30 Prayers for 30 Years

30 PRAYERS for 30 YEARS

TABLE OF CONTENTS Communal Prayer 01, A Prayer for Courage Communal Prayer 02, Let Our Cries Come Unto You Communal Prayer 03, Diversity Blessing Communal Prayer 04, A Living the Legacy Prayer Communal Prayer 05, A Prayer for Listening Communal Prayer 06, A Prayer for National Hispanic Heritage Month Communal Prayer 07, Prayer for Success at School Communal Prayer 08, A Muslim Prayer for Peace Communal Prayer 09, A Prayer for Veterans Communal Prayer 10, Iriquois Prayer of Gratitude Communal Prayer 11, Kindle Our Hearts By Your Spirit: An Advent Prayer Communal Prayer 12, A Prayer for Community Communal Prayer 13, Prayer for Balance Communal Prayer 14, Prayer to Have Inner Peace in the Coming Day Communal Prayer 15, Take Control Prayer Communal Prayer 16, Prayer for Peace Communal Prayer 17, Prayer to Ignite Creativity Communal Prayer 18, Traditional Buddhist Prayer Communal Prayer 19, A Prayer for Helping Others Communal Prayer 20, For the Diversity of Races and Cultures Communal Prayer 21, Pandemic Prayer Communal Prayer 22, We Need a Vision Communal Prayer 23, We Are Blessed Communal Prayer 24, Holy Week Prayers Communal Prayer 25, The Prophet Muhammad’s Prayer of Light Communal Prayer 26, Amazing Grace Prayers Communal Prayer 27, A Prayer for Athletes Communal Prayer 28, A Prayer for Frontliners Communal Prayer 29, A Prayer for Graduates Communal Prayer 30, The Prayer of St. Francis All prayers were featured in the With Mission in Mind newsletter during the 2019–2020 school year.

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COMMUNAL PRAYER

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A Prayer for Courage We pray that everyone has enough courage to stand up for what they think is right, even if no one else is standing up with them.

Written by Ariana Kennedy ’17 as a Grade 8 student in Religion class.

(She is currently a junior at Jones College Prep.)

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 2 Let Our Cries Come Unto You

Most merciful and compassionate God, Giver of Life and Love, hear our prayers and let our cries come unto you.

We weep with your people We hear the cries of orphaned children and laments of bereaved parents We feel the desperation of those searching for loved ones We behold the silence of vanished villages.

We see the devastation.

We are overwhelmed by the enormity of it all.

Our hearts are hushed, our minds are numb.

Let not our hands be stopped, our voices dumb.

God of the universe, Open our hearts to feel your compassion Galvanize in us the act of continued giving Bond us to our sisters and brothers in need Comfort and heal the injured, the bereaved, the lost Strengthen the aid workers and medical personnel Bolster the resolve of governments and those with power to help Open through this tragedy pathways to partnerships and peace In Your Name of mercy and healing and compassion we pray.

Offered for the people of Japan following the earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011.

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 3 Diversity Blessing

May the God who created a world of diversity and vibrancy, Go with us as we embrace life in all its fullness.

May the Son who teaches us to care for stranger and foreigners, Go with us as we try to be good neighbors in our communities.

May the Spirit who breaks down our barriers and celebrates community, Go with us as we find the courage to create a place of welcome for all.

Written by Clare McBeath and Tim Presswood

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 4 A Living the Legacy Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray to You to help me help others, and to let others help me.

Most importantly, that I will follow in your footsteps And try to live the legacy of Mother Frances Xavier Warde.

I know you will answer my prayer because you always do.

Amen.

Written by Myles Stewart ’19 as a Grade 1 student in Religion class. (A freshman at DePaul College Prep, Myles is also one of the recipients of the FXW Community Service Award for the Class of 2019)

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 5 A Prayer for Listening

Dear Loving and Compassionate God, Giver of all gifts, we pray especially today for the mercy and love you give us.

Open our hearts and minds to you. Give us the grace to accept your mercy.

As we live each day, we pray for those less fortunate, especially those who are hurting, and whose wounds need to be healed.

Help us become involved in ways that show them how deeply we care.

