21. A PRAYER FOR RECONCILIATION WITH OUR NEIGHBOR

     O merciful Jesus, moved by Thy grace, I am about to go to Confession and Absolution for the remissions of sins.  But I recall Thine earnest words:  "If thou bring thy gift to the altar and there rememberest that thy brother hast aught against thee, leave there before the alter thy gift and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother and then come and offer thy gift."  Now, unfortunately, I have gotten into a strained relation with my neighbor; therefore grant me Thy grace and so rule me that my heart may be inclined to reconciliation.  I recognize the hardness of my heart, and acknowledge the difficulty of keeping my flesh and blood in subjection and of abstaining from all wrath and desire for revenge.  But I desire, yea, I supplicate Thee, O Lord, to take out of my flesh the heart of stone and give me a heart of flesh, a heart of love and reconciliation.  Make of me a person that loves his enemy, blesses those that curse him, does good to those that hate him, and prays for those that despitefully use him and persecute him.  Oh, let me ever be mindful of Judgment Day and strict account I must render, so that I may abandon the enmity that looks to death and destruction and agree with mine adversary while I am in the way with him and do not let the sun go down upon my wrath.  And even as I in Thy name pardon and forgive all persons by whom I have been offended, so grant that I may also find those whom I have hurt and provoked willing to pardon and forgive me.  O Lord Jesus, forgive us all our sins and so rule our hearts as to live together in a peaceful and Christian spirit, blessing Thy name here in time and hereafter in eternity.  Amen.