Famous Prayers: Christ Has No Hands But Yours

"Christ Has No Body Now but Yours"

Christ has no body now but yours.

No hands, no feet on earth but yours.

Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world.

Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good.

Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world.

Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body.

Christ has no body now on earth but yours.

History and Popularity

The prayer "Jesus/Christ has no hands but yours" is attributed to St. Teresa of Avila, a 16th-century Spanish mystic and writer. However, there is no historical record of her actually writing or speaking these specific words. It is possible that the prayer was based on one of her writings, such as her famous poem, "Christ Has No Body."

The prayer became popular in the 20th century, particularly in Catholic and Protestant circles. It was often used in sermons, devotional materials, and hymns, and was embraced by Christians of various denominations as a way of expressing their commitment to serving others in Jesus' name.

One reason for the prayer's popularity may be its powerful imagery, which captures the idea that Jesus is present in the world through the actions of his followers. The prayer emphasizes the importance of using our gifts and abilities to show Christ's love to others, and encourages believers to see themselves as instruments of God's grace.

The prayer's popularity was also likely influenced by the broader social and cultural changes of the 20th century, which saw a renewed emphasis on social justice and service. The prayer resonated with many Christians who were seeking to live out their faith in practical ways and make a positive difference in the world.

Today, the prayer continues to be widely used and is often included in prayer books, devotionals, and online resources. Its simple yet profound message continues to inspire Christians of all backgrounds to live out their faith in tangible ways, and to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a hurting world.

Some Scriptural References/Implied References.

The "Jesus has no hands but yours" prayer does not directly reference any specific scripture passages, but it reflects several biblical themes and alludes to several biblical stories. Here are some possible scriptural references and implied references in the prayer:

"Whatever You Did for One of the Least of These Brothers and Sisters of Mine, You Did for Me." -  The prayer's emphasis on serving others and showing Christ's love through our actions reflects Jesus' teaching in Matthew 25:40: "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

"The Body of Christ" - The prayer's emphasis on community and the interconnectedness of believers reflects Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, in which he compares the body of Christ to a physical body, with each member playing a unique and essential role.

"Washing His Disciples' Feet" - The prayer's emphasis on servanthood reflects Jesus' example of washing his disciples' feet in John 13:1-17, a powerful symbol of his humility and willingness to serve others and, i.e.,  through you.

"Love God with All One's Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength, and the Second Is to Love One's Neighbor as Oneself." - The prayer's emphasis on love reflects Jesus' teaching in Mark 12:28-34, in which he declares that the greatest commandment is to love God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength, and the second is to love one's neighbor as oneself.

"Be His 'Instrument' to the Gentiles." - The prayer's reference to believers being the hands and feet of Christ may allude to the story of Paul's conversion in Acts 9:1-19, in which Christ appears to Paul on the road to Damascus and commissions him to be his "instrument" to the Gentiles.

Overall, the "Jesus has no hands but yours" prayer reflects a deeply biblical and Christ-centered approach to the Christian life. While it does not directly quote scripture passages, it alludes to several biblical stories and themes, emphasizing the importance of serving others, living in community, and showing Christ's love to the world.

A Brief Biography of St Tresa of Avila

St. Teresa of Avila, also known as St. Teresa of Jesus, was a Spanish mystic, writer, and reformer of the Carmelite Order. She was born on March 28, 1515, in Avila, Spain, and was the third of nine children in her family.

Teresa was initially educated at home by her mother, who died when she was only 14 years old. At the age of 20, she entered the Carmelite Monastery of the Incarnation in Avila. However, she struggled with her spiritual life and suffered from various illnesses, including paralysis, which she believed were a punishment for her lack of dedication to God.

In 1555, Teresa experienced a profound spiritual awakening that led to a radical transformation of her life. She began to have mystical experiences and visions that she later described in her writings. She became convinced that the Carmelite Order needed to be reformed, and with the help of St. John of the Cross, she founded the Discalced Carmelites, a new order that emphasized poverty, humility, and contemplative prayer.

Teresa wrote extensively about her spiritual experiences and her ideas about the contemplative life. Her most famous works include "The Interior Castle," "The Way of Perfection," and "Autobiography." Her writings are considered classics of Christian spirituality and have had a profound influence on the development of the mystical tradition within Christianity.

