“We must pray without ceasing, in every occurrence and employment of our lives — that prayer which is rather a habit of lifting up the heart to God as in a constant communication with Him.” — Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

This is one of my favorite quotes from Elizabeth, and how appropriate it is now, more than ever, as we pray without ceasing for peace in Israel, Palestine, Ukraine, and all the troubled areas in our world.

In October, we shared this prayer for peace from the Sisters of Charity of New York, and I have been so touched by the number of people who have responded with a commitment to include this prayer every Monday, and as often as possible, together with the many prayers being sent from so many groups around the world. One federation member wrote, “The prayer is on my computer and before I open it to begin my work, I pause and pray.”

Let us continue into the New Year with courage and hope as we “lift up our hearts to God” and “pray without ceasing” for all in need.

Sister Grace Hartzog, SC (Seton Hill)
Executive Director, Sisters of Charity Federation