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August, 2005
From Phyllis Kemper, RN, Parish Nurse:
We are all well aware of the violence that has been occurring in
Cincinnati, particularly in our low-income neighborhoods. After
having had more reports of shootings and loss of life, the TriHealth
Parish Nurses, who serve in several of the neighborhoods faced with
this type of violence, are inviting everyone to join us in praying
for an end to the violence in our city and throughout the world.
The scriptures tell us that when we face these kinds of battles
we need to pray unceasingly. With that in mind we have decided as
a group to join our spirits in prayer each day at the hours of 6AM,
12 Noon, 6 PM, and Midnight pleading with the Lord to bless us with
peace. We are happy to suggest the simple prayer phrase that follows:
God of peace, grant that violence will cease and that paths to peace
may be found. We will be using this prayer and would like to invite
others to join us in the effort to spread a blanket of peace over
our lands.
Of course, for the violence to cease, the root causes must be addressed.
Perhaps this 21st century version of Jesus’ call to each one
of us will help us ponder how we as individuals can be part of the
solution to violence, especially in Cincinnati.
• When I was a single mother, you gave me a job with a living
wage
and health care benefits;
• When I dropped out of school, you encouraged me to get my
GED;
• When I was growing up and needed a role model, you mentored
me;
• When I struggled in school you tutored me;
• When I lived in substandard housing, you advocated for me;
• When I was mentally ill, you befriended me;
• When I was hungry, you volunteered at the parish soup kitchen/food
pantry;
• When I was elderly and alone, you visited me;
• When I was in prison, you became my pen pal;
• When I experienced injustice, you cried out against it;
• When I was voiceless, you spoke for me;
• When I walked down the street, you smiled and greeted me;
• When I was down and out, you remembered that I am a child
of God;
• When I died, you remembered me…
For whatever you do to the least of my people, that you do unto
ME.
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