Loving and faithful God, we come to you in these fraught times as we seek to grow in understanding and as people of action. At times the path forward is obscured from view and the chaos of the moment makes finding truth difficult. And so we pray:

When we are confused by the complexity of issues and don’t know what action to take, open us to the movement of your Spirit that we might be inspired with wisdom, right judgment, and courage. May we not forget that in You we find our path.

When the suffering around us seems so great and our efforts so meager, help us to turn to Mary who stood at the foot Jesus’ cross in support and in deviance. Help us to remember that presence is essential and often prophetic.

When we are tempted to discouragement by the magnitude of change that is necessary in ourselves and in our world, may we recall the words of Blessed Adele who wrote, “Let us then courageously put ourselves to work, not letting ourselves be frightened by the greatness of the task. Let us think only of what we are doing at the moment, of doing it well…”

When activism threatens to deplete the source of our strength and we grow tired and weary, may we recall the words of Blessed Chaminade who reminds us that all our works, no matter what, ought to be a continuation of prayer. May we remember that, “It is important to pray always and never to tire of it.”

When we feel overwhelmed or discouraged or alone in our work for justice, help us to remember your words through the prophet Isaiah:

 “I, the Lord, am the first, and with the last I will also be….

But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen,

offspring of Abraham my friend – 

You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth 

and summoned from its far-off places,

you whom I have called my servant, whom I have chosen and will not cast off-

Fear not, I am with you; be not dismayed; I am your God.

I will strengthen you, and help you, 

and uphold you with my right hand of justice….

For I am the Lord, your God, who grasp your right hand;

it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I will help you.” (Isaiah 41: 4c-10, 13)

This we pray through the intercession of Mary, our model and in the name of Jesus, our way, our truth and our life. Amen.

by Sr. Nicole Trahan, FMI