100 prayers
Lord,Though knowest better than I know myselfthat I amgrowing older and will some day be old.Keep me from the fatalhabit of thinking I must say something on every subjectand on every occasion.Release me from craving to straighten outeverybody's affairs.Make me thoughtful but not moody;helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems apity not to use it all,but Thou knowest Lord that I want a fewfriends at the end. Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details;give me wing to get to that point.Seal my lips on my aches and pains.They are increasing, and love of rehearsing them isbecoming sweeter as the years go by.I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others' pains, but help me to endurethem with patience. I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growinghumility and a lessing cocksureness when my memory seems toclash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lessonthat occasionally I may be mistaken. Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not want to be a Saint-some of them are so hard to live with- but a sour old person is oneof the crowning works of the devil. Give me the ability to see goodthings in unexpected places, and talents in unexpected people.And, give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so. - Author Unknown
May the God of strength be with us,holding us in strong and loving hands,May we be the sacrament of God's strengthto those whose hands we hold,May the blessing of strength be with us. May the God of gentleness be with us,caressing us with sunlight and rain and wind.May God's tenderness shine through usto warm all who are hurt and lonely.May the blessing of gentles be with us.May the God of wonder be with us,delighting us with sunrise and sunset, enchanting oursenses, filling our hearts, giving us wide-open eyesthat we may see the splendor in both the humble and majestic. May we open the eyes and hands and hearts of the blind and deaf and the insensitive.May the blessing of wonder be with us.May the God of compassion be with us,holding us close when we are weary and hurt and alone.And may we be the warm hands and eyes of compassionfor our sisters and brothers when they reach out to us.May the blessing of compassion be on us. May the God of simplicity be with us, opening us to a clear vision of what is real and true,Leading us deeply into the mystery of childhood.And may our dealings with others be marked by honesty, which is simplicity.May the blessing of simplicity be on us. May the God of joy be with us, thrilling us with God's nearness,filling our hearts to fullness, and filling our throats with laughter and song.May our joy bring life and joy to others.May the blessing of joy be with us always.May the God of love be with us.May our lives be continual, giving and receiving of love with our God,our friends, and with all whose lives we touch.May God's love in us light fires of faith and hope,and may the fire grow and burn deeply and enflame the earth.May the blessing of love and friendship be with us always.- Author Unknown
Dear Lord Jesus, You are our Prince of Peace and You prayed for unity in the body of Christ, that we may be united in love just as You are united with the Father in love. Give Your children the desire to love one another as You have loved us, and let the world know that we are Your disciples by our love for one another. Give us a hunger to live in union with each another, and may we be united as one, in the bond of peace and fellowship, in the Spirit. This we ask in Jesus� name, Amen.
Eternal Father, we humbly offer Thee our poor presence, and that of the whole of humanity, from the beginning to the end of the world at all the Masses that ever have or ever will be prayed. We offer Thee all the pains, sufferings, prayers, sacrifices, joys, and relaxations of our lives, in union with those of our Lord Jesus here on earth. May the Most Precious Blood of Christ, all His Blood, Wounds, and Agony save us, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary. Amen.
Eternal Father, we humbly offer Thee our poor presence, and that of the whole of humanity, from the beginning to the end of the world at all the Masses that ever have or ever will be prayed. We offer Thee all the pains, sufferings, prayers, sacrifices, joys, and relaxations of our lives, in union with those of our Lord Jesus here on earth. May the Most Precious Blood of Christ, all His Blood, Wounds, and Agony save us, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary. Amen.
Dear Lord Jesus, every good and perfect gift is a blessing from You and You have blessed me with so much. I ask that You would use me to be a blessing to others who are in need or facing difficulties. Make me a channel of Your blessing, a channel through whom Your love and peace and joy and love flow out from You, through me to others. May I be Your hands to bless others. May You guide my feet to places where I can go and be a blessing. May my speech be seasoned with salt so that I may speak words of comfort and encouragement, and speak the truth in love. Give me the grace to be available when others are in need. Lord, I pray that You may increase in my life and I may decrease, so that the blessings that You pour through me to others, may draw each one closer into the arms of the Lord Jesus. In His name I pray, Amen. �Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.� (Philippians 2:3)
Prayer on the Medal: The Apostle's Creed On Each of the 12 Green Beads: Say 1 Glory Be, then: Through the intercession of St. Patrick, may God Almighty strenghen my faith, and grant the grace of faith for others. Amen. Concluding Prayer: The Breastplate of St. Patrick Christ as a light, Illumine and guide me! Christ as a shield, o'ershadow and cover me! Christ be under me! Christ be over me! Christ be beside me, On the left hand and right! Christ be before me, behind me, about me; Christ this day be within and without me!
O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, Jesus.From the desire of being loved, Deliver me, Jesus.From the desire of being extolled, Deliver me, Jesus.From the desire of being honored, Deliver me, Jesus.From the desire of being praised, Deliver me, Jesus.From the desire of being preferred, Deliver me, Jesus.From the desire of being consulted, Deliver me, Jesus.From the desire of being approved, Deliver me, Jesus.From the fear of being humiliated, Deliver me, Jesus.From the fear of being despised, Deliver me, Jesus.From the fear of suffering rebukes, Deliver me, Jesus.From the fear of being calumniated, Deliver me, JesusFrom the fear of being forgotten, Deliver me, JesusFrom the fear of being ridiculed, Deliver me, JesusFrom the fear of being wronged, Deliver me, JesusFrom the fear of being suspected, Deliver me, JesusThat others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.That others may be esteemed more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.That others may be chosen and I set aside, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.That others may be praised and I unnoticed, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.That others may be preferred to me in everything, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. - Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val
We pray,O God,for all Christians, Muslims, Hindus or Jewswhose hearts are consumedby a zeal that has hardened them; Allwhose vision is partial,whose mind is narrowed,whose perceptions are simplified,whose soul is poisoned. And yet,O God,we read of Jesus that,"zeal for your house consumed him". His life teaches us thatwithout the zeal of a burning love for youthat will endure throughthe night-time of our enmitieswe shall not see your kingdom come. So we ask,O God,that you give usa zeal that insists on acceptancea commitment that endures in non-violenceand a patience that works for your coming; And teach us to hateonly our tribalism and prejudicewhich separate usfrom those different to us. We ask it in the name of the Prince of Peace,Jesus ChristOur Lord. - Author Unknown
Lord Jesus, when you walked the earth,Your humility obscure your Kingship.Your meekness confused the arrogant,Hindering them from grasping your purpose,Your nobleness attending to the destitute.Teach me to model after your eminence,To subject my human nature to humility.Grant me with a natural inclinationTo never view myself greater than anyone.Banish all lingering sparks of self-importanceThat could elevate me greater than you.Let my heart always imitate your humility. - Author Unknown
One only Holy Spirit of Father and sonin whom all are baptized,one giver of many gifts,one tree of many fruitsone speaker of every tongue, renew in our daythe wonders of Pentecost,grant that people of every race and nationmay understand one another, and as one, proclaimthe praises of God.Grant that all may be oneas you, Spirit, with the Father and the Sonare one God, one Lord.Grant unity to the Body of Christ;grant unity to the human family.Sole breath of every living thing,may all be one who, in you,live and move and have their being. - Carl K. Moeddel
May Christ keep me ever young "to the greater glory of God."For old age comes from Him, old age leads to Him,and old age will touch me only insofar as He wills.To be "young" means to be hopeful, energetic, smiling---and clear-sighted.May I accept death in whatever guise it may come to me in Christ,that is, within the process of the development of life.A smile---inward and outward---means facing with mildnessand gentleness whatever befalls me.Jesus, grant me to serve You, to proclaim You, to glorify You,and to manifest You, to the very end through all the timethat remains to me of life, and above all through my death.Lord Jesus, I commit to your care my last years, and my death;do not let them impair or spoil the work I have so dreamed of achievingfor You. Amen. - Author Unknown
Dear God, You are the Father of all mercies and God of all comfort. Comfort me I pray, as I face this unexpected cancer, which I have been told is now terminal. Though I don�t understand why this has happened, I do believe that everything that takes place in the lives of each of Your children, has a wider purpose in Your plan for our lives. Give me courage to hold onto the truth of Your Word, for I know Your plans for me are all for good. Help me to face the future with courage and peace. Lord, there are many things that I had planned to do which now seem to have simply evaporated, but I pray that in the time that I have left you will hold me steady and help me to face the future with great courage and in the knowledge that You are my ever present help in times of trouble. I ask this in the name of Jesus,�Amen.
