Pause for Prayer: SATURDAY 10/10

October 10 is the 24th World Day Against the Death Penalty, sponsored by the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty.  Given the recent news about Christa Pike and Nidal Hasan, this world wide observance is especially timely.

Here are two prayers for us to offer today: the first from Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ and the second from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. You'll find a song for this day following the two prayers.

A Prayer for Justice

God of Compassion, you let your rain fall on the just and the unjust.
Expand and deepen our hearts so that we may love, as You love, even those among us who have caused the greatest pain by taking life. For there is in our land a great cry for vengeance as we fill up death row and kill the killers
in the name of justice, in the name of peace.
 

Jesus, our brother, you suffered execution at the hands of the state but you did not let hatred overcome you. Help us to reach out to victims of violence so that our enduring love may help them heal.
 

Holy Spirit of God, you strengthen us in the struggle for justice. Help us to work tirelessly for the abolition of state-sanctioned death and to renew our society in its very heart so that violence will be no more. Amen.

 

- Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ 

 

Prayer to End the Use of the Death Penalty

Merciful Father, we ask your blessing on all we do to build a culture of life. Hear our prayers for those impacted by the death penalty.

• We pray for all people, that their lives and dignity as children of a loving God may be respected and protected in all stages and circumstances.

• We pray for victims of violence and their families, that they may experience our love and support and find comfort in your compassion and in the promise of eternal life.

• We pray for those on death row, that their lives may be spared, that the innocent may be freed and that the guilty may come to acknowledge their faults and seek reconciliation with you.

• We pray for the families of those who are facing execution, that they may be comforted by your love and compassion.

• We pray for civic leaders, that they may commit themselves to respecting every human life and ending the use of the death penalty in our land.

Compassionate Father, give us wisdom and hearts filled with your love. Guide us as we work to end the use of the death penalty and to build a society that truly chooses life in all situations.

We ask this Father through your Son Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.  Amen.

 

- USCCB

 

I searched for a long time for some music appropriate for this day's observance and the prayers above - I finally happened upon this song which I believe is perfect...

 

Death Row by Thomas Rhett

 

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Yeah, just last week I went to prison
To see some boys down on death row
Brought some guitars and my buddies
To play some songs I thought they'd know, huh
Yeah, I could feel myself tremblin'
When I shook one of their hands
I thought that he would be a monster
It turns out he's a whole lot like I am

 

Yeah, we talked huntin', we talked fishin'
Like I do with boys back home
How Jesus is the ticket
And narrow is the road
About how all we need's forgiveness
'Fore we see them streets of gold
Yeah, I learned a lot about livin' 

   from them boys down on death row

 

One of 'em's name was Johnny
Ain't touched the grass in thirty years
Maybe, I ain't supposed to feel sorry, naw
But it 'bout brought me to tears
Then it hit me, we're all human
Ain't always proud of what we've done
Everybody's days are numbered
Only difference is they all know which one

 

Yeah, we talked huntin', we talked fishin'
Like I do with boys back home
How Jesus is the ticket
And narrow is the road
About how all we need's forgiveness
'Fore we see them streets of gold
Yeah, I learned a lot about livin' 

   from them boys down on death row

 

Whoa   Whoa  Whoa

 

One of 'em sang, 

   "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound"
With one hand raised 

   and one foot chained to the ground
Yeah, he sang it like he knew he'd just been found
Yeah, that next week, they laid him six feet down

 

Oh oh
I can't say that he's in Heaven, 

   who am I to judge his soul?
But Jesus don't play favorites, 

   ain't a name that He don't know
Yeah, I learned that and then some, 

   from the boys down on death row
I learned all that and then some, 

   from the boys down on death row

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NIGHT PRAYER: Thursday 10/9

Once a year my ordination classmates gather for dinner together - as we did the night before last.  On May 19, 1973 I was ordained with 20 others and of that number, 8 of us were together on Tuesday evening; having known each other since we entered Cardinal O'Connell Seminary in Jamaica Plain in September 1965: 61 years ago! (A ninth man at the table, a Columban priest, had  joined us for theology studies in 1969.)

 

It was so good to be with men whose brotherhood I've shared for over 6 decades! And what years those have been in the world and in the Church we serve! So much change - more than any of us might have possibly dreamed or imagined...  And yet so much is the same: the gospel, the sacraments and the gift of God's merciful grace to sustain us along the way.

 

Driving home that night I found myself prayerfully grateful for people who have been part of my life for so long... 