St. Teresa of Avila died on October 4, 1582, in Alba de Tormes, Spain. She was canonized by Pope Gregory XV in 1622, and in 1970, she was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Paul VI. Her feast day is celebrated on October 15.

"Make Me An Instrument

 of Your Peace"

"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life."

History

"Make Me An Instrument of Your Peace" is a prayer that is widely attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, a Catholic saint who lived in Italy during the 13th century. The prayer is not known to have been written by St. Francis himself, but it has become closely associated with him and his teachings on peace and service.

The prayer is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, when it was discovered in a church in Normandy, France. It was printed on the back of a prayer card with an image of St. Francis, and it quickly became popular among Catholics and other Christians.

Over the years, the prayer has been adapted and set to music by a number of composers, and it has been translated into numerous languages. It has also been used in a variety of contexts, including as a prayer for peace, a prayer for healing, and a prayer for personal transformation.

The prayer's enduring popularity may be due in part to its simple and profound message of service and love. The prayer asks God to use the speaker as an instrument of peace, love, and service, reflecting the Christian teaching that believers are called to serve others in humility and love. The prayer's emphasis on selflessness and service has resonated with believers of all denominations and backgrounds, making it one of the most beloved and widely used prayers in Christian spirituality.

The Principles of Prayer Reflected in this Prayer.

The "Make Me An Instrument of Your Peace" prayer reflects several key principles of prayer, including:

Petition - The prayer is a request to God for help in becoming an instrument of peace, reflecting the idea that prayer is an opportunity to make requests of God and to seek his help in achieving one's goals.

Humility - The prayer emphasizes the importance of humility, reflecting the Christian teaching that prayer should be accompanied by a spirit of humility and reverence. The speaker acknowledges their own limitations and asks God to use them as an instrument of his peace, rather than seeking personal glory or recognition.

Intercession - The prayer is a request for God to use the speaker as an instrument of his peace in the world, reflecting the Christian belief in the power of intercessory prayer to impact the lives of others.

Service - The prayer emphasizes the importance of service, reflecting the Christian teaching that prayer should be accompanied by a commitment to serve others in humility and love. The speaker asks God to use them as an instrument of his peace in the world, reflecting the idea that prayer should inspire action and service.

Trust - The prayer reflects the Christian teaching that prayer should be accompanied by a spirit of trust in God's goodness and providence. The speaker trusts that God will use them as an instrument of his peace and asks for God's help in achieving this goal.

Overall, the "Make Me An Instrument of Your Peace" prayer reflects a deep faith in God's ability to transform individuals and the world by grace in prayer and service. The prayer encourages believers to seek God's help in becoming agents of peace and love in the world, and to trust in God's goodness and providence as they seek to live out their faith in prayer and action.

A Brief Biography of St Frances

St. Francis of Assisi, born Giovanni Francesco di Bernardone, was a Catholic saint who lived in Italy during the 12th and 13th centuries. He was born into a wealthy family and initially lived a life of luxury and privilege. However, he had a religious conversion and devoted himself to a life of poverty, simplicity, and service to God.

St. Francis founded the Franciscan order of monks, which emphasized poverty, humility, and service to others. He also established a number of charitable organizations, including a hospital for the poor and a refuge for women who had been forced into prostitution.

St. Francis is perhaps best known for his love of nature and his devotion to animals. He is said to have preached to birds and tamed a wild wolf, and he is often depicted in artwork surrounded by animals.

St. Francis's teachings and way of life had a profound impact on the Catholic Church and on Christian spirituality more broadly. His emphasis on poverty, humility, and service has inspired countless individuals to live more simply and selflessly, and his love of nature has influenced the development of environmental ethics and stewardship.

St. Francis is celebrated as the patron saint of animals, the environment, and Italy, and his feast day is observed on October 4th. His life and teachings continue to inspire and challenge believers of all denominations and backgrounds to seek a deeper relationship in Christ and to live lives by grace of service, humility, and love.

The Prayer

Dear Jesus, help me to spread Your fragrance wherever I go.

Flood my soul with Your spirit and life.

Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly, that my life may only be a radiance of Yours.