Loving God, Your desire is for our wholeness and well being. We hold in tenderness and prayer the collective suffering of our world at this time. We grieve precious lives lost and vulnerable lives threatened. We ache for ourselves and our neighbors, standing before an uncertain future. We pray: may love, not fear, go viral. Inspire our leaders to discern and choose wisely, aligned with the common good. Help us to practice social distancing and reveal to us new and creative ways to come together in spirit and in solidarity. Call us to profound trust in your faithful presence, You, the God who does not abandon. - By Sister Christine Koelhoffer, IHM
Oh God our Father and Creator of all, we bless and thank You that you are ruler over all and that nothing happens that You do not permit for Your greater glory. We thank You for the many blessings that You shower on the children of men, which are over and above all that we could ask or think or deserve. Lord, we have walked away from Your laws and Your statutes. We have not loved You as we should. We have blasphemed Your works and Your ways. We have turned our backs against the glorious salvation that You have offered to each member of this rebellious race, through Your grace and favour. We have poured scorn on the Your loving-kindness and tender mercy that You extend to us day by day, and which is new every morning. We have rejected the gospel of grace and treated the sacrifice of Your only begotten Son with contempt, and we are worthy of nothing but Your wrath and fiery judgement. Father, we have sinned against heaven and before Your face and are no longer worthy to receive Your grace or forgiveness.But Lord, You are a gracious God, long-suffering and of great mercy and we cry out to You today for our own rebellions sins and the sins of the prideful nations, which ascend to you as a putrid cloud of dark blackness. Lord, we plead Your mercy Forgive us we pray. Forgive our neglect and our rebellion. Forgive our indifference and our pride. Forgive our unthankful hearts and our foolish ways. We are not worthy to seek Your mercy nor to beg Your forgiveness for we have been a rebellions people and the nations have unanimously turned their backs on Your will and Your ways. But look down in compassion on the human race, for we are the work of Your hand and Your Son died to redeem mankind form the pit of hell. Hear us oh Lord, as we plead for forgiveness for our many transgressions and for the sins of our own nations. Oh Lord forgive. Oh Lord have mercy. Oh Lord hear our plea and let our cry come unto to You and heal us we pray. Turn the hearts of the fools who have said in their heart there is no God, back to their Creator. Humble the hearts of rebellions men so that they see Your face and are saved. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
O gracious Lord Jesus Christ, though I, who am a sinner, in nowise presume on any merits of my own, and put all my trust in Thy goodness and mercy, yet do I fear and tremble in drawing near to the Table on which is spread Thy banquet of all delights. Many a sin has sullied me in body and in soul because I did not restrain my thoughts nor guard my lips: nevertheless it is to Thee, O God of majesty and love, that I turn in my extremity, for Thou art the fount of mercy; to Thee, as quickly as I may, I speed: for Thou alone canst heal me; I take refuge under Thy protection. I dare not face Thee as my judge, but I cleave to Thee as my saviour. Thy mercy is above all Thy works. Though I fear, because of my sins, yet I trust in Thee on account of Thy mercy. Turn, then, those pitiful eyes of Thine upon me, O Jesus Christ, our everlasting king and Lord, Who art God and man, and Who for man wast crucified. Have mercy upon me, full of misery and of sin though I be, upon me, whose only hope is in Thee, because of Thy loving-kindness. Hail! Thou saving victim, offered up for me and for all mankind upon the gibbet of the cross! Hail! thou glorious and most Precious Blood, that flowest from the wounds of Jesus Christ, my crucified Lord; to wash away the sins of all the world! Forget not, O Lord, that I am one of those whom Thou hast created, and with Thine own blood hast redeemed. I repent me of my sins: I will strive to amend my ways. O most merciful Father, put far from me all my iniquities and all my offences; so that, by Thee made whole in body and in soul, I may be accounted worthy to approach the Holy of holies. Grant, in fine, that the holy foretaste of Thy body and blood, which thou vouchsafest to me, a poor sinner, may be a pledge of the full remission of my sins and of the washing away for evermore of all my guilt. From my mind may it chase away every sinful thought: in my will may it foster all holy desires: may it spur me on to the doing of works well-pleasing to Thee; and may it be to me, of body and of soul, a very sure protection and defence against the craft of all my enemies. Amen.
First Sorrow and Joy O most pure Spouse of Mary, glorious St. Joseph, as the affliction and anguish of thy heart was exceedingly great in thy perplexity, whether thou shouldst abandon thy most unspotted Spouse, so was the joy unspeakable when, by an Angel, the sublime Mystery of the Incarnation was revealed to thee. By this sorrow and joy, we beseech thee that now, and in our last agony, thou mayest comfort our souls by the joy of a good life and a holy death, like thine in the society of Jesus and Mary. Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be... Second Sorrow and Joy O most happy Patriarch, glorious saint Joseph, who wast to fulfill the duty of foster father to the Incarnate Word, thy sorrow in beholding the poverty of the Child Jesus in His birth, was changed immediately into heavenly delight, by hearing the angelic harmony, and by beholding the glory of that most resplendent night. By this thy sorrow and joy, we beseech Thee, that, after the passage of this life, we may in the next hear the angelic praises and enjoy the brightness of eternal glory. Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be... Third Sorrow and Joy O most excellent observer of the divine law, glorious St. Joseph, the most precious Blood which the Divine Infant, our Redeemer, shed in His circumcision, afflicted thy heart: but the Sacred Name of Jesus revived it and replenished it with gladness. By this thy sorrow and joy, obtain for us, that during our life we may be free from every vice, and may in death joyfully breathe forth our soul with the Most Holy Name of Jesus in our hearts and on our lips. Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be... Fourth Sorrow and Joy O most faithful Saint, who wast admitted to a participation in the Mystery of our Redemption, glorious St. Joseph, if the prophecy of Simeon, concerning what Jesus and Mary were to suffer, gave thee mortal affliction, thou wast likewise filled with holy joy for the salvation and glorious resurrection of innumerable souls, which he likewise foretold. By this thy sorrow and joy, obtain for us, that we may be among the number of those who, through the merits of Jesus and the intercession of His Virgin Mother, will arise to everlasting glory. Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be... Fifth Sorrow and Joy O Most vigilant guardian and intimate friend of the Incarnate Son of God, glorious St. Joseph, how much didst thou suffer in providing for and serving the Son of the Most High, particulary in the flight thou wast obliged to make into Egypt! But how much also didst thou rejoice in having always with thee the same God, and seeing the Egyptian idols fall prostrate on the ground! By this thy sorrow and joy, obtain for us, that we may keep at a distance from the infernal tyrant, especially by flying from dangerous occasions, so that the idols of earthly affections may fall from our hearts, and that, being entirely devoted to the service of Jesus and Mary, we may live for them alone, and with them calmly die. Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be... Sixth Sorrow and Joy O angel on earth, glorious St. Joseph, who didst behold, subject to thine orders the King of heaven: although thy joy in conducting Him back was disturbed by the fear of Archilaus, thou wast, nevertheless, comforted by an Angel, and didst dwell in safety with Jesus and Mary at Nazareth. By this thy sorrow and joy, obtain for us, that our hearts being released from hurtful fears, we may enjoy peace of conscience, and live in security with Jesus and Mary, and die in their embraces. Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be... Seventh Sorrow and Joy O model of all sanctity, glorious saint Joseph, having lost the Divine Child without any fault of thine, thou didst seek Him in great sorrow for three days, until at length thou was filled with exceeding gladness on finding Him in the temple amidst the doctors. By this thy sorrow and joy, we beseech Thee, to intercede for us, that we may never lose Jesus by grievous sin, but that, should we have the misfortune to lose Him, we may seek for Him with unwearied sorrow until we have happily found Him: and particularly that we may find Him at the hour of our death, in order to enjoy Him in heaven, and there with thee to sing eternally His divine mercies. Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be... Anthem. - Jesus Himself was beginning His public life about the age of thirty years, being, as it was supposed, the Son of Joseph. V. Pray for us, O saint Joseph. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us Pray. - O God, Who, by Thy wonderful Providence didst vouchsafe to choose St. Joseph to be the spouse of Thy Most Holy Mother; grant, we beseech Thee, that he whom we generate as our protector on earth, may be our intercessor in heaven: Who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen. (Special favours have been obtained by the recitation of the following prayers in honour of St. Joseph: -) O glorious St. Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to you do we raise our hearts and hands to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the benign Heart of Jesus all the helps and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare; particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special favour we now implore. (Here mention or reflect upon your lawful requests) O Guardian of the Word Incarnate, we feel animated with confidence that your prayers in our behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. (Say the following versicle seven times, in honour of the seven joys and sorrows of saint Joseph) V. O glorious St. Joseph, through the love you bear to Jesus Christ, and for the glory of His name. R. Hear our prayers, and obtain our petitions.