 

I'm grateful, Lord - to be alive - and grateful for all who've been part of my life for these now nearly 80 years...

I'm especially thankful for my brother priests who've lived and known the life that's mine in ways not many may understand...  They've known, as have I, the peace that comes from serving you in your people: in good times and bad, in sorrow and joy, in sickness and healthy, in laughter and tears, in hope and disappointment, from birth to death...

 

And they've known, as have I, the worries and fears, the distractions and doubts, the cares and concerns, the work and burdens that fall on the shoulders and weigh on the hearts of those who pastor a parish of souls - a flock we belong to as one of your sheep, though we carry your shepherd's crook...

 

And I remember, Lord, those brothers of mine who've passed from this life to life with you...  I pray that one day, we'll all meet again - the class of 1973 - and rejoice and be glad when we gather again at the table and feast of the Lamb of God, whose merciful love we have preached...

Protect us, Lord while we're awake

    and watch over us while we sleep

that awake, we might keep watch with you

    and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen. 

 

I can't think of a better song for this evening for me and my classmates - indeed, for all of us... 

 

The Servant Song by Richard Gillard 

 

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Will you let me be your servant, 

let me be as Christ to you; 

pray that I may have the grace

 to let you be my servant, too. 

 

We are pilgrims on a journey, 

we are trav'lers on the road; 

we are here to help each other 

walk the mile and bear the load. 

 

I will hold the Christ-light for you 

in the night-time of your fear; 

I will hold my hand out to you, 

speak the peace you long to hear. 

 

I will weep when you are weeping; 

when you laugh I'll laugh with you. 

I will share your joy and sorrow '

til we've seen this journey through. 

 

When we sing to God in heaven 

we shall find such harmony, 

born of all we've known together 

of Christ's love and agony.

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Pause for Prayer: FRIDAY 10/9

I'm writing late on Thursday night,

setting my alarm clock

for early Friday morning 

and news from Oslo, Norway 

of this year's Nobel Peace Prize...

 

But it's strange, Lord, is it not,

to think a noble prize for peace

should go to anyone but you:

    to you, the Prince of Peace... 

 

You're the Prince of Peace 

who bridged the gap

dividing earth from heaven...

 

You're the Prince of Peace,

the Lord of grace

who tames our willful pride... 

 

You're the Prince of Peace 

who reunites creation

with her Maker...

 

You're the Prince of Peace 

who heals the wounds

of hearts impaled by sin...

 

You're the Prince of Peace 

who mediates

the human and divine...

 

You're the Prince of Peace 

who offers all

the peace our hearts desire...

 

You're the Prince of Peace

whose reign and rule 

restores, redeems and frees us...

 

Noble, loving Lord 

come fill us

with your prize of lasting peace...

 

Amen. 

 

Prince of Peace by Hillsong

 

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NIGHT PRAYER: Thursday 10/8

 

For this day's joys and blessings, Lord:

    I offer thanks and praise...

 

On this day's pain and problems:

    I pray your healing touch...

For any good I did today:

   I'm grateful for your help...

And all I've left undone, Lord?

    Help me work on that tomorrow...

For any harm I did today:

    I pray for your forgiveness...

For any hurt I may have caused:

    show me how to make amends...

For the time I spent in prayer, Lord:

    thanks for always being there...

For the gift this day has been, Lord:

    receive my grateful prayer...

 

And to all tomorrow holds

    open my heart, my mind, my soul...

 

Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake,

    stand vigil while I sleep

that awake, I might keep watch with you

    and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen.

 

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Tonight's song is This Day God Gives Me.  Two versions follow: the first is choral and the second instrumental, a reflective, healing rendition, on the harp.  Not sure which to listen to?  Why not try both!

 

This Day God Gives Me

   by OCP Session Choir

 

 

This day God gives me Strength of high heaven,

Sun and moon shining, Flame in my hearth,  

Flashing of lightning, Wind in its swiftness, 

Deeps of the ocean, Firmness of earth.  

 

This day God sends me Strength as my guardian,  

Might to uphold me, Wisdom as guide.  

Your eyes are watchful, Your ears are list'ning,  

Your lips are speaking, Friend at my side.  

 

Rising I thank you, Mighty and Strong One,  

King of creation, Giver of rest,  

Firmly confessing Threeness of Persons, 

 Oneness of Godhead, Trinity blest.

 

This Day God Gives Me 

   by Noelle Cassandra, harpist

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NIGHT PRAYER: Thursday 10/8

 

For this day's joys and blessings, Lord:

    I offer thanks and praise...

