Praying the News | Blog | Spirituality & Practice

Posted by Frederic Brussat on November 11, 2013

Mother of Mercy, we have learned about people known as canners and their struggle for survival.

Documentary Film: Canners are people who survive by redeeming bottles and cans they collect from curbs, garbage cans, and apartment complexes. Many of these women and men are the working poor who earn five cents per can. (HBO Oscar-nominated documentary Redemption about canners in New York City) O Protector of the Poor, watch over and sustain this army of people who remain invisible to far too many of us.

Prayer for the People of the Philippines

Posted by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat on November 10, 2013

Typhoon Haiyan, which slammed into six central Philippine islands on Friday, November 8, 2013, is the strongest typhoon of the year and one of the strongest storms on record. It also appears to be the deadliest storm — and natural disaster — on record to hit the Philippines, with officials saying that as many as 10,000 people are believed dead. On Sunday, the storm appeared to be moving on to Vietnam threatening lives and property there as well.

And so we pray this news . . .

A Prayer for Orcas

Posted by Frederic Brussat on November 8, 2013

Lord of Life and Protector of Animals, watch over and take care of all whales in captivity whose ancestors roamed freely in thousands of miles of ocean.

Fact: 52 Orcas are now living in captivity and many of them are exploited in marine park shows for the public and then confined at night to dark concrete pens. (Orcas in Captivity Web Site)

Open our eyes to see the harm we are doing to these intelligent, highly social, and caring creatures in marine parks around the world. May we find ways to ease their plight.

A Prayer for Elders Postponing Retirement

Posted by Frederic Brussat on November 6, 2013

O Hope through the Ages, look after those who are going to have to work longer than they had planned.

Survey: 37 percent of middle-income Americans earning between $25,000 and $100,000 say they expect to stay on the job until they die. 34 percent say they expect to work until they are at least 80, up from 25 % two years ago. (Wells Fargo)

O Our Sustainer, guide, direct, and comfort these people – and others like them in other countries around the world – as they struggle to change their expectations for their elder years due to economic pressures beyond their control.

A Prayer for Political Parties

Posted by Frederic Brussat on November 4, 2013

O God of Diversity, we turn to you with the question: Is it time, as Ralph Nader and others have said many times, for a third political party in the United States to keep the two major parties honest and responsive to the people?

Survey: 60% of Americans say the Democrats and Republicans do such a poor job of representing the people's interests that the country needs a third political party. That's the highest percentage in the 10 years Gallup has asked that question. (Gallup)

O God of the People, guide us to find ways to fix the U.S. government in Washington so that it serves the people rather than special interests.

A Prayer for the Oceans

Posted by Frederic Brussat on October 30, 2013

O Guardian of the Earth, we recognize that we must deal seriously with the ramifications of climate change before it is too late for the oceans.

Report: In a report issued by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the deadly trio of global warming, declining oxygen levels, and acidification is seriously affecting how productive and effective the ocean is. This, in turn, is raising the risk of extinction for some marine species. (Reuters)

Help us to find ways to preserve and protect our sacred and life-affirming oceans and all the beings that live in these waters.

* Read an excerpt from 50 Ways to Save the Ocean by David Helvarg

Gratitude for a Decrease in AIDS-related Deaths

Posted by Frederic Brussat on October 28, 2013

O Healer, who watches over all living with the HIV virus around the world, we give thanks for the researchers and the scientists who have given us effective drugs that have decreased the number of AIDS-related deaths.

Statistic: The number of AIDS-related deaths worldwide has decreased by 30 percent since reaching its peak back in 2005, and this trend is only expected to continue. (Medical Daily)

We pray that AIDS education and prevention programs, as well as treatment programs, will be effective in combatting this dread disease, which has already taken too many lives.

A Prayer about Our Use of Cars

Posted by Frederic Brussat on October 25, 2013

Lord of Life, we confess that we are in the habit of using our cars too much and this has had a bad effect on the environment and on our health.

Study: A University of Michigan study published in July of 2013 reports that by several measures, light-duty vehicle driving miles peaked in the United States in 2004, before the economic downturn. This is a major milestone in the history of the American automobile. (The New York Times)

O Patient One, thanks be to those car users who have tried to reduce road miles as part of an overall greenhouse gas reduction campaign. Their children's children will thank them years from now for doing such a good and noble thing.

A Prayer for Slaves

Posted by Frederic Brussat on October 23, 2013

O Liberator God, we are ashamed of the persistence of slavery in our world. Help us to cherish our freedom and fight for the freedom of others.

Fact: There are at least 27 million slaves in 161 countries around the world today, including the U.S.
(End It: Shine a Light on Slavery)

We pray for the unquiet souls of those who are enslaved around the world. Grant them the liberty that we so often take for granted.

Lovingkindness for All Children

Posted by Frederic Brussat on October 21, 2013

O Compassionate One, help us to have the same love and concern for all children - especially the poor and the homeless - as we have for our own children and grandchildren.

Worldwide Ranking: Rank of the United States, out of 29 developed countries, in overall child well-being: 26 (United Nations Children's Fund, 2013)

May all children be free of suffering. May all children be well. May all children live with ease, assured of the necessities of life. May all children know peace and joy.

Next Back

RSS

About This Blog

The daily news summons us to prayer. The people, situations, and events of our times call out for our compassion and God's healing presence. In this blog we will pray in a variety of forms as we lift up the needs of the world. We hope that by praying the news in this way we will also expand both our spirituality and our practice. More

S&P Blogs

Headline-Only View