V. Incline unto my aid, O Lord. R. O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory Be... 1. I compassionate Thee, sorrowing Mary, for that affliction which thy tender heart suffered at the time of the prophecy of the holy old man Simeon. O dear Mother, by thy heart thus afflicted, obtain for me the virtue of humility, and the gift of the fear of God. Hail Mary... 2. I compassionate thee, sorrowing Mary, for those bitter pangs which thy most feeling heart suffered in thy flight and sojourn in Egypt. O dear Mother, by thy heart immersed in so great sorrows, obtain for me the virtue of liberality, especially towards the poor, and the gift of piety. Hail Mary... 3. I compassionate thee, sorrowing Mary, for those griefs which thy solicitous heart experienced in the loss of thy beloved Son. O dear Mother, by thy heart filled with maternal anxieties, obtain for me the virtue of chastity and the gift of knowledge. Hail Mary... 4. I compassionate thee, sorrowing Mary, for that sorrow which oppressed thy maternal heart, in meeting Jesus carrying His Cross. O dear Mother, by thy most loving heart, so much afflicted, obtain for me the virtue of patience, and the gift of fortitude. Hail Mary... 5. I compassionate thee, sorrowing Mary, for that martyrdom which thy generous heart sustained, in being present with thine agonizing Jesus. O dear Mother, by thy heart undergoing so severe a martyrdom, obtain for me the virtue of temperance, and the gift of counsel. Hail Mary... 6. I compassionate thee, sorrowing Mary, for those pangs which thine afflicted heart endured, when the lance pierced the side of Jesus, and wounded His most amiable Heart. O dear Mother, by thy heart transfixed, obtain for me the virtue of fraternal charity, and the gift of understanding. Hail Mary... 7. I compassionate thee, sorrowing Mary, for that anguish which thy loving heart experienced in the burial of Jesus. O dear Mother, by thy sacred heart, thus steeped in bitter grief, obtain for me the virtue of diligence, and the gift of wisdom. Hail Mary... V. Pray for us, O most sorrowful Virgin, R. That we may be made worthy of the promise of Christ. Let Us Pray, - We beseech Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, that the Blessed Virgin Mary whose heart at the time of Thy passion was pierced through with the sword of sorrow, may intercede for us before the throne of mercy, now and at the hour of our death; who, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Amen.
Father, I thank you for the gift of my family for whom I now pray and upon whom I now ask you to shower your blessings. With St. Joseph as my guide, may I always be ready to spend my life for them. Bless my wife whom you have given to me as my spouse, sharing in your wondrous work of creation. May I see her as my equal and treat her with the love of Christ for his Church. May Mary be her guide and help her to find your peace and your grace. Bless my children with your life and presence. May the example of your son be the foundation upon which their lives are built, that the Gospel may always be their hope and support. I ask you, Father, to protect and bless my family. Watch over it so that in the strength of your love its members may enjoy prosperity, possess the gift of your peace and, as the Church alive in this home, always bear witness to your glory in the world. Amen.
Heavenly Father, how I thank You for the life of my son and for bringing him to this important milestone in his life, a graduating ceremony that ends such an important period of his journey through life, and gives way to the twists and turns that he will inevitably face in the future. I pray that he will apply all that he has learned up to now, and that You would continue to teach him Your ways and to guide him along the path that You would have him go. Give him wisdom in the choices that he will have to make, and I pray that he will have sound judgements in the challenges that lie ahead of him. I pray that he has learned the lessons of responsibility, integrity and grace that he has been taught throughout his life, and that what he has learned will manifest itself in the direction that he chooses to go. Keep him steady in his faith and may he maintain his trust in You, especially when he starts to be bombarded with the inevitable temptations and taboos in life, that cause so many young people to go astray. As he faces a working world, I pray that he will maintain his trust in You. I also ask that with the many additional responsibilities of life he now faces, that You will guide him socially, financially and spiritually in all things and that he will turn to You as his Guide. Help him Lord, to stand fast in the faith in which he has been grounded from being a little boy and keep him from being influenced by unethical business practices or any unhealthy social contacts. I pray that he will turn to You in all his needs and necessities, and that in Your time and in Your way You will bring a godly wife into his life, so that together they my stand firm against the tide of humanity that seeks to swamp all those that trust in You. Father, thank You that You are my Father and for giving me the privilege of being a father to my own son. I pray that in his adult life He will keep You as the Rock upon which he is grounded, and his ever present helping time of need. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Thank You, Father, for placing me in the responsible position as Fire Chief, and for the many men and women that You have placed under my charge. Keep my eye focussed on You Lord, as there are many duties and responsibilities that require me to remain alert and aware on every occasion, knowing that precious lives so often depend on the decisions I make. Give me wisdom I pray, and understanding to discern what needs to be done on each occasion. Bless each member of my crew that are under my jurisdiction. May I be wise and fair in my dealings with my crew and with others, knowing that the stress of the job can have a severe toll on the lives and emotions of those that have made fire fighting their chosen career. Thank You for my own family. Be close to them day by day, knowing that my position causes much strain on us all, especially when I am obliged to keep unsociable hours for the good of the community. Keep us all strong in the faith, and I pray that we all may grow closer to Jesus through the twists and turns of life.Thank You for my life Lord, and help me to be a good witness to others as I go about my duties. May all I do be pleasing in Your sight, so that Your name may be glorified in all I do. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Dear Lord, You have placed me in this responsible job and I pray that You will give me the courage to face whatever difficulties arise to today. As I am called to tackle the suffocating flames and smoke that so quickly engulf peoples� homes and lives, or called to assist in so many accidents and problems that befall so many people, I pray that You will be with me, to lead and to guide. Give me an alert mind and a sensitive ear that can trace a person who may be been trapped in the fires of destruction. Give me wisdom as I have to make those spilt second decisions that can so often result in the death or life for someone that is trapped. Give me the courage to face whatever dangers and difficulties may arise for the team today, I pray. Protect us all Lord, as we face the day. May my life be a true witness of Your grace and compassion in whatever situation we find ourselves in. And may I personally draw ever closer to the You, for You alone are my strength and my sufficiency. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Loving Father, I am fearfully and wonderfully made and I thank and praise You that You knew me before I was conceived by my mother. You formed and knitted me together and breathed life into me. Father, You told Your children to be fruitful and multiply and I long to carry my own child in my womb and hold my own precious babe in my arms, but I have not yet conceived and this grieves me deeply. Loving Lord, I know that You have scheduled every day of my life, and I pray that in Your goodness and grace You will enable me to conceive and bring into the world a little one that I may give back to You, just as Hannah gave her Samuel back into Your care. Look down in love and pity me my barren womb and breath into me the breath of life, which was breathed into man at creation. Fill me to the fullness of Your joy so that I may bring forth a little baby. I ask this in Jesus' name,�Amen.
Oh God, I know that You love me and have forgiven me and all that, and I know in my heart that some of my outbursts are not good. But Lord, I am so frustrated as no one seems to understand me or what I need. Lord, I do thank You that You do not hold anything against me and that all my sins have been forgiven in Your amazing sea of forgetfulness. I guess I also know that my behaviour towards - well everyone, and the way that I allow my frustration to build up and explode is really wrong and not pleasing to You.Lord, I know that I need You in my life because I know that there is no one but You that can sort out this frustration in me. It is causing tension with my family and with my friends as well, and I know it needs to be sorted out.Lord, I need Your grace in me, right deep inside me. Show me, Lord, how I can be the sort of person I need to be. Help me to develop the right sort of relationship with all the people in my life. And also Lord, I ask that You would show me the right way to react when things start of get me down and I feel frustrated. Thank You that You really do care about me, and thank You, for I know that in the power of Your Holy Spirit, I can become the person You would want me to be. In Jesus' name,�Amen.
Be present at our table, Lord,Be here and everywhere adored.Thy people bless, and grant that wemay feast in paradise with thee. Amen. - John Wesley
Dear Lord,As I look toward the futureBright hope conducts this prayer,For I know the plans You have for meWere wrought with divine care.Holy Spirit, lead me.Let me run at Your command,Yet be still and know that You are GodWhen trouble is close at hand.Your Word will be a lamp for me,A guide to light my way,A solid place to set my feet,A compass when I stray. May I live my life to praise You,Not for fortune, nor for fame,May everything I say and doBring glory to Your name. May my eyes stay fixed upon YouAs I seek the way that's pure,Tasting Your love and goodnessSleeping and rising secure. Planted by Your living streamsI'll delight in all Your ways,Hidden by Your sheltering wingsWith new mercies for each day. Even in a dangerous landWhen storms threaten to destroy,At the cross I'll stand upon the RockMy Strength, my Hope, my Joy. Dear Lord, show me Your favor,At all times keep me blessed,May Your face ever shine upon me,With peace and perfect rest.- Mary Fairchild
"God, today is like any other. The sun rises. The winds blow. Rain falls. Rain does not fall. People are born. They laugh. They cry. They dance. They die. Today "chronos" time is as it has been since You gave it beginning, and will be as it is until you bring things to an end. Today is like any other. Today is also fresh and new, and like no other day. Today is a "kairos" moment of opportunity that has come and will pass in a moment. Today is a passage from one epoch to another. Today is a gift from you. Grant grace to see it and seize it. Today is a graduation, a passage, a completion, an inauguration. Today we pray for all those who have met the challenge and kept the faith to the commitments of their studies. Now they have a new "kairos" before them. We first offer thanks for the success of their journey. We thank for you granting them focus and direction and then strength and endurance. You created the knowledge and understanding they have mastered. You have created the curiosity and capacity for determination that led them in pursuit. All these good things came from you. Thank you. Today we also pray for tomorrow. This graduation opens another door to another time. As you have led in the past, lead now into the future. Give them focus and clarity and a calling from you to understand their purpose and the courage to respond and step toward that purpose. We pray in the words of scripture: 'Bless them indeed. Expand their territory. Let your hand be with them. Keep them evil, that they will not cause or experience pain.' Today, we bless our graduates" - Mark Herringshaw
Guardian Angel, watch over those whose names you can read in my heart. Guard over them with every care and make their way easy and their labours fruitful. Dry their tears if they weep; sanctify their joys; raise their courage if they weaken; restore their hope if they lose heart, their health if they be ill, truth if they err, repentance if they fail.
