May the Prince of Peace
“banish from human hearts
whatever might endanger peace.
May He transform them
into witnesses of
truth,
justice,
and brotherly love. . . .
May He enkindle the wills of all so that they
may overcome the barriers that divide,
cherish the bonds of mutual charity,
understand others,
and pardon those who have done them wrong.
By virtue of His action,
may all peoples of the earth
become as brothers,
and may the most longed-for peace
blossom forth and reign
always
among them.
~Pope John XXIII in his encyclical Pacem in Terris
as quoted by Peggy Rosenthal in Praying through Poetry: Hope for Violent Times
(Line breaks mine)
My dear friend, Deidra Riggs, has assembled a small group of friends who are following God to Ferguson, Missouri. They will spend this weekend loving, listening, and learning–and then they’ll write the stories. Yes, they’re #GoingThere. Literally. I’m guessing they’d all say they don’t know what they’re doing. But God does.
I can’t go there in body, but I am going in heart and spirit. I will be here while they go there, and I will be praying for
open eyes
open ears
open hearts
open minds
I will pray that God Himself will direct them to where they are to serve and who they are to speak to.
I will pray for traveling mercies and for safety on the streets.
I will pray that they will be Jesus with skin on,
that they will be able to crawl under skin where I can’t.
I will pray they will be very small and very quiet.
I will pray they can help us understand.
And I will pray for barriers to break down and for peace to fill the gaps.
Will you join me?
In the stillness,
Sandy
Follow their stories here
Welcome to the Still Saturday Community where we pause after a busy week, move in quiet pilgrimage, maybe linger a while in some still place, and soak in the beauty of images and reflect on the depth of sparse words. We’d love for you to join us. Grab the button and link up below. We all love to hear if something especially speaks to your heart, but please don’t feel pressured to comment. Simply take some time to be still together, to gaze long and drink deep.
Praying for this God-ordained team on God’s mission to Missouri. God will use them powerfully to share the love of Christ and to tell stories that need hearing.
I’m anxious to see/hear what results.
I, too!
😀
Yes, yes! My prayers are with this godly crew and know that God will use them in Ferguson. Praising Him for His servants.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Thanks, Linda. We need some good news these days.
I am linking arms/hearts with you in prayer.
There’s lots of room in this circle. Especially for you, Elizabeth.
Definitely joining you in prayer.
Definitely glad, Susan.
Agreeing with you, Sandy, and so many others in prayer for this special group. May God’s will be done. Amen.
I’m praying too!
Me too, Sandra.
Praying with you. That’s awesome they are going to bless and give. As always, I am sure they’ll be given much by the Father as they serve too. Thanks Sandra.
I will be praying. What a blessing to those who are going and those who will be visited!
Praise God for His patience, mercy and grace as we learn! Thanks for hosting & God bless!
Have been & will continue to pray for them. May God use them greatly to display His love for all people. Blessings!