First Spiritual Exercises – Restoring Joy

I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit. Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favour lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

When I felt secure, I said, “I will never be shaken.” Lord, when you favored me, you made my royal mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed. To you, Lord, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy: “What is gained if I am silenced, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness? Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help.” You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.

Psalm 30.

We pray for our sisters and brothers in Syria, who have endured years of conflict, fear and the recent earthquakes. We pray that with the support of our Jesuit partners they can rebuild their homes, their lives and build a bright future.

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1. Healing...

Living Spirit, heal me.

I touch my forehead.

2. Living...

Restore my life from the pit.

I touch my navel.

3. Dancing...

Turn my mourning into dancing.

I touch my left shoulder.

4. Praising...

Move me from silence to praise.

I touch my right shoulder.

5. Joyful...

Fill me with Your Joy.

Hand on heart, I take three breaths:

The first to breathe in the Spirit of Joy.

The second to feel restoring Joy fill me.

The third to breathe my gift of Joy out into my life, especially when I feel numb.

PRAYER TIME: 10 minutes.

Click here to download the prayer of Restoring Joy.

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