Spirituality Resources

To Parents and Catechists: This prayer service will help our youngsters to recognize the power of their voices for good. You might want to encourage them to learn more about Peter Claver and his difficult and much needed work among the slaves.

Lift Up Your Voice: Saint Peter Claver

Listen to God's Word
Lord, hear my prayer! Listen to my plea.
Answer me now, Lord! I have lost hope.
In your goodness save me from my troubles!
From Psalm 143:1,7,11

Think about this prayer for help as you read the story of Saint Peter Claver.

An Answer in Troubled Times
Saint Peter Claver, a Jesuit priest, was a voice of compassion and hope for the African slaves brought to the New World. As soon as a slave ship entered the port of Cartagena, Columbia, Peter was there. He washed the sores of the slaves, bandaged their wounds, and gave them food. The voice of Peter Claver could be heard comforting the slaves and sharing with them the story of Jesus, who was one with us in our human suffering.

Lift up Your Voices for Others
Jesus, help me to follow the example of Saint Peter Claver.
Help me to use my voice to answer the needs of others.
Let my voice not hurt but heal.
Let my voice not anger but calm.
Let my voice not curse but bless.
Let my voice not mock but praise.
Let my voice...

Jesus visited towns and villages. He preached the good news about the kingdom and healed people with every kind of disease and sickness. His heart was filled with pity for them, because they were worried and helpless.

A Healing Instrument
Let your voice be and instrument of healing and comfort for those who are worried or feel helpless. Tell those you comfort that you will pray for them in a special way.

Call a friend or relative who needs to hear words or comfort. Or, with your friends tape a cheerful message or song and send it to a nursing home, a rehabilitation center, or the children's wing of a hospital. Or, give a warm, welcoming "hello" to a new student or to a lonely person in your neighborhood.

My Prayer Goes On
Let us sing out to God, tell all who are near,
God heals our hearts and takes away fear.
God's love gives us peace, as we sing and pray.
Oh, God, be with us, every night, every day.
Inspired by Psalm 147:1-6

If you wish, create a melody for this prayer song. Share your song with your family and friends.