Give us the personal courage to listen to their concerns and help them find the solutions to which they are entitled... ...as your children and our brothers and sisters. Amen.

Rider University Campus Ministry

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 6

A Prayer for National Hispanic Heritage Month O God, you have made of one blood all the people of earth, but you have also richly blessed us with a world of many languages, cultures and traditions. I thank you today for the many contributions which Hispanic Americans have made—and continue to make—to our great country. Enable us always to learn from and appreciate each other. Make us even stronger as one nation because of our diverse gifts and experiences. Enrich our minds, bodies and spirits, we pray, as we celebrate together on this beautiful day. Amen.

Written by Mitchell Lewis

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 8 Prayer for Success at School

Lord, today I’m asking You to help me succeed as a student. I believe You are the Dream-maker, the Cultivator, and the Fulfiller of all worthy dreams. You have been the Designer of my plans all along, and it’s You who will make them successful. Help me to focus on my schoolwork, to listen carefully and show respect for my teachers and professors, and to receive correction well in areas where I’m wrong or haven’t yet mastered.

I know I am more than a student; I am a life-long learner and Your ambassador on mission wherever I go. Refine my abilities; hone my character; and help me choose wisely the areas of study that will make my life work successful. Keep me organized and free of distractions so I can focus on school. Show me how to listen more and then share freely when it will encourage others or make a difference to those who hear. Help me to honor You in my friendships at school and to be ready to lend a hand when others are struggling in their studies or in their lives. Help me sow seeds of kindness, excellence, and honesty.

If my faith is challenged, give me courage to stand for You, no matter what the consequences.

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I want to learn, Lord. I am eager to unwrap the gifts You have given me. With each new skill I acquire, help me to apply that learning to real life as well. Let knowledge, understanding, and common sense form a bond together with Your Word that will guard me against temptation. Keep the deceiver away from my heart as I choose to walk with You daily. Help me find moments in the flurry of school activities and crazy schedules to simply be still and know that You are God. Protect me from a prideful ego and let humility lead me in the path of success You have carved out for me. You have given me a unique place in Your kingdom, and I trust You to open doors that I cannot open myself. Help me not to turn to the left or right but to follow You daily. When anxious thoughts or fear of failure threaten to overtake me, I will rest in You and Your promise of success for my life. Only You know what that success really means, but when You are on my side, I cannot fail.

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 7 A Muslim Prayer for Peace

In the name of Allah, the beneficent, the merciful.

Praise be to the Lord of the Universe who has created us and made us into tribes and nations, that we may know each other, not that we may despise each other. If the enemy incline towards peace, do thou also incline towards peace, and trust in God, for the Lord is the one that heareth and knoweth all things. And the servants of God, Most Gracious are those who walk on the Earth in humility, and when we address them, we say “PEACE.” Based on the Koran, 49:13, 8:61 ‫( ْمُكْيَلَع ُماَلَّسلا‬Peace be upon you)

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 9 A Prayer for Veterans

Father God, You know that it can be difficult for a person who has returned from battle or stressful military service to reintegrate into ‘normal’ everyday life. You know that veterans can feel isolated and alone even in the midst of their friends and families because there are few around who understand their experience. So I ask You to place in the path of our veterans those who do understand (or strive to), that they may feel less alone. Remind them often that while their fellow human beings may never fully comprehend, You see, You know and You identify with them in everything.

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 10 Iriquois Prayer of Gratitude

We return thanks to our mother, the earth, which sustains us.

We return thanks to the rivers and streams, which supply us with waters.

We return thanks to all herbs, which furnish medicine for the cure of our diseases.

We return thanks to the corn, and to her sisters, the beans and the squashes, which give us life.

We return thanks to the wind, which moving the air has banished diseases.

We return thanks to the moon and the stars, which have given us their light when the sun was gone.

We return thanks to the sun, that he has looked upon the earth with a beneficent eye.

Lastly, we return thanks to the Great Spirit, in whom is embodied all goodness, and who directs all things for the good of his children.

From explorefaith.org

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 11

Kindle Our Hearts By Your Spirit: An Advent Prayer Almighty God, fulfill our desire and kindle our hearts by your Spirit, that being filled with the oil of your grace, we may shine as bright lights at the coming of your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Christianity.com

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 12 A Prayer for Community

Almighty God, You have created all people and all of creation.