Shine through me, and be so in me that every soul I come in contact with may feel Your presence in my soul.

Let them look up and see no longer me, but only Jesus!

Stay with me and then I shall begin to shine as You shine, so to shine as to be a light to others.

The light, O Jesus, will be all from You; none of it will be mine.

It will be You shining on others through me.

Let me thus praise You the way You love best, by shining on those around me.

Let me preach You without preaching, not by words but by my example, by the catching force of the sympathetic influence of what I do, the evident fullness of the love my heart bears to You.  Amen.

The History

The Cardinal Newman Fragrance Prayer is attributed to John Henry Cardinal Newman (1801-1890), who was a prominent Anglican and Roman Catholic theologian and priest in 19th century England. The prayer is believed to have been written by Newman in the 19th century as part of his spiritual reflections and meditations.

The prayer became more widely known in the 20th century and was popularized by Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who included it in her prayer book and encouraged her sisters to pray it daily. Mother Teresa is said to have found the prayer very meaningful and saw it as a way to express her desire to become a living reflection of Christ's love in the world.

Today, the Cardinal Newman Fragrance Prayer is widely known and used by Christians of many denominations as a prayer for spiritual transformation and for the desire to radiate Christ's love in the world.

The Principles of Prayer Reflected in this Prayer.

The Cardinal Newman Fragrance Prayer reflects several key principles of prayer that can be applied to the Christian life. Here are five principles reflected in the prayer:

Surrender - The principle of surrender to God's will is reflected in the prayer through the author's request for Christ to flood their soul and possess their whole being. This principle involves a willingness to submit oneself to God's authority and to trust in his goodness and wisdom, even when his plans may be different from our own. Surrender requires humility and a recognition of our own limitations and need for God's guidance.

Intimacy - The principle of intimacy with God is reflected in the prayer through the author's desire to be completely united with Christ and to radiate his love in the world. This principle involves a deep and personal relationship with God, characterized by trust, openness, and vulnerability. Intimacy with God requires time, effort, and a willingness to listen and respond to his voice.

Transformation - The principle of transformation is reflected in the prayer through the author's desire to become a living reflection of Christ's life and love. This principle involves a process of change and growth in the Christian life, as the Holy Spirit works to renew our minds and hearts. Transformation requires a willingness to let go of old patterns of thinking and behavior and to be shaped and molded by God's grace.

Love - The principle of love is reflected in the prayer through the author's desire to shine as a light to others and to preach Christ without preaching, through the catching force of the love in their heart. This principle involves a selfless and sacrificial commitment to others, motivated by the love of God. Love requires a willingness to put the needs of others before our own and to serve them with humility and compassion.

Witness - The principle of witness is reflected in the prayer through the author's desire to be a light to others and to preach Christ without preaching. This principle involves being a visible and vocal representative of Christ in the world, sharing the good news of the gospel through both words and actions. Witnessing requires courage, boldness, and a deep commitment to Christ, as well as a willingness to live a life that reflects his values and teachings.

A Brief Biography of Cardinal Newman

Cardinal Newman, also known as Blessed John Henry Newman, was an English theologian and cardinal of the Catholic Church. He was born on February 21, 1801, in London, England, and was the eldest of six children in his family.

Newman was educated at Oxford University, where he became a leader of the Oxford Movement, a group of Anglican clergy who sought to reform the Church of England by returning it to its Catholic roots. However, as he studied the history of the early Church, he began to question the legitimacy of the Anglican Church and was ultimately received into the Catholic Church in 1845.

As a Catholic, Newman became a prolific writer and theologian, and his works had a significant impact on Catholic theology and spirituality. He wrote extensively on topics such as the development of doctrine, the role of the laity in the Church, and the importance of the conscience.

Newman was appointed a cardinal by Pope Leo XIII in 1879, and he continued to write and preach until his death on August 11, 1890. He was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.

Newman's writings and ideas have had a profound influence on the Catholic Church and on Christian thought more broadly. He is known for his emphasis on the importance of conscience, his defense of the role of reason in matters of faith, and his call for a deeper appreciation of the historical development of doctrine. His intellectual and spiritual legacy continues to be felt today, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest theologians and thinkers of the modern era.