Last night we discussed the Respect Life Prayer. We read the prayer and then began discussion.We spoke about all aspects of life. It got heated at times because we men of St. Michael can be passionate about life issues. It was all very respectful and we also had a few laughs, as we always do. I’m posting this beautiful prayer below for you to reference and pray on.
Respect Life Prayer
O God, our Creator,
all life is in your hands
from conception until death.
Help us to cherish each person
and to reverence the awesome privilege
of our share in creation.
Bless all those who
defend the rights of the unborn,
the handicapped, the victims of abuse,
terrorism and war, the homeless,
those on death row, and the aged.
Enlighten and be merciful
toward those who fail to love,
and give each of us the wisdom and peace
that we need so that all may know
your Holy truth about the sacredness of life.
Let freedom be tempered with
responsibility, integrity, justice and love.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen
A brief word about life.
Whether it lasts for a brief moment or for a hundred years, each of our lives is a good and perfect gift. At every stage and in every circumstance, we are held in existence by God’s love.
Our relationships on earth are meant to help us and others grow in perfect love. We are meant to depend on one another, serve each other in humility, and walk together in times of suffering.
An elderly man whose health is quickly deteriorating; an unborn baby girl whose diagnosis indicates she may not live very long; a little boy with Down syndrome; a mother facing terminal cancer-each may have great difficulties and need assistance, but each of their lives is a good and perfect gift.
Experiencing suffering-or watching another suffer-is one of the hardest human experiences. But we are not alone. Christ experienced suffering more deeply than we can comprehend, and our own suffering can be meaningful when we unite it with his.
Jesus is with us every step of the way, giving us the grace we need. God invites us to embrace the lives we have been given, for as long as they are given.
Every life is worth living.
Visit the USCCB Respect Life Prgram webpage.