FROM NOVEMBER 2022 INTERCESSION PAPER
FROM NOVEMBER 2022 INTERCESSION PAPER
``Give to us, to all Christians, and to all people of good will, the desire, the will, and the wisdom to bring about a society in which justice, mercy, and humility are practiced, both on a person-to-person basis and at the highest levels of government.``
Companions receive a monthly publication, the Intercession Paper, containing our collected prayers for others and the world on the themes of our vows. We are united as we pray these prayers. These are selections from the November 2022 issue.
COVER
We come to join in
the banquet of love.
Let it open our hearts
and break down the fears
that keep us from
loving each other.
Ana Hernández, SCHC
On her album Banquet of Love,
a blessing sung by Dominican nuns at mealtime
SUNDAY AND EVERY DAY: THANKSGIVING
I praise our Lord for a wonderful visit to Adelynrood, the Companions’ retreat and conference center in Massachusetts. For the Holy Routine of Morning Prayers, Noonday Intercessions, and Compline, in the Chapel; for brilliant flowers along the Chapel walkway, so lovingly tended by Companion volunteer gardeners; for seeing and sharing with many Companions at our Annual Meeting; and for the privilege of welcoming all and serving as the volunteer hostess during that time, I thank you, Lord, and bless your holy Name.
Laura Drum, SCHC
MONDAY: SIMPLICITY OF LIFE
Help us to be attuned
to all the cadences of silence,
the Spirit’s inner music,
and the gentle breath of prayer,
that we might embrace simplicity
and shed the world’s encumbrances,
delighting in the dance
that leads us home.
Stephanie Stover, SCHC
“A Poem/Prayer for Simplicity”
TUESDAY: UNITY OF ALL GOD’S PEOPLE
Gracious God, we have failed in our efforts to unite in our quest to help your Kingdom come on Earth as it is in Heaven. Please, Lord, strengthen our resolve and guide us in right pathways. Be with us always in our struggle.
Charlotte Stiefel, SCHC
WEDNESDAY: SOCIAL JUSTICE
For forgiveness of wrongdoings of the past, for healing in the splintered world of the present, and for striving for justice in the future; let us pray fervently to God in the name of Jesus Christ, our supreme exemplar of love and justice for all.
Joy Kiser, SCHC
THURSDAY: PEACE AND RECONCILIATION
May we keep doing all we have learned, received, heard, seen in the Christ, and the God of Peace will be with us. (Philippians 4:8-9, adapted)
We pray for all those in war-torn places around the globe, and in our hearts, that we rest in God’s peace.
Louise Dickson Cravens, SCHC
FRIDAY: GROWTH IN THE SPIRITUAL LIFE
In an uncertain world
I have walked a path of darkness,
but along the way I captured sparks of light.
Prayers given and received, friendships, meditations, kindness and compassion, love given and received, are clasped in my hands as a globe of light,
and I continue my journey, brightness all around.
Joan Stark, SCHC
SATURDAY: PRAYERS PERSONAL AND GENERAL
God of justice, you call your people to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with you. Give to us, to all Christians, and to all people of good will, the desire, the will, and the wisdom to bring about a society in which justice, mercy, and humility are practiced, both on a person-to-person basis and at the highest levels of government. May our prayers, our actions, and our votes be directed toward this end!
Diane Ruark, SCHC
Photo by Lynn Adams
