Long distances can lead to ignorance of civil unrest, hunger, natural disasters. This is Our Father’s World, as the song says. Though far away, all the globe’s peoples are brothers and sisters to us.

Pray

I sense your mighty hand, O God,
in the incredible variety of languages,
customs, and beliefs across this planet
you have flung out beyond the stars.
Stretch my heart to acknowledge this immensity.
Help me use the news to shape my concerns
for those who suffer from the effects of war,
of weather, of human greed.
I ask a shower of mercy on the poor, the neglected,
the lonely, the bitter, the imprisoned, and the dying.
I would be a citizen of this world,
joined to all those I hope to meet in the next.

Act

Embrace a nation today about which you know little. Learn something new about it. Then pray for its peoples and its problems.

I have promised to pray for many. Usually they faced illness or sorrow. These are heavy-duty prayers. But my requests can also embrace the happy, healthy people in my circle of care.

Pray

Your world is wonderful,
O Lord of heaven and earth!
Because of your infinite generosity,
I have friends.
I call down your blessing
on them,
name by precious name.
I thank you
for those whose name I share:
spouse, children,
parents, cousins.
May your sun
shine on them this day.
I also thank you
for the cashier,
the teller,
the server,
the mechanic,
the mail carrier,
the dentist…..
I  praise you
for filling my life
with those
who help me
live it well.

Act

Whether I am driving, walking, cooking, computing, or doing God’s work in any way, I will thank you for those around me—even those on a screen.

The weather: It has its effect on my body–and my soul. A dark cloud may mean a welcome rain, but it seldom lifts my spirit to say an Alleluia. I want sunshine.

Pray

I pray by the window
and thank you,
God of sun and rain,
storm and breeze,
warmth and chill.
I thank you for all of it,
for the precarious balance
of what you hold
in your all-powerful hands.
I pray to be open
to this hour’s weather–
and its influence on my day.
I thank you for its benefits
and blessings.
Help me feel your presence
in the temperature,
the clouds,
the wind,
the light.
May I accept your gifts always.

Act

Under an umbrella I will say thanks. If the day warrants sunscreen I will say thanks. In all things and all weathers, I will give thanks.

Do not look to my life, however—or to the lives of others—but your own. Bring your words and your work to the center and there you will find Christ who will hold you up as you find the balance.

—from the book A Retreat with Saint Anthony: Finding Our Way
by Carol Ann Morrow

“The Body of Christ,” we hear in faith whenever we are ready to receive the Eucharist. “Amen” is the traditional response. We agree. We believe.

Pray

We are also
Christ’s Body,
your eloquent apostle Paul
tells us.
Today, Creator of All,
please consider the flaws
of this body of yours.
Today, I ache
or sniffle
or wear corrective lenses.
I want to run the race,
but jogging is out of the question.
Strengthen me
to do what I can.
Help me
to accept my limitations
and give you the glory
with what this poor body
can do in your service.

Act

I will raise my arms high in praise of the strength you give me, Mighty One. What I can do, I will do—for you.

When the church sanctuary is empty, the sanctuary lamp still burns. It’s good to know that Jesus remains in our holy place, even when the pews are vacant.

Pray

You are here,
Lord God of heaven and earth,
in the sanctuary of my heart.
You permeate my being
and your presence fills the earth.
You surround me with love.
I want to be conscious
of this grace and power.
I ask you
to increase my capacity
to know, love
and serve you.
Cover me
with your protection
and care.

Act

If I drive by a church today I will bow to acknowledge the Eucharistic presence there. If it’s possible I may even stop for a visit.