First Spiritual Exercises – Keeping You Safe

Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God. I have become a stranger to my kindred, an alien to my mother’s children.

But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love, answer me. With your faithful help rescue me. I am lowly and in pain; let your salvation, O God, protect me.

Psalm 69

We pray for an end to the conflict in Myanmar and the building of peace. That our Jesuit partners can continue to stand in solidarity with those most affected by the violence and bring light, hope and emergency assistance. We pray that the international community to turn their eyes once again on Myanmar and assist where possible.

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1. Desire...I ask the Spirit for the Gift of Safety

I take up a short piece of string, yarn, or cord, considering it a symbol of a lifeline. I hold one end, that is me, and the other end, that is the Spirit who keeps me safe.

I ask the Spirit for safety, for safe-keeping, for a life-line of help, that will never let me go – even in the most precarious or dangerous times.

2. Relish...Today I live in the Safekeeping Trinity

Now I imagine I am surrounded in a circle by the Safekeeping Trinity. Each person addresses me by name saying, ‘Rest in safety. I will protect you.’

Without knowing how I can be or will remain safe, or how the Spirit’s lifeline will reach me, I rest for a while in the mystery of the Safekeeping Trinity and my desire.

I relish feeling safe.

3. Free... I live in the Spirit of Safety

Then I imagine and feel the Spirit breathing the gift of Safety into me.

I breathe it in deep, wait, then breathe it out to meet my need and increase the safety of those who need it. I repeat as desired – breathing, safe, renewed.

I conclude giving thanks, lifeline circling my wrist, hopeful for greater safety in my life.

PRAYER TIME: 10 minutes.

Click here to download the prayer of Keeping You Safe.

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