God of life, there are days
when the burdens we carry are heavy on our shoulders and weigh us down,
when the road seems dreary and endless, the skies grey and threatening,
when our lives have no music in them,
our hearts lonely,
our souls losing their courage.

Flood the path with light.
Turn our eyes to where the skies are full of promise;
tune our hearts to brave music;
give us a sense of comradeship with heroes and saints of every age.

So, quicken our spirits
that we may be able to encourage the souls of all,
who journey with us on the road of life,
to your honour and glory.

(attributed to Augustine of Hippo)

Here am I before you, O my God.
Here am I, rich in misery and poverty,
and a cowardice without a name.

Here am I before you, who are nothing but love and mercy.
Before you, but by your grace alone,
I am here, all of me,
with all my spirit,
all my heart,
all my will.  

(Frère Bruno of Tibhirine monastery, assassinated in May 1996)

I want peace – around the world.
I want peace – in our neighbourhood (village).
I want peace – so that everyone can be joyous.

I want peace – so that everyone can be happy.
I want peace – so that all are free.
I want peace – so that all become friends.

I want peace – so that I can embrace my enemy.
Long live peace!
Long live peace!
O God, grant us your peace!

(Yemai, 13 years old, Tunisia, adapted.)