Lord Jesus, Help me to be straightforward like the sky-seeking redwood tree. May my generosity be like the sap which ascends and nourishes. May my soul be clear like the spring water at its origin. May my will be like the faultless granite. May You be always throughout my life a constant companion. May the cross which rises at the crossroads be for me like the meeting of a friend. Amen.
Dulc�simo Senor Jesucristo, te ruego que tu Pasi�n sea virtud que me fortalezca, proteja y defienda; que tus llagas sean comida y bebida que me alimente, calme mi sed y me conforte; que la aspersi�n de tu sangre lave todos mis delitos; que tu muerte me d� la vida eterna y tu cruz sea mi gloria sempiterna. Que en esto encuentre el alimento, la alegr�a, la salud y la dulzura de mi coraz�n. T� que vives y reinas por los siglos de los siglos. Am�n.
M�rame, ?oh mi amado y buen Jes�s!, postrado en tu presencia: te ruego, con el mayor fervor, imprimas en mi coraz�n vivos sentimientos de fe, esperanza y caridad, verdadero dolor de mis pecados y firm�simo prop�sito de jam�s ofenderte; mientras que yo, con el mayor afecto y compasi�n de que soy capaz, voy considerando y contemplando tus cinco llagas, teniendo presente lo que de Ti, oh buen Jes�s, dijo el profeta David: "Han taladrado mis manos y mis pies y se pueden contar todos mis huesos." (Salmo 21, 17-18)
Oh Mar�a, Virgen y Madre Sant�sima, he recibido a tu Hijo amad�simo, que concebiste en tus inmaculadas entranas, cri�ndolo y aliment�ndolo con tu pecho, y lo abrazaste amorosamente en tus brazos. Al mismo que te alegraba contemplar y te llenaba de gozo, con amor y humildad te lo presento y te lo ofrezco, para que lo abraces, lo ames con tu coraz�n y lo ofrezcas a la Sant�sima Trinidad en culto supremo de adoraci�n, por tu honor y por tu gloria, y por mis necesidades y por las de todo el mundo. Te ruego, piados�sima Madre, que me alcances el perd�n de mis pecados y gracia abundante para servirte, desde ahora, con mayor fidelidad; y por �ltimo, la gracia de la perseverancia final, para que pueda alabarle contigo por los siglos de los siglos. Am�n.
Leadership is hard to define. Lord, let us be the ones to define it with justice. Leadership is like a handful of water. Lord, let us be the people to share it with those who thirst.Leadership is not about watching and correcting. Lord, let us remember it is about listening and connecting. Leadership is not about telling people what to do. Lord, let us find out what people want.Leadership is less about the love of power,and more about the power of love. Lord, as we continue to undertake the role of leader let us be affirmed by the servant leadership we witness in your son Jesus.Let us walk in the path He has set and let those who will, follow. Let our greatest passion be compassion. Our greatest strength love. Our greatest victory the reward of peace. In leading let us never fail to follow. In loving let us never fail.
We offer salutations and respect to all present at this meeting andto all who will be affected by it.We brush off the chairs on which we sit -to make a clear space for a meeting of minds.We brush off from our clothing any debris picked up on the way -to clear our minds of extraneous matters.We wipe the blood from our hands -to acknowledge and apologize for any hurt we have inflicted.We wipe the tears from our eyes -to acknowledge and forgive any hurt we have received.We take the lump out of our throats -to let go of any sadness or disappointment.We take the tightness out of our chests -to let go of any fear or resentment.We acknowledge and pray for guidance -to the Great Creator Spirit of All Life. - Ralph Metzner
Heavenly Father, the baby that has been growing within my womb for these many months is now in an incubator fighting for life, and I feel numb and utterly helpless.�Lord, You know the joy and excitement and also the tears and grief that we have gone through these last few weeks and months, and that our emotions are shot through with so many fluctuating feelings because of this unexpected and premature delivery. I pray that in Your pity and grace, You would touch the life of my precious little one and spare their life, and bring them through into full health and strength.�Lift the heavy burden from my heart and help me to come to terms with what has happened, and I pray that I may be able to accept that nothing happens that is not in Your permissive will. I ask that You would give me the strength, day by day, to cope with this unexpected set of circumstances.�Protect my baby from any other form of infection or illness, and may this little body be strengthened through Your mighty power with each passing day. Give the doctors and nurses the skill to do all that is needed to care for my baby, and give me the sufficient strength that only comes from You. May Your peace reside in my heart, knowing that all things work together for good to those that are called according to Your good purpose. Thank You, Father, in Jesus' name,�Amen. �For You are my hope, Lord God , my confidence from my youth.� (Psalm 71:5)
Loving Lord, how I thank You for my for precious daughter and what a joy she has been in my life. You formed her in my womb and breathed Your life into her tiny form. You helped me as I taught and trained her through her infant day and early years. I have watched her grow into the lovely young woman that she is today, and thank You for the privilege of being her mother. Today Lord, I bring this dear daughter to You, as she prepares in excitement for her graduation ceremony. May it be a time that she will clothe herself in mature womanhood as she steps out onto the frontier of life. Lead her Lord, in Your path of righteousness and love. Guard her and guide her through the ups and downs that will shadow her path. Bind her heart to the truth of Your Word, keep her under the shadow of Your wing and may she move out into life with a scriptural foundation that will not be shaken. Bring up a child in the way they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it. Lord, I claim that promise for my precious daughter. May she continue to grow in grace and in a knowledge of her Lord and Saviour, until her life�s end. In Jesus' name I pray,�Amen.
O my God, teach me to receive the sick in Thy Name. Give to my efforts success for the glory of Thy Holy Name. It is Thy work; without Thee, I cannot succeed. Grant that the sick Thou hast placed in my care may be abundantly blessed, and not one of them be lost because of any neglect on my part.Help me to overcome every temporal weakness,and strengthen in me whatever may enable me to bring joy to the lives of those I serve. Give me grace, for the sake of Thy sick ones and of those lives that will be influenced by them.
Dear Lord, give me an understanding heart I pray, and a fill my lips with words of comfort and encouragement, as I deal with the nursing duties that I am called upon to do, and especially Lord, when I am confronted with uncooperative patients or unsympathetic doctors. Be with me I pray, as I care for the patients in my charge today, and I ask that You would guide my tongue from hasty words. Give me grace and wisdom, when I am called upon to deal with the irritations of patients that complain and make me sensitive towards those that try to hide their fears behind a mask of indifference. Let Your love shine through me today, and pour Your compassion into my heart, so that I may bring comfort and joy into the lives of different people today. Lord, I pray that I may do my very best today, simply because You are there to lead and guide in all things. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
O glorious St. Joseph, to you God committed the care of His only begotten Son amid the many dangers of this world. We come to you and ask you to take under your special protection the children God has given us. Through holy baptism they became children of God and members of His holy Church. We consecrate them to you today, that through this consecration they may become your foster children. Guard them, guide their steps in life, form their hearts after the hearts of Jesus and Mary. St. Joseph, who felt the tribulation and worry of a parent when the child Jesus was lost, protect our dear children for time and eternity. May you be their father and counsellor. Let them, like Jeus, grow in age as well as in wisdom and grace before God and men. Preserve them from the corruption of his world, and give us the grace one day to be united with them in Heaven forever. Amen
Dear Lord, as those entrusted with leading this great Xavier University, please help each of us become Leaders in Balance and realize the importance and impact of our way of thinking and our way of being, because leaders are built from the inside out:Help us approach leadership as a relationship not just a position...listening, reflective, and intentional; Help us understand that each of us embodies Xavier's brand promise...setting the tone for what is doneand valued...building trust; And that each of us focus on a higher purpose...Xavier's mission above personal interests; Lord, help us appreciate how collaboration with a purpose can enable us to reach better decisions and toexecute our decisions better; And to that end, Lord, help each of us think "outside the pyramid" to share powerand authority...encouraging innovation, releasing energy and spreading influence; Help us realize that teaching and leadership have much in common...as we search for truth and reality; Understanding that at the center of collaboration is a true comfort and sincere valuing of diversity ofpeople, ideas and ways of thinking...an enormously strengthening factor; Finally Lord, help us all believe during these difficult times, that the challenge of leading change atXavier University is not about leadership in control, but leadership in balance; To that end, we collectively embrace the value of nurturing the gene of collaboration throughout allXavier leaders...deep into our organization. We make this prayer not alone, but together, for Together there is power.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I fly, I come to Thee, throwing myself into the arms of Thy tender mercy. Thou art my sure refuge, my unfailing and only hope. Thou has a remedy for all my evils, relief for all my miseries, reparation for all my faults, Thou canst supply for what is wanting in me in order to obtain fully the graces that I ask for myself and others. Thou art for me, and for us all, the infallible, inexhaustible source of light, of strength, of perseverance, peace and consolation. I am certain that my importunity will never weary Thee; certain, too, that Thou wilt never cease to aid, to protect, to love me, because Thy love for me, O Divine Heart, is infinite. Have mercy on me then, O Heart of Jesus, and on all that I recommend to Thee, according to Thy own mercy, and do with us, for us, and in us, whatsoever Thou will, for we abandon ourselves to Thee with the full, entire confidence and conviction that Thou will never abandon us either in time or eternity. Amen.
