O Holy Breath of God, breathe on us gathered here,

that we may be filled with your Holy Spirit

and so become your friends.

Oh, help us to live and love with one heart and mind in You, and so become Your Church,

that others may be drawn to friendship with Your Son, Jesus Christ, Our Lord.

Today many of us long for companionship, yet experience deep loneliness in our daily lives.

Grant us the grace to grasp and live what Jesus meant when He taught:

“Greater love than this no one has than to lay down your life for your friends.”

Together with the Poor in Spirit in this world,

may we listen with the ears of our hearts to Your Holy Word in Scripture.

May we recognize You in prisoners of every kind,

and work with them for the freedom and justice of your Kingdom

until we see You face to face.

In Jesus name, we pray,

Amen.

Editors Note:  This prayer was written by Fr. Paul Morrissey, OSA and originally published in the Voices From Prison and the Edge newsletter issue #26, a publication of the Augustinian Defenders of the Rights of the Poor.