope and overcoming fear.
Amen
© Linda R Jones
Fill us with justice
Holy Spirit, give us
tongues of fire and inspire us to
speak of justice without fear or prejudice.
Response: Fill us with justice through your Spirit, Lord
Holy Spirit, change us
so that the language of liberation may spread from our lips
as we challenge the economics of oppression.
Response: Fill us with justice through your Spirit, Lord
Holy Spirit, teach us
to understand the sufferings of workers who are
forced to labour in sweatshops round the world.
Response: Fill us with justice through your Spirit, Lord
Holy Spirit, guide us
to recognise the temptations of consumer choice
and to dedicate ourselves to universal human rights.
Make us raise our voices by shouting out loud the good news
and proclaim global justice for all.
Response: Fill us with justice through your Spirit, Lord
© Tony Singleton/ CAFOD
Spirit of Pentecost
Spirit of God
Enlighten our hearts and minds,
that we may see the faces of our sisters and brothers
whose labour provides us with the food we eat,
the clothes we wear and the computers, phones and washing machines we use.
Response: Spirit of God come to us.
Spirit of God
Embolden us to speak out
on behalf of those who suffer injustice,
so that they may enjoy the fruits of their labour
and have enough to feed, clothe, nurse and educate their families.
Response: Spirit of God come to us.
Spirit of God
Consume us with a passion to change our way of life.
so that we learn to put the needs of others
before our desire for more possessions at bargain prices.
Response: Spirit of God come to us.
Spirit of God
Through the witness of our lives,
standing in solidarity with all peoples,
may we spread the warmth of your love,
the light of your wisdom, and the fire of your justice,
so that all may live in peace and security.
Amen.
© Sue Cooper/CAFOD
Gods transforming power
God who cannot be bound
Flow into our hearts and minds
Wear down our resistance to your love
And refresh us with the spirit of your compassion
Today, as we commit ourselves once more to your work
We ask you to show us how to hold the needs of your world
At the heart of our lives
And to celebrate your many gifts with joy.
May your power transform our lives
May your Spirit set us free
And may the blessing of God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Be with us all now and for ever
Amen
© Linda Jones