 

On this day's pain and problems:

    I pray your healing touch...

For any good I did today:

   I'm grateful for your help...

And all I've left undone, Lord?

    Help me work on that tomorrow...

For any harm I did today:

    I pray for your forgiveness...

For any hurt I may have caused:

    show me how to make amends...

For the time I spent in prayer, Lord:

    thanks for always being there...

For the gift this day has been, Lord:

    receive my grateful prayer...

 

And to all tomorrow holds

    open my heart, my mind, my soul...

 

Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake,

    stand vigil while I sleep

that awake, I might keep watch with you

    and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen.

 

If the widget and video don't appear below, click here!

 

Tonight's song is This Day God Gives Me.  Two versions

follow: the first is choral and the second instrumental, 

a reflective, healing rendition, on the harp.  Not sure which

to listen to?  Why not try both!

 

This Day God Gives Me 

   sung by OCP Session Choir

 

 

This day God gives me Strength of high heaven,

Sun and moon shining, Flame in my hearth,  

Flashing of lightning, Wind in its swiftness, 

Deeps of the ocean, Firmness of earth.  

 

This day God sends me Strength as my guardian,  

Might to uphold me, Wisdom as guide.  

Your eyes are watchful, Your ears are list'ning,  

Your lips are speaking, Friend at my side.  

 

Rising I thank you, Mighty and Strong One,  

King of creation, Giver of rest,  

Firmly confessing Threeness of Persons, 

 Oneness of Godhead, Trinity blest.

 

This Day God Gives Me 

   by Noelle Cassandra, harpist

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Pause for Prayer: THURSDAY 10/8

Photo by Timothy Burnett*

I'll meet you, Lord,
down by a bend in the river of my life
where I pray you'll calm my soul
as you slow the water's flow
to a peaceful, even stillness,
shimmering with your presence...

By the stone wall of my troubles, Lord,
we'll get together, you and I,
and sit in sweet communion
in October's chapel, quiet
save for the psalms of a few spare birds...

Under frescoes freshly painted by your hand
we'll speak from heart to heart
in words that fail my lips,
in speech no ear can hear,
in prayers I know you've heard
before they groan within my soul...

Let this be our place, Lord,
be it on the river bank or in my heart
or my imagination: let there be a place
where you and I will meet today,
down by a bend in the river of my life,
where your grace flows and my heart finds
the peace that only you can give...

Amen.

*This spot is at the northwest corner of the yard at the Old Manse in Concord, where the Concord River makes a bend to the west.

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 All's well!  Just taking a breather - see you on Thursday morning!

 

 

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NIGHT PRAYER: Tuesday 10/6

It seems, Lord, that if there's any way

we human beings can make a mess of things

- that's exactly what we'll do... 

It's not that we don't know the right thing to do:

    not that we don't know what justice demands,
    not that our ultimate goals aren't noble,

    not that our hearts aren't in the right place,

    not that we just don't know any better,

    not that we're ignorant of the facts,

    not that we lack the personnel

        to achieve what we know must be done,

    not that we don't have the talent or assets

        to do the best possible job

    - it's none of this, Lord...

We mess things up when we fail to be faithful

    to the path of truth, 

    the law of your word,

    the demanding dictates of conscience,

    the choice of right over wrong,

    the pursuit of the greater good,

    the toll of personal sacrifice,

    the authority of proven facts,

    the search for impartial justice,

    the clarity of unbiased thought,

    and the desire to work together...

 

What was it Saint Paul wrote? 

    For I do not understand my own actions...

    I have the desire to do what is right, 

        but not the ability to carry it out.

    For I do not do the good I want, but rather,

        the evil I do not want 

            is what I keep on doing...

    - Romans 7:18-20 

 

Give us your grace, Lord, 

the heart we need

    to do what is just,

    to love what is good

    and to walk humbly at your side...

 

Give us your grace, Lord, 

the heart we need,

    to accept the things we cannot change,

    to change the things we can

    and the wisdom to know the difference...

 

Give us your grace, Lord, 

the heart we need,

    to do the next right thing

    - before we do what we don't want to do...

 

Lead us, Lord, to make of our world 

    with the help of your grace,

the place you made for us to live

    together, in peace, in joy...

Protect us, Lord, while we're awake

    and watch over us while we sleep

that awake, we might keep watch with you

    and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen.

Easier Said Than Done by Tom Defrange

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