Thoughts on families

A prayer for families

Sometimes in the rush of life

The prayer which most often escapes our lips is: God help us!
So, God of all creation,
You who made the stars and the heavens,
Who created such wondrous gifts for this planet,And created women and men in your own image,
Help us!

Each time we utter that plea, aloud or in our hearts;
in hope, or in exasperation,
Know that we are opening ourselves to your unending love.
Help us to stop and take time:
Time to look deeply at the world you have created,
and give thanks.
Time to be with one another, in our families,
long enough to appreciate each others' joys and sorrows,
and know in the depths of our hearts,
in the comfort of our kitchens,
and in the serenity of our sheds and gardens,
that we do not journey alone.
And from this strength, face calmly the turmoils that arise.

Help us to value the work of our hands, minds and hearts,
as a way of participating in your ongoing creation,
as a way of building relationships and building a more just society.
Give us the insight and courage to build a society
where everyone shares the riches of the earth and the wealth of our endeavours.
Help us to reach out to those less fortunate than ourselves:

Indigenous families, asylum seekers and refugees,
people who are homeless, or living in poverty,
families struggling to meet the needs of those with a disability.

Jesus, your Son, knew the reality of living in a family.
Together they knew the harsh reality of a forced journey
to Bethlehem and then to Egypt.
In Nazareth he learnt the grind and delight of daily work.

Through him we pray for all families,
that we may all live life to the full
and that we all, in our families, Church and society,
work tirelessly to bring this about.

Amen

From the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council