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The Prayer Attributed to St. Francis of Assisi

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Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me bring love. Where there is offence, let me bring pardon. Where there is discord, let me bring union. Where there is error, let me bring truth. Where there is doubt, let me bring faith. Where there is despair, let me bring hope. Where there is darkness, let me bring your light. Where there is sadness, let me bring joy.


O Lord, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love, for it is in giving that one receives, it is in self-forgetting that one finds, it is in forgiving that one is forgiven, it is in dying that one awakens to eternal life.

Amen.

Moving Forward Meditations

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Moving Forward - 24 February 2025

    MONDAY, February 24, Saint Matthias, Apostle


    John 15:13-14 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. 


    My husband and I are similar in that neither of us desires grand gestures as expressions of love from one another. Our idea of romance involves the little things: I love yous at the door, holding hands, quiet dinners at home. So, I’m not sure why it took me years to hear this verse as a command to dedicate my life to daily obedience rather than being willing to die for any of my friends. It’s death by a thousand cuts, as it were, to my will when it’s opposed to doing love.


    Those cuts don’t seem nearly as heroic or romantic as risking myself as if I were a superhero in my favorite movie. Speaking kind words when I’m frustrated with the people I live with doesn’t hold the same kind of excitement. Following my prayers for those in a war zone with a donation to the Episcopal Relief & Development for that region doesn’t seem as dashing. Choosing needed sleep over scrolling on my cell phone is good stewardship of my body and energy but not nearly as amusing as the screen. And yet, Jesus says this is what makes me his friend.


    MOVING FORWARD: What small act of love will be your offering to Jesus today?



    (Source: Forward Day By Day Movement)

     
     
     

    Moving Forward - 23 February 2025

      SUNDAY, February 23, 7 Epiphany


      Genesis 45:8 So it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. 


      Forgiveness and reconciliation are not the same. Success in reconciliation requires not only forgiveness being offered and received but also a fundamental change in a relationship, either through setting boundaries and/or acknowledging the wrongs that sent the relationship off the rails in the first place. It also doesn’t hurt to add real resolve that those wrongs are not repeated.


      In this passage from Genesis, Joseph overhears the remorse of his brothers over their treatment of him and sees how they protect the youngest, Benjamin. And his heart is broken open with compassion. He reframes their horrific past, speaking in terms of God’s provision for their future rather than what they did to him.


      On my very best days, it’s a struggle to rise to that level of spiritual maturity, but this story gives me hope. What God does in Joseph, God can do for all of us.


      MOVING FORWARD: Where do you need to seek reconciliation?



      (Source: Forward Day By Day Movement)

       
       
       

      Moving Forward - 22 February 2025

        SATURDAY, February 22, Margaret of Cortona


        Mark 12:41a He sat down opposite the treasury and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury.


        Jesus isn’t often described as people-watching. We hear about him eating, sleeping, and praying. In our holy imagination, we listen to him preach and teach and watch him heal. On occasion, we see him look for time and space alone, but rarely do we see him sit still and watch what’s going on.


        We don’t know how long he watched the crowd before he spoke, calling his disciples to observe with him, and then telling them what he wants them to see. He wants his followers—then and now—to understand that in God’s economy, contributions aren’t measured purely by amount but what that amount means for the household from which it comes. His observation isn’t necessarily a commendation of the widow, but it is a critique of the hypocrisy of those who, as one preacher puts it, seem holy but are merely “tipping God.” I can think of times that I have given less than generously when I did indeed have it to give. I often put paying for things on my wish list before giving to God or those in need. God, help me repent of my own hypocrisy. 


        MOVING FORWARD: What might Jesus be thinking as he watches you today?



        (Source: Forward Day By Day Movement)

         
         
         
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