A Franciscan Benediction

In his book, “Prayer: Does It Make A Difference”, Philip Yancey included this Franciscan Benediction:

May God bless you with discomfort

At easy easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships

So that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger

At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,

So that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.

May God bless you with tears

To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,

So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and

To turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness

To believe that you can make a difference in the world,

So that you can do what others claim cannot be done

To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

Amen.

Today I linked with The Sunday Community and A Heart Reflected and Sunday Stillness and Spiritual Sundays

10 Comments

LISA MORELAND on July 21, 2013 at 1:27 pm

The monastic Brothers knew great wisdom. Pleased to have been introduced to this prayer.

joanneviola on July 21, 2013 at 1:38 pm

Thank you for stopping by. I loved this prayer when I read it. Have a blessed Sunday!

Jennifer Bradford on July 21, 2013 at 2:17 pm

Thank you! This is just what I needed especially as I sent my daughter to NYC to serve at the Bowery Mission today Jen

joanneviola on July 22, 2013 at 7:22 am

Jen – I am not sure what is more intimidating…letting your kid go or NYC 🙂 As moms, the letting go never truly gets easier. It is only as we know that we are releasing them to Him & that He truly does love them greater than we do, that we can find peace. May God bless her with a great experience!
Blessings,
Joanne

Mia on July 21, 2013 at 3:27 pm

Dear Joanne
What a great prayer for real blessings! I love the work of Philip Yancey.
Blessings XX
Mia

joanneviola on July 22, 2013 at 7:23 am

Mia – I love Philip Yancey’s writings as well. I was touched as I read this prayer included in his book. It is a great book!