Pray and Don't Worry

[Brothers and sisters:] “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.”   ~Phil 4: 6-9

Today’s second reading really struck a chord with me. With all that’s going on in the world it is a timely reminder that we should pray and don’t worry, pray and act, pray and live without fear. If we fill ourselves with love and good things, there will be no room for fear and bad things. If we fill ourselves with God there will be no room for what can harm us and we will have peace of mind and heart.

Jesus, our Divine Master, have mercy on us, for we are sinners, but even as sinners we put our love and trust in You. Have mercy on us.  You are our strength, our shield, our light, our life, our inspiration and our salvation. Do not let fear or worldly cares drag us down or paralyze us.  Grant us Your peace, Your courage, Your Grace and Your perseverance.  Help us to remember, by ourselves we can do nothing, but with you we can do all things.