Tuesday 9 February 2010

For those I have hurt …

I offer up to you my prayers
    and intercessions,
for those especially who have
    in any matter
hurt, grieved, or found fault
    with me,
or who have done me any damage
    or displeasure.
For all those also whom,
    at any time,
I have vexed, troubled, burdened,
    and scandalised,
by words or deed, knowingly
    or in ignorance;
that you would grant us all equally
    pardon for our sins,
and for our offences against each other.
Take away from our hearts, O Lord,
all suspiciousness, indignation,
wrath, and contention,
and whatsoever may hurt charity,
and lessen brotherly love.

Thomas à Kempis (c.1380-1471)