Merciful God,we pray to you for all the men, women and children who have died after leaving their homelands in search of a better life. Though many of their graves bear no name, to you each one is known, loved and cherished. May we never forget them, but honour their sacrifice with deeds more than words. We entrust to you all those who have made this journey, enduring fear, uncertainty and humiliation, in order to reach a place of safety and hope. Just as you never abandoned your Son as he was brought to a safe place by Mary and Joseph, so now be close to these, your sons and daughters, through our tenderness and protection. In caring for them may we seek a world where none are forced to leave their home and where all can live in freedom, dignity and peace. Merciful God and Father of all, wake us from the slumber of indifference, open our eyes to their suffering, and free us from the insensitivity born of worldly comfort and self-centredness. Inspire us, as nations, communities and individuals, to see that those who come to our shores are our brothers and sisters. May we share with them the blessings we have received from your hand, and recognize that together, as one human family, we are all migrants, journeying in hope to you, our true home, where every tear will be wiped away, where we will be at peace and safe in your embrace. - by Pope Francis
O sweetest Lord Jesus Christ, I implore Thee, pierce the very marrow of my soul with the delightful, health-giving dart of Thy love, with true, tranquil, holy, apostolic charity, so that my whole soul may ever languish and faint for love of Thee and for desire of Thee alone. May it long and pine for Thy courts; may it ever desire to be dissolved and to be with Thee. Grant that my soul may hunger for Thee, Who art the bread of angels, the comforting nourishment of all holy souls, our daily and most delectable bread, our supersubstantial bread, in which is found every sweet delight. May my heart ever hunger for Thee, on whom the angels lovingly gaze; may it feed on Thee; and may the innermost depths of my being be filled with the sweetness which comes from having tasted Thee. May my soul ever thirst for Thee, Who art the source of life, the fount of wisdom and knowledge, the brightness of everlasting light, the flood of all true happiness, the riches of the house of God. May I at all times think of Thee; may I ever seek Thee and ever find Thee; may I always follow thee and reach Thee; may Thy holy name be in my heart and on my lips; and to Thy praise and glory may every work of mine be done. Humble and discreet, loving and happy, ever ready and cheerful in Thy service, may I persevere, by Thy grace, even unto the end. Be Thou alone and evermore my hope; be Thou all my trust; be Thou my wealth, my delight, my joy, my consolation, my rest, my endless peace. Be Thou to me as a goodly taste, as a pleasant perfume, as a soothing sweetness. Be Thou my food and my refreshment; my refuge and my help; my wisdom; my portion, mine own possession and my treasure. In Thee, O Lord, may my mind and my heart remain fixed and firm, and rooted immovably for evermore. Amen.
Loving Lord and Heavenly Father, how I thank You for The holy Scriptures and the truth within its pages. Thank You for the opportunity to spend time in Your Word and I pray that You would prepare my heart for this time of Bible study.�Help me to set my mind on things above and not on earthly things. Keep away all that would distract me from Your Word and develop in me a teachable spirit and ears that listen to Your still small voice, and I pray that the eyes of my heart would be open to see all that You want to teach me.�I pray that I may study to show myself approved unto God. Give me insight and understanding as I read and reflect on Your Word, and may I mature in the faith, grow in grace and come to a deeper knowledge of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ through this time of Bible study. This I ask in Jesus' name,�Amen.
Lord, we come before You as we prepare ourselves as we go into court today, and thank You that You are with us every moment of the day and have promised to uphold us with Your righteous right hand. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on You and pray that true justice will be carried out, to Your praise and glory. Lord, You know the reason for this court hearing and we pray that You will oversee the whole procedure, and ask that in Your grace that true justice may be carried out, with impartiality. Thank You for Your precious promise.. that before we even call out �- �You will answer and show great and mighty things, and we trust You�Lord, �to undertake throughout this whole court procedure. Thank You that Jesus is my heavenly Advocate and I trust that in�this this matter�we will soon be fully exonerated�and �totally�vindicated,�and that there will be no slur on anyone's character or intentions. Still our hearts and quiet our minds we pray as we prepare to enter the court-room. And we ask that Your perfect peace, which passes human comprehension will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord � and that in Your grace we may have clarity of thought, tranquility of minds, �wisdom in the answers we give, Your sufficient grace throughout the ordeal and an outcome that glorifies Your name � this we ask in Jesus name, Amen
Almighty and everlasting God, behold I come to the Sacrament of Thine only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ: I come as one infirm to the physician of life, as one unclean to the fountain of mercy, as one blind to the light of everlasting brightness, as one poor and needy to the Lord of heaven and earth. Therefore I implore the abundance of Thy measureless bounty that Thou wouldst vouchsafe to heal my infirmity, wash my uncleanness, enlighten my blindness, enrich my poverty and clothe my nakedness, that I may receive the Bread of Angels, the King of kings, the Lord of lords, with such reverence and humility, with such sorrow and devotion, with such purity and faith, with such purpose and intention as may be profitable to my soul's salvation. Grant unto me, I pray, the grace of receiving not only the Sacrament of our Lord's Body and Blood, but also the grace and power of the Sacrament. O most gracious God, grant me so to receive the Body of Thine only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, which He took from the Virgin Mary, as to merit to be incorporated into His mystical Body, and to be numbered amongst His members. O most loving Father, give me grace to behold forever Thy beloved Son with His face at last unveiled, whom I now purpose to receive under the sacramental veil here below. Amen.
We pray Thee also, O Lord, Holy Father, for the souls of the faithful departed: that this great Sacrament of Thy love may be to them health and salvation, joy and refreshment. O Lord, my God, grant them this day a great and abundant feast of Thee, the living Bread, who camest down from heaven and givest life unto the world; even of Thy holy and blessed Flesh, the Lamb without spot, who takest away the sins of the world; that Flesh, which was taken of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and conceived by the Holy Ghost; and of that Fountain of mercy which, by the soldier's lance, flowed from Thy most sacred Side; that they be thereby fed and satisfied, refreshed and comforted, and may rejoice in Thy praise and in Thy glory. I pray Thy loving mercy, O Lord, that on the bread and wine to be offered unto Thee may descend the fullness of Thy blessing and the satisfaction of Thy Divinity. May there descend also the invisible and incomprehensible Majesty of Thy Holy Spirit, as it descended of old on the sacrifices of the Fathers, which shall make these oblations Thy Body and Blood; and may this offering be acceptable unto Thee, through Him who offered Himself a sacrifice to Thee, O Father, even Jesus Christ, Thine only Son, our Lord. Amen.
O great High-Priest, the true Pontiff, Jesus Christ, who didst offer Thyself to God the Father a pure and spotless Victim upon the Altar of the Cross for us miserable sinners, and didst give us Thy Flesh to eat and Thy Blood to drink, and didst ordain this Mystery in the power of Thy Holy Spirit, saying, "Do this for the commemoration of Me," I pray Thee, by the same Thy Blood, the great price of our salvation; I pray Thee, by that wonderful and unspeakable love wherewith Thou deignedst so to love us, miserable and unworthy, as to wash us from our sins in Thine own Blood: teach me, Thine unworthy servant, by Thy Holy Spirit, to approach so great a Mystery with that reverence and honour, that devotion and fear, which is due and fitting. Make me, through Thy grace, always so to believe and understand, to conceive and firmly to hold, to think and to speak, of that exceeding Mystery, as shall please Thee and be good for my soul. Let Thy good Spirit enter my heart, and there be heard without utterance, and without the sound of words speak all truth. For Thy Mysteries are exceeding deep, and covered with a sacred veil. For Thy great mercy's sake, grant me to approach Thy holy Mysteries with a clean heart and a pure mind. Free my heart from all defiling and unholy, from all vain and hurtful thoughts. Fence me round about with the holy and faithful guard and mighty protection of Thy blessed Angels, that the enemies of all good may go away ashamed. By the virtue of this mighty Mystery, and by the hand of Thy holy Angel, drive away from me and from all Thy servants the hard spirit of pride and vainglory, of envy and blasphemy, of impurity and uncleanness, of doubt and mistrust. Let them be confounded that persecute us; let them perish who are bent upon our ruin. Amen.