We give You thanks for this gift we’re invited to engage with hope, joy and love As your disciples.

Open our hearts and our eyes to see our communities as You would have us to see them.

Help us to find courage to sit and hear others when so often we want to be heard first.

You are good and You are gracious, O God. Let us see all people as children of You, who created us all.

It is in the name Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 13 Prayer for Balance

Almighty God, Lord, help me to create a balanced life.

Help me to take time to enjoy life, to be a person full of gratitude.

Help me take time to love, to extend my hand in service to those around me.

Lord, remind me to take time to learn, to be disciplined and accountable.

Help me to make a difference in the small and big moments of my life.

Lord, help me to keep smiling, to be happy, and to try to be myself.

Lord, infuse me with your spirit so I can create a life of balance, moderation, and simplicity.

And whatever my challenge, let it be an occasion to deepen my life’s purpose.

by Susan Burke ’87 M.B.A., an excerpt from The Notre Dame Book of Prayer and is used by permission of Ave Maria Press.

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 14

Prayer to Have Inner Peace in the Coming Day Heavenly God, may I have peace within, this day.

May I trust God that I am exactly where I am meant to be.

May I not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May I use those gifts that I have received and pass on the love that has been given to me.

May I be confident in knowing that I am a child of God. Let this presence settle into my bones, and allow my soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

This I pray in Christ’s name.

Amen

by St. Therese of Lisieux

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COMMUNAL PRAYER Take Control Prayer

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Lord God, may your presence fill this School.

The Bible says that you are a consuming fire.

Consume anything that contradicts your Word in this school.

Surround the school compound with your wall of fire.

Be with every student, parent, teacher, administrator, staff and board member.

Help us to release all that we have no control over to you.

Teach us how not to worry about school and the issues of life, for worry only steals our joy and peace.

Grant us the desires of our hearts and show us how to glorify your name with everything that you give to us.

In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen. connectusfund.org

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COMMUNAL PRAYER Prayer for Peace

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Lord our God, see how oppression and violence are our sad inheritance, one generation to the next.

We look for you where the lowly are raised up, where the mighty are brought down.

We find you there in your servants, and we give you thanks this day for your preacher and witness, Martin Luther King Jr. Fill us with your spirit: where our human community is divided by racism, torn by repression, saddened by fear and ignorance, may we give ourselves to your work of healing.

Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

University of Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 17 Prayer to Ignite Creativity

Lord fill me with your Spirit.

Grant me the skill, intelligence, knowledge and craftsmanship to devise artistic designs with Kingdom excellence.

Magnificent Creator God, let me be a creative vessel for your good works.

Amen beliefnet.com

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 18 Traditional Buddhist Prayer

May all beings have happiness and the causes of happiness; May all be free from sorrow and the causes of sorrow; May all never be separated from the sacred happiness which is sorrowless; And may all live in equanimity, without too much attachment and too much aversion, And live believing in the equality of all that lives. —Author Unknown jesuitresource.org

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 19 A Prayer for Helping Others

Father, Allow me to serve others with a joyful heart; Never keeping score; Always giving; Never expecting to receive.

Allow me to give of myself, To give of my talents and of my goods, To give of my time and of my energy, To give of my heart and of my soul.

Help me understand the needs of others, Never criticizing, Never demeaning, Never scolding, Never condemning.

You have been so gracious to me, Always Loving, Always forgiving, Always restoring; Never gloating over my defeats, Even when I have been so wrong.

Father, keep a condemning spirit Far from my heart and further from my lips.

Allow me to serve others as You serve, With gentleness, compassion, and tenderness, Never diminishing the worth of another, Choosing to extend mercy to the brokenhearted, Like You have repeatedly shown it to me, Amen.

Written by Jack Watts

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 20

For the Diversity of Races and Cultures O God, you created all people in your image.

We thank you for the astonishing variety of races and cultures in this world.

Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of friendship, and show us your presence in those who differ most from us, until our knowledge of your love is made perfect in our love for all your children; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lutheran Book of Worship: Minister’s Desk Edition, (Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, 1978)

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 21 Pandemic Prayer

May we who are merely inconvenienced Remember those whose lives are at stake.

