God's Rewarding Work

We conclude this series of ten blogs on Flowers from the Garden of Christianity with an ancient and beautiful prayer from the Byzantine liturgy, and the famous prayer of St. Francis.

My experience is that when I enter with an open heart into the prayers of people of various faiths, I can feel their love and devotion, and it sparks my own. With my mind in my heart, I can join in these prayers, and feel our essential God given oneness.

I pray that these prayers, as well as others I have shared with you from other faiths, will do the same for you.

Holy Spirit, send from heaven a spark of Your radiant heart

Mother of the poor, bestowing gifts on those in need,

come, Source of Life, within our hearts.

Deepest Source of consolation dwelling in our souls,

You give pilgrims their repose.

Tothe toiling You give rest.

You cool the burning heat, and comfort those in tears.

O most joyful like a bride, fill the secred hearts of those who trust in You.

Without the presence of Your Godhead,

nothing lies in us free from harm.

Wash what is sooiled,

water what is dry,

heal what is wounded.

Bend what is rigid,

warm what is cold,

find what is lost

Grant to those who believe and trust in You

the sacred gifts and fruits of Divine Love.

Grant us the reward of Your work in us.

Consummate our lives in peace.

Grant us joy forever.

Alleluia!

The Prayer of St Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of Your Peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, 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 we receive;

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

It is in dying to self that we are born to eternal life.

Amen!