THE COMPANIONS

JOIN US IN PRAYER

The May IP is called the Thanksgiving Paper. Our founder, Emily Morgan, began the tradition in the 1890s of having the May IP given over to thanksgivings. She wrote many times about the importance of always giving thanks. This is our yearly opportunity to focus our prayer life as Companions on gratitude, joy, and the many gifts our Creator has bestowed upon us.

 

In this monthly selection there may be one or two that inspire you to join us in grateful praise of God for our many blessings.

 

COVER

My beloved daughter, come with me.

You are my spitting image, you delight me.

My co-creator, build anew with me.

Come and play with me.

 

Breathing in, I gather my courage,

I grab a trowel and spade.

I pick a palette full of the rainbow,

Brushes, yarn, and needles.

 

Breathing out I turn to you.

Thank you for inviting me,

I was lonely here.

I’ll share my toys and delight in you.

 

Margaret Young, SCHC

Charles River Chapter

 

THANKSGIVINGS: SUNDAY AND EVERY DAY

Let us thank God for the life and witness of the Reverends William Barber and Liz Theoharis of the Poor People’s Campaign. May their national call for a Moral Revival ring familiar in the hearts and minds of all Companions. We are grateful for their leadership of all people who are inspired to boldly demand justice for all and look forward to strengthening our bonds with them this summer at Adelynrood Retreat Center as they show us how to walk closer with Christ to heal and transform America. May God’s blessings be upon all who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

 

Lynn Buggage, SCHC

Philadelphia Chapter

 

MONDAY: SIMPLICITY OF LIFE

We thank you, God, that in the lives you have set before us, all roads, byways, and destinations are infused with your grace. Help us to grow into the simplicity of our calls, the deep integration of all aspects of our lives.

 

Lynne Nelson, SCHC

New York Chapter

 

TUESDAY: UNITY OF ALL GOD’S PEOPLE

Holy One, accept our gratitude for Companion conversations taking place through Sacred Ground. Continue to awaken us to the depth of multi-racial injustice throughout American history. Through your gift of awareness lead us to lament our own complicity and heedlessness, and find our voices of hope and healing. Help us speak out against that which is unspeakable in a suffering world.

 

Anne Ogden, SCHC

Mississippi Chapter

 

WEDNESDAY: SOCIAL JUSTICE

O Lord, we pray in gratitude for gifts of forgiveness: For personal release from the bondage of old sufferings, pains, bitterness, and fears; for the opening of space within us that allows new awareness based in compassion and love. May we offer you praise by being ever more mindful of God’s living presence in all creation and serving as healing agents in the world.

 

Jill Dampier-Need, SCHC

Far & Near Chapter

 

THURSDAY: PEACE AND RECONCILIATION

Almighty God, bless our land with honourable industry and sound learning. Save us from violence, from discord and confusion, and from pride and arrogancy. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those whom we entrust in Thy Name with the authority of governance. Fill our hearts with thankfulness; and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in Thee to fail.

 

From the prayers offered by all Companions at noon, each day, 28 July-5 August 1906,

in preparation for the Feast of the Transfiguration

 

FRIDAY: GROWTH IN THE SPIRITUAL LIFE

Motivate us, Lord, not in short bursts but consistently, with the sense that all that we are is by your grace alone. This awareness brings us immense joy, and gratitude springs from this. Should we not have an attitude of gratitude burning constantly within us, come what may?

All thanks to you, Companion Lord.

 

Susy Kurian, SCHC, “By Grace Alone”

India Chapter

 

SATURDAY: PRAYERS PERSONAL AND GENERAL

Dios de bondad, compasión, de amor infinito llenando nuestras vidas, presente mientras con gozo y entusiasmo compartimos quiénes somos, la sabiduría que nos enriquece, las ideas que nos inspiran a las luchas urgentes, nuestro caminar con corazones agradecidos escuchando la vida que se renueva a cada instante.

 

Cómo no agradecerte Dios amado a cada paso, en nuestros silencios, en las sonrisas y la luz en los ojos al hablarnos y abrazarnos, en las oraciones elocuentes, comunidades sintiendo tu tierna caricia al alabarte por la labor encaminada y realizada.

 

Ema Rosero-Nordalm, SCHC

Capítulo del Rio Carlos

Oración del trabajo de comunidades latinas que viven lo que son: Comunidades Amadas.

 

God of goodness and compassion, of infinite love filling our lives, present while with joy and enthusiasm we share who we are, the wisdom enriching us, the ideas that inspire us to urgent struggles, our walking with grateful hearts listening to life as it is renewed at every moment.

 

I cannot thank you enough, loving God, at every step; in our silence, in the smiles and the light in our eyes when speaking and embracing each other, in the eloquent prayers; communities feeling your tender caress, praising you for the work to be done and already completed.

 

Ema Rosero-Nordalm, SCHC

Charles River Chapter

Prayer from working with Latino communities living who they are: Beloved Communities.

 

 

Photo by Lynn Adams