Lord God, turn me away from the violence that is in my hands...

 
Jonah 3: 1-10
 
The violence that is in my hands is not just violent actions towards others, but can be (and often is) violence towards my own person. Stuffing myself with non-nutritious food, or exercising little does violence to my body.  Stuffing my life so full of possessions or endless activity does violence to my spirit. Being ‘glued to’ a computer screen instead of talking face to face to others does violence to my soul. Demanding hurried responses from others, or harbouring resentments does violence to my mind. Talking much more than I listen and practising denial, blame, justification and gossip does violence to my family and my social connections.  Only as I release these ‘hands of violence’ am I able to repent, and to live into my purpose as a beloved daughter, or son, of God.  Lord God, turn me away from the violence that is in my hands. 
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and steadfast spirit within me.  (Psalm 51: 10)
 
Holiness is not the luxery of the few. It is a simple duty for you and for me.
 Blessed Mother Teresa                                                               

Soli gloriam dei .