I entreat Thee also, O Lord, by this most holy mystery of Thy Body and Blood, wherewith we are daily fed, and cleansed, and sanctified in Thy Church, and are made partakers of the one Supreme Divinity, grant unto me Thy holy virtues, that filled therewith I may with a good conscience draw near unto Thy holy Altar, so that these heavenly mysteries may be made unto me salvation and life; for Thou hast said with Thy holy and blessed lips: The Bread which I will give is My Flesh, for the life of the world. I am the living Bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this Bread, he shall live for ever. O most sweet Bread, heal the palate of my heart, that I may taste the sweetness of Thy love. Heal it of all infirmities, that I may find sweetness in nothing out of Thee. O most pure Bread, having all delight and all savour, which ever refreshest us, and never failest, let my heart feed on Thee, and may my inmost soul be filled with the sweetness of Thy savour. The Angels feed on Thee fully; let pilgrim man feed on Thee after his measure, so that, refreshed by this nourishment, he may not faint by the way. Holy Bread! Living Bread! Pure Bread! Who didst come down from heaven, and who givest life to the world, enter into my heart and cleanse me from all impurity of flesh and spirit. Come into my soul; heal and cleanse me within and without; be the protection and continual health of my soul and body. Drive far from me all foes that lie in wait: let them flee afar off at the presence of Thy power; that, strengthened by Thee without and within, I may by a straight way arrive at Thy kingdom, where, not as now in mysteries, but face to face, we shall behold Thee; when Thou shalt have delivered up the kingdom to God Thy Father, and shalt be God All in all. Then shalt Thou satisfy me with Thyself by a wondrous fullness, so that I shall never hunger nor thirst any more for ever. Who with the same God the Father, and the Holy Ghost, ever livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
For Thou hast mercy upon all, O Lord, and hatest nothing that Thou hast made. Remember how frail our nature is, and that Thou art our Father and our God. Be not angry with us for ever, and shut not up Thy tender mercies in displeasure. For it is not for our just works that we present our prayers before Thy face, but for the multitude of Thy tender mercies. Take away from us, O Lord, our iniquities, and mercifully kindle in us the fire of Thy Holy Spirit. Take away from us the heart of stone, and give us a heart of flesh, a heart to love and adore Thee, a heart to delight in, to follow, and to enjoy Thee. And we entreat Thy mercy, O Lord, that Thou wouldst look down graciously upon Thy family, as it pays its vows to Thy most holy name; and that the desire of none may be in vain, and the petitions of none unfulfilled, do Thou inspire our prayers, that they may be such as Thou delightest to hear and answer. Amen.
Who can worthily be present at this Sacrifice, unless Thou, O God, makest him worthy? I know, O Lord, yea, truly do I know, and this do confess to Thy loving-kindness, that I am unworthy to approach so great a Mystery, by reason of my numberless sins and negligences; but I know, and truly with my own heart do I believe, and with my mouth confess, that Thou canst make me worthy, who alone canst make that clean which proceedeth from that which is unclean, and sinners to be just and holy. By this Thine Almighty power I beseech Thee, O my God, to grant that I, a sinner, may assist at this Sacrifice with fear and trembling, with purity of heart and plenteous tears, with spiritual gladness and heavenly joy. May my mind feel the sweetness of Thy most blessed Presence, and the love of Thy holy Angels, keeping watch around me. Amen.
Mindful then, O Lord, of Thy worshipful Passion, I approach Thine Altar, sinner though I am, to join in the offering unto Thee that Sacrifice which Thou hast instituted and commanded to be offered in remembrance of Thee for our well-being. Receive it, I beseech Thee, O God most High, for Thy holy Church, and for the people whom Thou hast purchased with Thine own Blood. Let not, through my unworthiness, the price of their salvation be wasted, whose saving Victim and Redemption Thou didst Thyself vouchsafe to be. Also behold in pity, O Lord, the sorrows of Thy people, which I bring before Thee; the perils of Thy servants; the sorrowful sighing of prisoners; the miseries of widows and orphans, and all that are desolate and bereaved; the necessities of strangers and travellers; the helplessness and sadness of the weak and sickly; the depressions of the languishing; the weakness of the aged and of children; the trials and aspirations of young men; and the vows of virgins. Amen
Our Father, who art in heaven, sacred is Your Word. Your kingdom come, Your Words be heard on earth as they are in heaven. Give us today Your Sacred Word. Forgive our neglect of it in the past as we forgive those who neglect us. Lead us toward an encounter with You each time we delve into the Scriptures. For Your presence, Your power, and Your glory are ever present among us now and forever.
O Jesus Christ, Messiah and Lord, grant me joyful acceptance of the surgery which awaits me, and let this be the relief and cure which I seek. Make skilled the work of the surgeon and that of his team for it is unto their knowledge and skill that I give myself for healing. I pray You, O Lord, that this procedure will be without complication, and that my recovery will be speedy and complete.
Most merciful God, Father in heaven, relying on Thy goodness and mercy, I come to Thee with filial confidence to confess my sins and to implore Thy forgiveness. Thou wilt not despise a contrite and humble heart. Bless me and receive me again into Thy favour; I acknowledge that I have been most ungrateful to Thee, but I sincerely repent and detest the wrong I have done, and I desire henceforth to walk in the way of perfection in accordance with Thy holy will. O Jesus, my Saviour, my good Shepherd, I have strayed far from the path that Thou hast marked out for me; I did not follow in Thy footsteps; I wandered into forbidden places. Repentant and sorrowful, I beg to be admitted again into the fold of Thy faithful followers. I want to confess my sins with the same sincerity as I should wish to do at the moment of my death. My Jesus, I look to Thee with confidence for the grace to examine my conscience well. O Holy Spirit come in Thy mercy; enlighten my mind and strengthen my will that I may know my sins, humbly confess them, and sincerely amend my life. Mary, my Mother, immaculate Spouse of the Holy Ghost, refuge of sinners, ssist me by thy intercession. Holy angels and saints of God, pray for me. Amen.
O God, Who has commanded us to honour our father and mother, have compassion in Thy mercy, on the souls of my father and mother; forgive them their sins, and grant that I may see them in the joy of eternal brightness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Incline, O Lord, Thine ear to our prayers, in which we humbly beseech Thy mercy, that Thou wouldst place the soul of Thy servant, which Thou hast caused to depart from this world, into the region of peace and light; and unite in the fellowship of Thy Saints. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
God, Who, in Thine ineffable providence, didst will that Thy servant N... should be numbered among the high priests, grant, we beseech Thee, that he, who on earth held the place of Thine only-begotten Son, may be joined forevermore to the fellowship of Thy holy pontiffs. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.
We beseech Thee, O Lord, in Thy mercy, to have pity on the soul of Thy handmaid; do Thou, Who hast freed her from the perils of this mortal life, restore to her the portion of everlasting salvation. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Absolve, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the soul of Thy servant N..., from every bond of sin, that being raised in the glory of the resurrection, he may be refreshed among the Saints and Elect. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Heavenly Father, author and inspirer of all things holy, hear our prayers for our new Church. Send forth Your Spirit that we may humbly be guided by your Divine Will. Touch our hearts with true generosity to raise up a house of God for the inspiration and renewal of all your faithful. We ask this in Jesus' Name. Amen.
Yahweh, Divine Architect, Creator of our Human Family; Risen Jesus, Cornerstone of our Faith, Lover of us all; Spirit of Wisdom, Builder of community, Our Inspiration and Guide; You call us to build up Your Kingdom. Bless us with generous hearts, open minds, greater unity, renewed vision, as we seek to build a house for celebration and worship. May it be a home where all are welcomed, nourished, and empowered to be Christ for others. Amen.
Yahweh, Divine Architect, Creator of our Human Family; Risen Jesus, Cornerstone of our Faith, Lover of us all; Spirit of Wisdom, Builder of community, Our Inspiration and Guide; You call us to build up Your Kingdom. Bless us with generous hearts, open minds, greater unity, renewed vision, as we seek to build a house for celebration and worship. May it be a home where all are welcomed, nourished, and empowered to be Christ for others. Amen.
Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus, While before Thy face I humbly kneel And with burning soul, pray and beseech Thee, To fix deep in my heart, Lively sentiments of faith, hope and charity, True contrition for my sins And a firm purpose of ammendment. While I contemplate with great love and tender pity, Thy five most precious wounds, Pondering over them within me, And calling to mind the words that David, Thy prophet, said of Thee , my Jesus, "They have pierced My hands and feet, They have numbered all my bones."
I give thanks to Thee, O Lord, most holy, Father almighty, eternal God, that Thou hast vouchsafed, for no merit of mine own, but out of Thy pure mercy, to appease the hunger of my soul with the precious body and blood of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Humbly I implore Thee, let not this holy communion be to me an increase of guilt unto my punishment, but an availing plea unto pardon and salvation. Let it be to me the armour of faith and the shield of good will. May it root out from my heart all vice; may it utterly subdue my evil passions and all my unruly desires. May it perfect me in charity and patience; in humility and obedience; and in all other virtues. May it be my sure defence against the snares laid for me by my enemies, visible and invisible. May it restrain and quiet all my evil impulses, and make me ever cleave to Thee Who art the one true God. May I owe to it a happy ending of my life. And do Thou, O heavenly Father, vouchsafe one day to call me, a sinner, to that ineffable banquet, where Thou, together with Thy Son and the Holy Ghost, art to Thy saints true and unfailing light, fullness of content, joy for evermore, gladness without alloy, consummate and everlasting happiness. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
I Beseech Thee, most sweet Lord Jesus Christ, that Thy Passion may be to me power by which I may be strengthened, protected and defended. May Thy wounds be to me food and drink by which I may be nourished, inebriated, and delighted. May the sprinkling of Thy Blood be to me an ablution for all my sins. May Thy death prove for me unfailing life, and may Thy Cross be to me eternal glory. In these be my refreshment, joy, health, and delight of my heart: Thou who livest and reignest forever. Amen.