May we who have no risk factors Remember those most vulnerable.

May we who have the luxury of working from home Remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent.

May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close Remember those who have no options.

May we who have to cancel our trips Remember those that have no safe place to go.

May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market Remember those who have no margin at all.

May we who settle in for a quarantine at home Remember those who have no home.

As fear grips our country, let us choose love.

During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other, Let us yet find other ways to be the loving embrace to our neighbors.

By Cameron Bellm

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 22 We Need a Vision Based upon Psalm 89:19

The psalmist says: “You spoke in a vision, to your faithful people you said…’I have found David my servant; with my sacred oil I have anointed him. My hand will sustain him; surely my arm will strengthen him’” (Psalm 89:19-21). Great vision always precedes great achievement. And God is the giver of great visions—so ask Him for one. Vision gives birth to the goal; it sparks and fuels the fire within, and moves you forward in spite of the odds and obstacles.

To get a handle on the word “vision,” you must understand these things: 1) Vision comes from God. He knows what you’re capable of and what He has gifted you to do. Are you looking beyond yourself; even beyond your own lifetime, as you seek your vision? If not, you may be missing your God-given potential and his best for you.

If, after seeking God for a vision, you still don’t have one, consider partnering with someone whose vision resonates within you.

2) Vision draws on your history. Vision isn’t some mystical quality that comes out of a vacuum. It grows out of your past experiences, and the history of the people around you.

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3) Vision meets other people’s needs. A God-given vision goes far beyond what one person can accomplish. It includes and blesses others. If your vision doesn’t do that, it’s probably too small.

4) Vision attracts resources. Like a magnet it draws, challenges, and unites people. It also rallies finances and other resources.

The greater your vision, the more faith-filled people it will attract.

And the more challenging the vision, the harder the participants will fight to achieve it.

The Word for You Today devotional (March, April, May)

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 24

During this season of reset, it is a blessing to share this original prayer written by recently retired faculty member Dennis Bentley who always provided light and love in everything he did for our community.

We Are Blessed We awake each morning to a beautiful new day, Bright and sunny, we feel warmth of each ray, Endless possibilities around each corner await, What happens for us is what we create.

We greet each other with a friendly smile, And welcoming eyes as wide as a mile, “Hello” and “How are you?” are sincerely expressed, Each day brings new gifts, we are truly blessed.

We have the chance to affect another life, To aid or assist amid struggle or strife, Lifting up spirits that are sad and blue, Helping our fellow man helps us too.

Putting others first is our life’s pursuit, And spreading that message to a new recruit, Approaching this journey with zeal and zest, Our purpose is clear, we are greatly blessed.

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We show the love that abides in our heart, To put it simply, that’s where it all starts, Sharing ourselves, no matter the cost, Healing the wounds and finding the lost.

We accept and understand and never judge, We forgive and are forgiven and hold no grudge.

Each one is our neighbor, no one is a guest, United in brotherhood, we are extremely blessed.

We are watched over by someone who cares, To whom we reach and confide in our prayers, We’re unconditionally cherished and adored, Always acknowledged and never ignored.

We are of his making and his main concern, With patience in heaven, He awaits our return, Of all his creations, we are surely his best, Give thanks to God, for we are eternally blessed.

By Dennis Bentley

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 23 Holy Week Prayers Matthew 21:10-17;John 12:1-8

Lord God, Six days before his death, your son sat with Lazarus, Whom he had raised from the dead, And ate dinner with his friends.

Once again, your gospel tells us, Martha served, And Mary knelt at Jesus’ feet To anoint them with costly perfume.

The disciple who was about to betray him Said that it was a waste.

He didn’t care about the poor, really – He just wanted to fill his own pockets And make Mary feel ashamed.

Lord God, Often we cannot discern what is best: When to pour out costly perfume for your sake, Even if the world thinks it a waste.

When to be busy serving, Or when to rest at your Son’s feet and learn.

Give us ears to hear you and eyes to see.

