Prayer for the Conclave
By Joanne Cahoon
Conclave May 7th. We know you come, Spirit. Still, we sing and pray to remind ourselves to be responsive. Veni Sancte Spiritus.
Yes. Work through, in, around the process with your sneaky and persistent guidance and constant love for your people and concern for this beloved world of your making. Give all present supple, obedient, discerning hearts — anchored and rooted in love and hope —willing to be comforted and disturbed by you.
Papa Francis, Mary Magdalene, Joseph, Mary, Francis, Therese, Teresa, Clare, Bonaventure, John the Disciple, John of the Cross, Brigid, Patrick, Columbanus, John XXIII, Vincent, Louise, Catherine Laboure, Elizabeth Ann Seton, Maximillian Kolbe, all your family and favorite saints, all of mine, Catholic and beyond — pray for our world, guidance, and this coming leader who you know the church and the world needs.
Give him, Risen Jesus, your heart, your courage and boldness, your compassion and clarity of mission, care for all and this earth and cosmos, as well as deep humility, genuineness, vulnerability, joy, self-awareness, a faithfulness to his journey, a sense of himself as an ordinary disciple walking daily with you, laughter, and the ability to step forward into this unknown with and for you — and for the world, the church. Draw him and us with hope into the future your lure us to, as Lord.
Abba/Amma Creator Love — make us, and this one you choose, responsive in your hands to the work you do in-with us, so that we may join you with fresh maturity in creating and shaping this world in 2025 closer to the joyful desiring of your heart.