A MEMBER’S PRAYER

I have been asked to serve, Lord, and I have agreed.

Help me to know my fellow members:

Their gifts, their concerns, their lives.

I am doing your work, Lord,

And your love for me and for this is,

Above all, personal.

Help me to welcome conflict

As a sign of the diversity in this board,

As an opportunity to reach for creative solutions.

Help me to recognize this diversity

As a sign of your capacity to love us all

And help me to cherish it as a great strength.

Help me to approach issues with an open, inquiring mind, free from prejudice,

With my spirit depending on yours

For the strength to make hard decisions.

Help me to listen; to know when

And to whom I should listen.

Help me to learn to use my own gifts

To promote thorough, thoughtful discussion

Of important concerns

In our Catholic community.

Help me to develop my skills as a peacemaker,

To know how and when to mediate,

To conciliate, to negotiate.

Help me to enjoy doing your work

And to remember your promise:

Whenever two of us are gathered in your Name,

You are with us.

Sit with me now.

Amen.