For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

For a prayer each day of Holy Week, click 8 Prayers to Pray throughout Holy Week

By Rachel Marie Stone

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 25

The Prophet Muhammad’s Prayer of Light (hadith attributed by AbuTalib Falihal-Makki, Arabic translation ND-K)

Allahumma j’al-fi-qalbi-nuranwa-fi-basri-nuranwa-fi-sam’i-nuranwa-an-yamini-nuranwa-an-yasaari-nuranwa-fawqi-nuranwa-tahti-nuranwa-amaami-nuranwa-khalfi-nuranwa-j’al-li-nuranwa-fi-lisaani-nuranwa-’asabi-nuranwa-lahmi-nuranwa-dami-nuranwa-sha’ri-nuranwa-bashari-nuranwa-j’al-fi-nafsi-nuranwa-a’zim-li-nuranallahumma- ‘atini-nuran.

O Allah!

Grow light/knowing in my heart, light in my eyes, light in my ears, light on my right, light on my left, light above me, light beneath me, light before me, light behind me; and grow for me light/knowing— light in my tongue, light in my sinews (muscle), light in my flesh (soft tissue), light in my blood, light in my hair, light in my form and appearance light in my nafs—sense of self, make this light flexible and strong.

O Allah gift me with the light already present inside and out.

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 26 Amazing Grace Prayers

Below please find beautiful hymn texts recently submitted

by Grade 5 students in music class written to fit the melody commonly used for “Amazing Grace.”

When friends are having trouble, Don’t think, “What about me?”

Don’t stay just in your bubble, Come forth and set them free.

—Kathryn D.

Things taken ungratefully.

A sport, event, a friend.

I only realize them now.

Please make this quickly end.

—Jaden F.

I want to be a child of God And learn his words to teach I’ll spread the words of faith and love To help those find some peace —Evan G.

All God’s people are built the same, We should always be kind.

It doesn’t matter their race or name.

We’re all part of mankind.

—Maire H.

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 27 A Prayer for Athletes

Lord, May I compete with respect for my teammates and for my opponents.

May I push myself to do my best.

Give me the strength, endurance, skills and sportsmanship to be the best athlete I can be.

And let me always remember that with faith in you, all things are possible.

Amen.

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 28 A Prayer for Frontliners

Father, thank You for those caring for and serving our communities. Thank You for servant leaders who daily risk their health and safety for others.

Please protect them, Lord. Give them courage and strength, and let them feel your presence as they are working.

Provide all that they need to serve others, and provide for their loved ones. Send people to help and support them and their families.

You said we would have troubles, but You have overcome this world. Please work together with our frontliners to bring about the best possible outcome.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen. —YouVersion.com

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 29 A Prayer for Graduates

Good and loving God— We thank you for the completion of another academic year, and for giving us the opportunity, short though it may have been, to play a part in the lives of our students and our new graduates.

We are grateful for your guidance and love as we shared in this important work.

Please bless and guide our graduates as they reach this end, and as they chart new beginnings. May what they have learned by being here with us allow them to truly be “women and men for others.”

May what we have learned from them enable us to be the same.

Please help them to use all that they have learned here to make the world a better place—to serve others in true solidarity and kinship—to seek ways to help the poor, the marginalized, and those who are suffering—and to always seek the greater good.

We know that some of them will experience pain and hardship, and we know that some of them already have, and we ask you to grant them solace and strength.

Finally, Father, we thank you for giving us the opportunity to build our community with these young men and women while they are here. Though they are leaving our campus, we know that they will always be with us as part of the Frances Xavier Warde family, and we ask that the bonds that have been created here remain strong despite any distance.

We ask all of this in your name, and in the name of your Son. —Written by Phil Chick (modified with our school name)

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COMMUNAL PRAYER 30 The Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me bring love.

Where there is offence, let me bring pardon.

Where there is discord, let me bring union.

Where there is error, let me bring truth.

Where there is doubt, let me bring faith.

Where there is despair, let me bring hope.

Where there is darkness, let me bring your light.

Where there is sadness, let me bring joy.

O Master, let me not seek as much to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love, for it is in giving that one receives, it is in self-forgetting that one finds, it is in pardoning that one is pardoned, it is in dying that one is raised to eternal life.

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