3 prayers that express our need for God’s presence today

Prayer is an essential element for any religious person. Our prayers should always come from our hearts and express where we are in life. We do not pray to make God “jump through our hoops.” Just the opposite: Our prayer life should help us become more like God.

There are no magical prayers; no special formula gets God’s attention. God is only impressed by the sincerity of our hearts. However, when communities pray together, Jesus told us, “I am there among them.” (Matt. 18:20)

Some people can express what we should pray for better than others. I would like to offer three prayers for situations today. The first was composed for commemoration of the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

“All-powerful God, through your Son, you revealed the power of your love. You showed us that hatred has no power over love and that forgiveness heals the divisions in our lives. As we remember the attacks of Sept. 11, send the healing power of love and reconciliation upon us that we may become a people united in hope, justice and peace.

“May we always remember that forgiveness and reconciliation requires much of us. May your grace fill us with courage as we urge our leaders to work together for peace and the common good of all while eliminating injustice.

“As we open ourselves to your healing Spirit, we give you thanks and praise for all your blessings. Amen.”

Today, we face problems of violence, murder and racism. Archbishop Gregory Aymond joined with civil leaders in declaring a new “Battle of New Orleans” against these atrocities. The Archbishop has offered the following prayers.

“Loving and faithful God, the people of our area have appreciated the prayers and love of Our Lady of Prompt Succor in times of war, disaster, epidemic and illness. We come to you, Father, with Mary our Mother, and ask you to help us in today’s battle against violence, murder and racism.

“We implore you to give us your wisdom that we may build a community founded on the values of Jesus, which respects the life and dignity of all people.

“Bless parents that they may form their children in the faith. Bless and protect our youth that they may be peacemakers of our time. Give consolation to those who have lost loved ones through violence.

“Hear our prayer and give us perseverance to be a voice for life and human dignity in our community. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen”

And, in time for the height of the hurricane season, here’s another. Bishop Maurice Schexnayder of Lafayette originally composed the following prayer that includes my own editorial changes.

“O God, Master of this passing world, hear the humble voices of your people. The raging Sea of Galilee obeyed your orders and became calm again. We believe that you are still the Master of land and sea. We live in a dangerous locality subjected to the threats of violent wind and flooding. The Gulf of Mexico, like a provoked and angry giant, can awake from its inactivity, overstep its traditional boundaries, invade our land and spread chaos and disaster.

“During this hurricane season we turn to you, O loving God, and ask you to keep us from all harm. The memories of past hurricanes are still so vivid. We have deep wounds from their destruction that still needs your healing power.

“O Virgin Mother, Star of the Sea, we ask you to plead with your Son for us so that we will be spared from the disasters common to our area. In a true spirit of gratitude, we will walk in the footsteps of your divine Son to reach the heavenly Jerusalem where a storm-less eternity awaits us.

Amen.”