Weekly Peace Prayer
for June 23, 2026
prepared by
Sister Carmel Little, CSJP
Weekly, members of our Congregation, associates, staff, friends, and family throughout the United States and the United Kingdom pray for peace. Some gather in groups, while others pray in solitude using the prayer on this page, composed by Carmel Little, CSJP.
If you would like to view the livestream of the prayer service at St. Mary on the Lake in Bellevue, Washington, please visit this page on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time. Scroll down to view the video player.
Constitutions:
In all our efforts to be a community for mission,
we acknowledge our interdependence with one another
and our reliance on the love and fidelity of God
to lead us into the way of peace. #37
Reading:
Whenever I meet other people, wherever I am in different parts of the world, I am always reminded how basically similar we really are. We may wear different clothes, our skin may be of a different color, and we may speak different languages. However, these are only superficial differences. Basically, we are all the same human beings. That is what makes it possible for us to understand each other and to develop friendships and good relations. In this context let me share with you a short prayer, which is comprised of two verses by the great seventh century Indian Buddhist master, Shantideva, which gives me great inspiration in my own quest to be of benefit to others. The core of this advice is to make your life as meaningful as possible. There is nothing mysterious about it. It consists of nothing more than acting out of concern for others. And provided you undertake this practice sincerely and with persistence, you will gradually be able to reorder your habits and attitudes so that you think less about your own narrow concerns and more of others’. In doing so, you will find that you enjoy peace and happiness yourself.
The Dalai Lama
Prayer:
May I become at all times, both now and forever
A protector of those without protection
A guide for those who have lost their way
A ship for those with oceans to cross
A bridge for those with rivers to cross
A sanctuary for those in danger
A lamp for those without light
A place of refuge for those who lack shelter
And a servant to all in need
As long as space endures,
and for as long as living beings remain,
until then may I, too, abide
to dispel the misery of the world.
Shantideva
Quiet Reflection
A Reading from Saint Paul to the Galatians 3:26-28
So, in Christ Jesus, you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Prayer:
That the fullness of compassion and true justice may be extended to the victims and families who have been subjected to violence, abuse, discrimination and murder, we pray,
All: May we accept the call to be bearers of peace.
Leader: That our communities and our schools may find ways to actively participate in efforts to reduce violence against Black citizens so that this country may take the lead in fostering anti-racism, we pray,
All: May we accept the call to be bearers of peace.
Leader: That all who gather this week to remember Juneteenth be able to freely-remember and celebrate their stories of joy and pain, struggle and triumph, we pray,
All: May we accept the call to be bearers of peace.
Leader: That we be courageous in living out the Gospel, we pray,
All: May we accept the call to be bearers of peace.
Quiet Reflection
Prayer:
Eternal God, you made us in your own image,
and became one of us in Jesus Christ.
Look with compassion on the whole human family;
take away the arrogance and hatred that infect our hearts;
break down the walls that separate us;
unite us in bonds of love; and, through our struggle and confusion,
work to accomplish your purposes on earth;
so that, in your good time,
we learn to live as brothers and sisters,
to serve and love in harmony.
Amen.
Adapted from CHA by Carmel Little, CSJP
