# Prayer for the grace to do works of mercy towards our neighbor
*2016-06-12*

> Bill Young offers a special prayer for the grace to be an instrument of mercy, specifically remembering those affected by tragedy in Orlando, Florida, and those suffering from war worldwide.

## A call to prayer for our neighbors

Good afternoon. This is Bill Young and welcome to the Prayer N Lunch podcast. I feel pushed by the Holy Spirit to share a special prayer called 'Prayer for the Grace to do Works of Mercy Towards Our Neighbor.' We have many neighbors, but Orlando, Florida, is certainly a neighbor of Fort Lauderdale. I pray for all those who lost their lives or were injured in the tragedy there, and I pray for all my neighbors around the world who are living day by day with tragedy and war. May they have peace, and may I be an instrument of that peace. In the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

## Becoming a reflection of Divine Mercy

O Holy Trinity, as many times as I breathe, as many times as my heart beats, and as many times as my blood pulsates through my body—so many thousands of times do I want to glorify Your mercy. I want to be completely transformed into Your mercy and to be Your living reflection. O Lord, may the greatest of all divine attributes, that of Your unfathomable mercy, pass through my heart and soul to my neighbor.

## Mercy in our senses and actions

Help me, O Lord, that my eyes be merciful, so that I may never suspect or judge my neighbor from appearances, but look for what is beautiful in my neighbor's soul and come to their rescue. Help me that my ears may be merciful, so that I may give heed to my neighbor's needs and not be indifferent to their pains and their mournings. Help me, O Lord, that my tongue may be merciful, so that I may never speak negatively of my neighbor, but have a word of comfort and forgiveness for all.

Help me, O Lord, that my hands may be merciful and filled with good deeds, so that I may do only good to my neighbors and take upon myself the most difficult and tiresome tasks. Help me that my feet may be merciful, so that I may hurry to assist my neighbors, overcoming my own fatigue and weariness. May my true rest be in the service of my neighbor.

## A merciful heart and the three degrees of mercy

Help me, O Lord, that my heart may be merciful, so that I myself may feel all the sufferings of my neighbor. I will refuse my heart to no one. I will be sincere even to those I know will abuse my kindness, and I will lock myself up in Your most merciful heart of Jesus. I will bear my own suffering in silence.

May Your mercy, O Lord, rest upon me. You Yourself command me to exercise three degrees of mercy: first, the act of mercy of whatever kind; second, the word of mercy, if I cannot carry out a work of mercy, I will assist by my words; and third, prayer. If I cannot show mercy by deeds or words, I can always do it by prayer. My prayer reaches out even where I cannot reach out physically. Oh my Jesus, transform me into Yourself, for You can do all things. Amen.

*May God bless those in Orlando and all our neighbors throughout the world.*