PURPOSE
The purpose of the Spiritual Family of St John of God is to continue and
strengthen the praying presence of John of God in the world. His prayer
is predominantly one of intercession with God for the relief and comfort
of those who are suffering in any way. Members of the Spiritual Family
of St John of God unite in a constant prayer to God for suffering humanity.
Membership of this spiritual family enables people associated with the
Order to expand their relationships at the spiritual level. Membership
of the association is open to all who believe in God. Membership does
not require any special form of prayer. It simply calls on each member
to bring into their prayer, no matter what form it takes, the needs of
suffering humanity.
PRAYER INTENTIONS
January
We pray for those who suffer because racism and prejudice have made violence
and oppression part of their daily life. May our Merciful God grant them
patience, fortitude and relief.
February
We pray for those who suffer because political movements that do not respect
the individual have take away their liberty and civil rights. May our
Merciful God grant them freedom of spirit and change their life situation.
March
We pray for those who suffer because of the impact on them of natural
disasters and adverse weather events. May our Merciful God protect and
lead them out of danger and deprivation.
April
We pray for those who suffer because war is being waged in their country
or region.
May our Merciful God grant them the peace that He heralded when He came
amongst us.
May
We pray for those who suffer because poverty prevents them from satisfying
their basic human needs. May our Merciful God grant them the gifts of
His providence.
June
We pray for those who suffer because they have a protracted or chronic
illness. May our Merciful God grant them serenity and strength.
July
We pray for those who suffer because their abilities fall short of those
needed to live in today’s society. May our Merciful God accompany
them in their lives and inspire others to help them in their needs.
August
We pray for those who suffer because they have a psychiatric illness.
May our Merciful God give them inner peace and move us to understand and
support them.
September
We pray for those who suffer because their family has broken up and they
no longer have the loving relationships that sustained them. May our Merciful
God bring love back into their lives and help them to repair and make
new relationships.
October
We pray for those who suffer because they feel misunderstood, isolated
and even rejected within the life of God’s People. May our Merciful
God draw them close to Him and give them hope and courage.
November
We pray for those who suffer because of the death of loved ones. May our
Merciful God comfort them and give them confidence that they will be reunited
with their loved ones in Him in Eternal Life.
December
We pray for those children who suffer because they are physically, psychologically
or sexually abused. May our Merciful God end their abuse and enable them
to come through their experience without losing their faith in Him and
their fellow humans.
Application
to join the Spiritual Family of St John of God may be made by sending
name and address to:
The Convenor
Spiritual Family of St John of God
PO Box BN1055
Burwood North 2134
AUSTRALIA
or email: provincial@johnofgodbrothers.org.au
