I found this prayer so challenging and it was a grace for me. I hope it will touch you as well…
Prayer for a Diverse Community
Creator of all races and ethnicities, help us to see that a diverse community
is the way to deepen our lives and to know you more deeply.
Guide us to see that entering into a vital and just relationship with others
who are different from us is the way to make ourselves whole.
Guard us from fear of the other, from the fear that our own security is threatened
if we become truly willing to make a place at the table for all.
Open us to live out what we profess to believe:
That our true security is in You and your call to justice and peace,
That we are a part of your global family,
That, because of your Incarnation, the human dignity of everyone is sacred,
and, that we are constantly called to conversion and inclusive community.
We pray that you help us recognize any form of racism in our hearts, and in our
legal, canonical, social structures.
Forgive us our sins of exclusion.
Heal our souls and spirits.
Ground us in compassion for all through your grace.
Help us take the steps you call us to take to build a more just community,
and where we can all join hands and rejoice in the common good.
Through the mercy of God, we pray. Amen
–From a conference I attended by Sister Marie Chin
Comments
This reminds me of a Pop song by Michael Jackson many years ago “The Man In The Mirror.”
Here is the refrain in that song….
I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change
Read more: Michael Jackson – Man In The Mirror Lyrics | MetroLyrics