Good morning, fellow caregivers it is my honor to share in this time of reflective prayer with you in our little community of mutual caring and support. We all come with a wealth of experiences and wisdom and diverse backgrounds. It is our diversity that adds to the richness and beauty of our experiences.

Erie shared in this past week’s reflection the scientific revelations on the power of prayer. Being together in community and sharing in a few minutes of intentional prayer strengthens us. Our heartfelt intentions multiply and carry far beyond this time, rippling out in boundless ways, far beyond our ever knowing to bless others in unforeseen ways.  So, thank you for bringing your healing energies to this moment to heal others and to be healed in the process.

This is what we get to do each and every day, when we bring our wholeheartedness to the activities that we do, regardless of the task at hand, when we approach our work in a conscious and intentional manner it opens us to the scaredness that exists in all things,

So, let us settle in to a comfortable position and begin with a few with deep centering breaths.  As you breathe in repeat to yourself, I am at peace, peace I receive, peace I offer.

Our friend, Jolyon calls for prayers for Mother Earth as she cries out to us in anguish. Pope Frances offers this prayer.

All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe
and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love,
that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live
as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor,
help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth,
so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives,
that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts
of those who look only for gain
at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognize that we are profoundly united
with every creature
as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle
for justice, love and peace.

Pope Frances

John 14:27  Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid."

Wishing you the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Liz Sorensen Wessel
Mandala by ~liz