A Blessing For Peace from John O'Donahue

A Blessing for Peace

 

As the fever of the day calms toward twilight

May all that is strained in us come to ease.

 

We pray for all who suffered violence today,

May an unexpected serenity surprise them.

 

For those who risk their lives

each day for peace,

May their hearts glimpse providence

at the heart of history.

 

That those who make riches

from violence and war

Might hear in their dreams

the cries of the lost.

 

That we might see through

our fear of each other

A new vision to heal

our fatal attraction to aggression.

 

That those who enjoy

the privilege of peace

Might not forget their

tormented brothers and sisters

That the wolf might lie down

With the lamb,

That our swords be beaten

Into plowshares

 

And no hurt or harm be done

Anywhere along the holy mountain.

 

~ John O'Donohue ~