May the tribute of my humble ministry be pleasing to Thee, Holy Trinity. Grant that the sacrifice which I, unworthy as I am, have offered in the presence of Thy majesty may be acceptable to Thee.
O Saint N., in whose honor I have offered the bloodless sacrifice of the Body and Blood of Christ, grant by thy powerful intercession with God, that, by the utility of this mystery, I may obtain the merits of the passion and death of this same Christ our Savior. And with its frequency come to salvation. Amen
LORD, Father all-powerful, and ever-living God, I thank Thee, for even though I am a sinner, Thy unprofitable servant, not because of my worth, but in the kindness of Thy mercy, Thou hast fed me with the precious Body and Blood of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that this holy communion may not bring me condemnation and punishment but forgiveness and salvation. May it be a helmet of faith and a shield of good will. May it purify me from evil ways and put an end to my evil passions. May it bring me charity and patience, humility and obedience, and growth in power to do good. May it be my strong defense against all my enemies, visible and invisible, and the perfect calming of all my evil impulses, bodily and spiritual. May it unite me more closely to Thee, the one true God and lead me safely through death to everlasting happiness with Thee. And I pray that Thou willest lead me, a sinner to the banquet where Thou with Thy Son and Holy Spirit, are true and perfect light, total fulfillment, everlasting joy, gladness without end, and perfect happiness to Thy saints. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
God, we do good work, important work. Instill in us a spirit of gratitude for community, for this community, and for the good work we do � together. Instill in us a spirit of service. Help us to see you, God, in all of our students and staff and faculty. And instill in us too, a drive to passionately pursue our mission: the pursuit of God, and the good and the common good. In this season of gratitude, there is much to celebrate. We offer thanks for the many senior leaders who have recently departed Xavier, and those who will leave in the not-so-distant future. Thank you for the counsel, the very good counsel, they have provided us over so very many years. And we too we offer thanks for the many leaders, in and outside of this room, who have built the systems that have served our students, staff and faculty through COVID and our national reckoning with racism. We honor their boundless generosity, their boldness, their smarts and their perseverance. As we look to the future, we are filled with hope and thanksgiving for our new President and Provost, for their vision, gifts and love of Xavier. Fill us all with faith, hope and love as we face the challenges that lie ahead and as we pursue new opportunities to more fully embody our mission. And finally, God, as we move into the future. May we be a We. Unite us. Inspire us. Sustain us. Help us to�together�see you and seek you in all that we do. For this we pray, Amen.
Father, we beg Your blessing for the Right to Life, the Unborn, the weak, the sick and the old; all who are finding themselves being targets of the vicious culture of death; that our Lord Jesus bless and protect all who stand up for the Christian dignity of persons. That God enlighten those who are traveling down death's highway by their involvement, in any way, with either the contemporary death culture, selfism, relativeism, or any of the new age errors of our times, that God envelop our culture with His Divine protection and help us both individually and as a nation to true enlightenment, conversion and repentance of our selves and our culture. Help us to turn from our national sin of abortion, and return to, and once again become a Christian nation, on the narrow road, that is, the path to becoming a nation and culture, under God. Amen.
Gracious God, today begins a period of inner reflection and examination. The days stretch before me and invite me inward to that silent, holy space that holds your Spirit. This special time beckons me to see my life through Christ's eyes and the truth and reality of your love incarnate. Give me the grace to enter the space of these days with anticipation of our meeting. And, when I open my soul to your presence, let your loving kindness flow over me and seep into the pockets of my heart. I ask this for the sake of your love.
Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true Light enlightening every soul born into this world. Today we celebrate the feast of Candlemas. Before Holy Mass, the priest blesses the candles, whose wax is the humming summer's work of countless bees. The flames of these candles will shed their light upon the altar at the Holy Sacrifice. Help us to realize, this day and every day, that our own humdrum daily work, if it is done for love of You, and in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, will be a supernatural work, and will shine brightly before You for all eternity. Help us realize, too, each time we see the blessed candles at Holy Mass, or at the bedside of the sick, that they are a symbol of Yourself, the Light shining in the darkness of this world. Help us to live in that Light, to make it our own, and to kindle it in the souls of others, increasing the area Of light and lessening the darkness in the World This, dear Lord, help us do, through the merits of Your own dear mother, Mary, who did everything for love of You, from the moment she brought You into this world till the day she joined You in the realms of light at her death. Then we, too, working for You, shall be light-bearers who will help to spread Your kingdom on earth, and increase the number of those who dwell in heaven, the city of eternal light. Amen.
Almighty and eternal God, You have promised that there will someday be but one fold and one Shepherd. Hasten that day, we pray You, in Your most merciful kindness and generosity. Pour the light of Your grace into the minds of our non-Catholic friends so that they may see the truth, and fully realize that the truth is one and undivided. Give them also the strength of will needed to follow in the direction of the light You give them. Let us, their neighbors and friends, not be a hindrance to their conversion by our bad example. Rather let Your goodness be made clear to them by the virtue of our lives. Then may they finally all be brought to You, the Light that enlightens every man who comes into the world. Amen.
Dear God,Please make of our relationship a great and holy adventure.May our joining be a sacred space.May the two of us find rest here, a haven for our souls.Remove from us any temptation to judge one another or to direct one another.We surrender to You our conflicts and our burdens.We know You are our Answer and our rock.Help us to not forget.Bring us together in heart and mind as well as body.Remove from us the temptation to criticize or be cruel.May we not be tempted by fantasies and projections, but guide us in the ways of holiness.Save us from darkness.May this relationship be a burst of light.May it be a fount of love and wisdom for us, for our family, for our community, for our world.May this bond be a channel for Your love and healing, a vehicle of Your grace and power.As lessons come and challenges grow, let us not be tempted to forsake each other.Let us always remember that in each other we have the most beautiful woman, the mostbeautiful man, the strongest one, the sacred one in whose arms we are repaired.May we remain young in this relationship.May we grow wise in this relationship.Bring us what You desire for us, and show us how You would have us be.Thank you, dear God, You who are the cement between us.Thank You for this love. - By Marianne Williamson
Heavenly Father, since the time of the Apostles you have inspired the Church to commission certain members to assist in a special way in the pastoral mission of Christ. Bless the deacons and all other ordained and non-ordained ministers that they may be humble and faith-inspired in their service. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Dear Father God, the world is becoming so evil and cruel, and there are so many difficulties and dangers we are having to face.. and life is becoming so burdensome at times, that I find myself falling into despair - for fear of what is happening in the world today� Please look down on me and my loved ones. Bless us and protect us I pray. Pour out Your unconditional love on us all.. and fill our hearts with Your perfect peace and amazing grace.� Help me to hold on tightly to Your precious promises and help us all to be strong and very courageous. Thank You that You are the�Lord �our�God - Who goes before us and behind us and promises to be with us and to take away all our problems and heavy burdens.� Thank You that You have promised to be with us always � even to the end of the age. Thank You that You have given us an assurance that You will NEVER ever leave us nor forsake us. Keep me I pray from falling into the trap of despair, for I know that there is nothing to be gained by it � but rather help us not to fear or be dismayed, but to trust You in all things � this I ask in Jesus name,� Amen
O Lord, our God, You called Your people to be Your Church. As they gather together in Your Name, may they love, honour, and follow Your Son to eternal life in the Kingdom He promised. Let their worship always be sincere, and help them to find Your saving Love in the Church and its Sacraments. Fill with the Spirit of Christ those whom You call to live in the midst of the world and its concern. Help them by their work on earth to build up Your eternal Kingdom. May they be effective witnesses to the Truth of the Gospel and make Your Church a living presence in the midst of the world. Increase the gifts You have given Your Church that Your faithful people may continue to grow in holiness and in imitation of Your Beloved Son.
Dear Father God, thank You for the firemen and women that are so often called upon to protect us from the dangers of fires and accidents that can happen in our lives so quickly. Thank You for the unselfish way that they put their lives on the line, in order to save those that may be trapped by a burning inferno that can so quickly endanger lives. Protect each one, and give them the courage and strength to tackle whatever dangers may occur on their watch. Help them Lord, and keep them safe when they are engulfed in the choking smoke and flames. Enable them to quickly locate any victims that may be trapped or even unconscious. Lord, thank You for those that have already come to faith in the Lord Jesus. Uphold each one by Your mighty power. But I also pray for those firemen and women that may not know You as their Personal Saviour and plead on their behalf, that You would draw each one into a saving faith in Jesus Christ, Who gave His life as a ransom for theirs, so that they might gain eternal life.�Thank You Lord for hearing and answering prayer. In Jesus' name, Amen.
