May God bless you
with discomfort at easy answers,
half truths, superficial relationships,
So that you will live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with
anger at injustice, oppression
and exploitation,
So that you will work for justice,
equality and peace.

May God bless you with tears
to shed for those who suffer from
neglect and greed and violence.
Comfort them
with love and compassion.

And may God bless you with
the belief that you can
make a difference in the world,
and the confidence that you will do the things
others tell you cannot be done.

A Franciscan Blessing (adapted)

Oración Estatal 2007
para el Ayuno
de 40 Horas de la
Coalición Laboral-Religiosa

Que Dios te bendiga con inquietud
en las respuestas fáciles,
en las verdades a medias,
en las relaciones superficiales,
de modo que alcances vivir profundamente dentro de tu corazón.

Que Dios te bendiga con coraje a la injusticia,
a la opresión y a la explotación de la gente
de modo que puedas luchar por la justicia, la igualdad y la paz.

Que Dios te bendiga con un derrame de lágrimas
por los que sufren de negligencia, de avaricia y de violencia,
de modo que puedas consolarlos con amor y compasión.

Y que Dios te bendiga con la certeza
que sí puedes hacer la diferencia en el mundo,
y la seguridad de que podrás logar cosas
que otros dicen son imposibles lograr.

Una Benedición Franciscana (el fuente desconocido)

A note about the prayer that we have adapted
"Franciscan Blessing, author unknown" is all we can say about the source of this year's Shared Prayer. JeanFrançois Godot-Calogeras of the School of Franciscan Studies at St. Bonaventure University, writes "Peacemaking and social justice are by all means no Franciscan monopoly, but they have certainly been the main mission of Francis and his movement from the early times in 13th century Italy. So, use the blessing and call it "A Franciscan Blessing" if you wish: Francis's spirit is certainly with us in our struggle for justice and peace in this country and the world. "

Last Updated: 03/02/2007
© New York State Labor-Religion Coalition