Pope Francis has asked citizens to pray and fast on Saturday, September 7th. One day in prayer, thoughts and intentional sacrifice for peace. That is the definition of a lucid practice. And for those of us that believe that our collective thoughts and consciousness (yes all 7 billion of us) can change the world, then this lucid practice might make a difference. A big difference.

Here is Pope Francis’ prayer and call to action. I love this, “each person, including our fellow Christians, followers of other religions and all men of good will, to participate in whatever way they can in this initiative…” Gone are the exclusive days of the crusade where Christians were so focused on converting “non believers,” we are living in a time of inclusion where the Pope has called all men, of all faiths to join in this collective conscious effort.

I love how Pope Francis tells us to do what we can and not insist that we fast or sacrifice in the exact way in which he suggests or for a specific length of time. Whoever you are, wherever you are, and whatever you believe in, join together and do what you can to help.

“May the plea for peace rise up and touch the heart of everyone so that they may lay down their weapons and let themselves be led by the desire for peace…

To this end, brothers and sisters, I have decided to proclaim for the whole Church on September 7^th, the vigil of the birth of Mary, Queen of Peace, a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, the Middle East, and throughout the world.  I also invite each person, including our fellow Christians, followers of other religions and all men of good will, to participate in whatever way they can in this initiative…”

Pope Francis, September 1, 2013

Thank you Deacon Bob, for the link to this beautiful prayer!