Spain is filled with churches and we tried to stopped by in most of them, time permitting. When I enter a new church, they say make a wish and your wish will be granted. I have three wishes and I pray it all the time. And the prayer goes:
Lord grant me the serenity to:
Accept the things I cannot change
Courage to change the things that I can
Wisdom to know the difference.
With the grace of God, I have the courage to accept myself to let go, let God and live joyfully. Praying for the person who hurt others and asking God to punish the perpetrator to seek vengeance defies the purpose of “love thy neighbour as yourself”. Instead, I pray that the goodness will come out from that person or situation. Prayer brings the triangle of Peace: Faith, Hope and Charity.
Upon reflecting the Camino Walk, aside from fulfilling my dream, I was also walking for peace in my quiet way.
Thinking of the Peace Challenge, I thought of people who cannot walk, the world outside the woods, the people I left in Canada; I offer them in the hands of God. Each step I took, my intention is a journey of peace.I am aware that there is little I can do for what is happening in the world while I am on pilgrimage. All I can do is enjoy the moment.
Establishing peace, it begins in one’s heart. To create a family and community of peace, we are responsible for each other. And my first responsibility is to love my neighbour.
Reaching a church in the Galician part of Spain, I lit up a candle for World Peace.
placed it on the altar and prayed for all.
| Matthew 5: 43 – 48
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| “You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ | |
| But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, | |
| so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. | |
| For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? | |
| And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? | |
| You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. | |
- November Peace Challenge
- Love Others
- Call to service
- Praying for your enemies
- Benefits of praying for your enemies
I learned that prayer in AA, and though I am not a religious man I still say it out loud at least once a dat.>KB
I didn’t realize that is their prayer when I’ve never heard of AA. I found this prayer before I found Al-anon.
I just watched “THE WAY” today and thought of you. It’s a Martin Sheen movie about a pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago. Beautiful Seeker, peace to you, Diana
It’s a good movie, eh, Ms. D but too much Hollywood. I saw myself in that woman who wants to quit smoking. Thank you.
As do we all wish for peace all around, If everyone all over the world prayed at once. Can you imagine?
Oh, Andy. What a great imagination, wouldn’t that be great when it actually happened? I can just see the world shining….
I still believe in that world out there, A little too optimistic? maybe! but, All great visions start somewhere right?
Ah, a visionary. Excellent! I’m with you.
Cheers! ^_^
Peace!
And to you.
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Peace to you, too, Grandmalin.
Perpetua,
Great post! Congrats on taking the Camino! Have you seen the movie The Way? I think you would like it. Pax Tecum!
-Claudia
Ola, Claudia. Yes, I did. It was a good movie. Peace to you, too!. Perpetua.
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Beautiful post for peace, Perpetua. Love the world peace candle and the prayers. I’m starting to realize that AA is one of the most spiritual organizations around. {{{Hugs}}} kozo