Think about These Things

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

It is always good to pause in the middle of the day, take a deep breath, and remember God’s loving presence. I invite you to pray this prayer for midday from the New Zealand Prayer Book. Be sure to leave some silence between each petition to reflect on its meaning for you and to remember God’s goodness.

Let us be at peace within ourselves. (silence)

Let us accept that we are profoundly loved and need never be afraid. (silence)

Let us be aware of the source of being that is common to us all and to all living creatures. (silence)

Let us be filled with the presence of the great compassion towards ourselves and towards all living beings. (silence)

Realizing that we are all nourished from the same source of life, may we so live that others be not deprived of air, food, water, shelter, or the chance to live. (silence)

Let us pray that we ourselves cease to be a cause of suffering to one another. (silence)

With humility let us pray for the establishment of peace in our hearts and on earth. (silence)

May God kindle in us the fire of love to bring us alive and give warmth to the world.

Lead me from death to life, from falsehood to truth;

lead me from despair to hope, from fear to trust;

lead me from hate to love, from war to peace.

Let peace fill our heart, our world, our universe.

Amen