Reverend Msgr. Peter J. Vaghi
St. Patrick Catholic Church
Washington, DC
Date of Prayer: 12/20/2001
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Almighty God, we call upon You this cold December morning. You are Light of Lights and Light From Light. You are the Light who pierces the perennial darkness of our world, the darkness of our mind and soul, the darkness of a world at war. Because of You, O living and true God, we live, walk, and have our being. You are Emmanuel, God–with–us.
We pray to You this day that passage from the Advent prophet Isaiah: "Let justice descend, O heavens, like the dew from above, like gentle rain let the skies drop it down. Let earth open and salvation bud forth; let justice also spring up."
We pray also for peace. Peace in our world begins with peace in our hearts. And peace in our hearts comes from You, Almighty Father. Draw near to us and grant us Your peace.
Encourage us, O Lord, in this holy season in all our humble efforts carried out in Your life–giving name, O Prince of Peace and Light, Lord of Justice. Amen.
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