O God, bountiful in forgiving, and lovingly desirous of man's salvation, we humbly beseech Thy mercy in behalf of our friends, relations and benefactors, who have passed from this world, that, through the intercession of Blessed Mary ever Virgin and all the Saints, Thou wouldst permit them to come to the full participation of everlasting happiness. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
How I thank and praise You for the everlasting life that You have given to me by Your wonderful grace and love. May I grow day by day to be more like You, full of compassion and kindness. Saturate my heart with Your love so that I may love You more with every passing breath, my Jesus.Thank you for Your Holy Spirit, Who is making me to be more like You Lord Jesus. I want to reflect Your grace and Your beauty in thought, word and deed. I ask that I may devote my time and heart to reflect on all You are and all You have done for me, so that You are magnified more and more in my life, so that the beauty of my Lord Jesus may be seen and reflect in me. In Jesus' name,Amen.
O my God and my all, in Thy goodness and mercy, grant that before I die I may regain all the graces which I have lost through my carelessness and folly. Permit me to attain the degree of merit and perfection to which Thou didst desire to lead me, and which I failed by my unfaithfulness to reach. Mercifully grant also that others regain the graces which they have lost through my fault. This I humbly beg through the merits of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Virgin Mary. Amen.
Dear St. Ann, You were truly twice blessed To have our blessed Mother As your daughter And Jesus our Savior As your grandson. I know that every period Of our lives Has its responsibilities As well as its joys. Today, it seems That grandparents Have either too little Use or too much; Either we are shunted aside To do nothing, Or we are called upon To do everything. Help me to know Just where my duties lie In my particular situation And to carry them out as best I can. Take care of my family, My children, and their children. Inspire them all To follow your Grandson And lead truly Christian lives. Keep all of us In your loving care, Never let us turn away from Jesus, And help us in the end To receive the joy Of entering into your Grandsonsdz? Glorious presence forever. Good St. Ann pray for us grandparents. Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father, You are a holy God and I desire to be holy too. Set apart unto You, and living my life in a manner that is worthy of You and pleasing to You.�Search my heart I pray, and if there is any cherished sin lurking within, I ask that You would search it out and destroy it, for I know that only the one that has clean hands and a pure heart may stand in Your presence.�Purify my heart, cleanse my inner thoughts and examine the very motives behind my acts and attitudes, for I desire to live in holiness of heart. If there is anything that is displeasing to You in my life, I ask that in Your grace You would root it out, so that I may live in godly holiness all the days of my life, clothed in Christ�s righteousness, separated unto You and walking in godly love. This I ask in Jesus' name,�Amen.
O Lamb of God, who, both by your example and precept, instructed us to be meek and humble, give me grace throughout my whole life, in every thought, and word, and work, to imitate your meekness and humility. Mortify in me the whole body of pride; grant me to feel that I am nothing and have nothing, and that I deserve nothing but shame and contempt, but misery and punishment. Grant, O Lord, that I may look for nothing, claim nothing; and that I may go through all the scenes of life, not seeking my own glory, but looking wholly unto you, and acting wholly for you. Let me never speak any word that may tend to my own praise, unless the good of my neighbour requires it; and even then let me beware, lest, to heal another, I wound my own soul. Let my ears and my heart be ever shut to the praise that comes from men. Give me a dread of applause, in whatsoever form, and from whatsoever tongue, it comes. Deliver my soul from this snare of hell; neither let me spread it for the feet of others. Whosoever perishes thereby, let their blood be upon their own head, and let not my hand be upon them. O giver of every good and perfect gift, if at any time you please to work by my hand, teach me to discern what is my own from what is another�s, and to render unto you the things that are yours. As all the good that is done on earth you do it yourself, let me ever return to you all the glory. Let me, as a pure crystal, transmit all the light you pour upon me; but never claim as my own what is your sole property, Amen. John Wesley
Father and maker of all, you adorn all creation with splendor and beauty, and fashion human lives in your image and likeness. Awaken in every heart reverence for the work of your hands, and renew among your people a readiness to nurture and sustain your precious gift of life. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
O God my Father, I want to be a mature person. I am not certain what maturity is, but I know when I act childishly and of this I am ashamed.Help me to bring my emotions under the control of the Spirit. Help me to check on my loud talk, my insistence on having my way, my fears, doubts, and other things which stand as evidence of my immaturity.I do commit myself anew and afresh to You. Help me to be a glory and not a shame as I profess Your name.For His sake, I pray,Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father, it is so distressing to watch those that we love suffering from memory loss, so they are not even able to remember their spouse or family members. Lord, the anguish that this causes is so intensely painful for everyone involved, and so we lift up all those that are having to care for friends and family members who are suffering from Alzheimer's disease or some other form of memory loss.�Pour out Your mercy and grace on all that are afflicted in this way, and give patience and comfort to those that have to watch as their loved ones gradually becoming estranged from them. Give them a deep sense of Your presence, and endue them with courage to face the loss that this condition brings upon all that are affected.�Lord, draw close to those that are having to go through the process of grieving their loss, while having to continue to care for their dear one. May Your perfect peace fill their heart and may they be strengthened by Your sufficient grace, to Your praise and glory. In Jesus' name,�Amen.
Displaying the treasures of Your work, Jesus, You invited me to follow You, To sell my goods, to give to the poor, And to completely submit Myself to You. Desires for wealth leads to greed, Satisfaction never being reached. He who seeks no earthly possessions Is free of all avarice aspirations. Jesus, edify my weak human nature, To resist unnecessary commodities, Those classified as evident luxury. May I subdue all greedy tendencies!
God our Father, you will all men and women to be saved and come to the knowlege of your Truth. Send workers into your great harvest that the Gospel may be preached to ever creature and your people, gathered together by the Word of life and strengthened by the power of the Sacraments, may advance in the way of salvation and love. I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Lord, You are the Source of all Life, all Truth, and all Beauty, I pray to You today, with all my heart, for my intelligence, this light in me, this plant which demands years and years of care, this thing in me, mysterious and moving, this activity which sometimes bounds up, sometimes slows down, which sometimes lifts me up with enthusiasm and sometimes exasperates me, I pray for this thing which runs after ideas, symbols and numbers, this thing which all of a sudden has penetrated inside the thought of another and melds with it like the fusion of two lights a fusion which bring about warmth and light. I pray to You for my mind as You are the Supreme Intelligence which penetrates, illuminates, and embraces all our intelligences. Lord, help make my intelligence amenable to all truths, able to understand the thoughts of others; give to me the wisdom to know the meaning and purpose of my life and learning, so that my knowledge, understanding, and skills may help in some little ways to make this world a better place, for Your greater glory. Amen.
Lord, help me wallow in my discomfort,Stew in my unease,Sit with my disquiet.�As we journey through thisRacialized pandemic,Harmful leadership,SeeingClear inequities,Anger,Hurt.Aid us in our focus.�How are we people for and with others?Help us open our eyesAs we look at our own faculty, our staff, our boards, our students.What do they look like?What voices are absent?�Help us acknowledge our history:What have we done to exclude, persecute, and silence?How have we been complicit?Forgive us for not being there, for not doing enough.�How can we invite, empower, and lift up these voices?We need to do better.We need to move now.Who can we invite to our tables?�Help us go to the margins,Especially those at our own institutions.Let usStand with the lonely,The sick, the persecuted, those who have been violated.Let us sit with them,In our own unease.�Help us listen to these voices.Help us reflect.Help us prayerfully act.Help us rise,Not to erase our discomfortBut to be fully present,Seeking solidarity,Seeking repentance.�Lord, help us wallow in our discomfort,Let us lean in.�� � � - Sarah Signorino, Canisius College
Jesus, Divine Caller of vocations, You invite some to chosen professions, Others to distinctive spiritual work! Your call may reflect one's ambitions, Or may be a command to a special calling. Inspire me to always know within my heart, What particular type of work is fitting To do Your will at that particular time. Your many callings vary immensely. They are all reflections of Your Holiness. Thank you for my heavenly calling and For maintaining the vocation of Your choice!
I rest in you, Spirit of Life.I place in you my feet, my legs, my torso, my arms, my shoulders, my head and allow you to support all that I am.I rest in you, Spirit of Life, and give to you my worries, my fears, my doubts, my hopes, my joys, my pains, my anger, my love, my hate, and allow you to take in all that I am.And as I give all that I am, I find the place of truth, stillness, still, eternal where you and I are one.I breathe in, deep, deeply, down, up, all that we are, as I stand on my toe at the edge of the universe, in oneness.And all that we are expands, until forever. - Karem Barratt
Lord God and Heavenly King, You alone are the Lord of the earth and King of the universe, and You alone can revive and restore the United States Of America and bring us back under Your own Sovereign rule. Give our President, together with his advisors and the whole of his administration, the wisdom and grace to turn from the ungodly path that they are following, and may they set this nation back on the path of trusting in God. Motivate all our congressmen to strive for integrity and wisdom in all the choices and decisions they make, and may those that are entrusted as judges and lawmakers, likewise act in righteousness, impartiality and integrity as they work for the benefit of all people, and to the honour of Your holy name. Heavenly King, we place our nation at your feet, and pray that we may once again serve You as a nation. May Your will be done in the once greatest nation of the world, the United States of America. Amen. �for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.� (1 Timothy 2:2)
O God, we acknowledge You today as Lord, Not only of individuals, but of nations and governments. We thank You for the privilege Of being able to organize ourselves politically And of knowing that political loyalty Does not have to mean disloyalty to You. We thank You for Your law, Which our Founding Fathers acknowledged And recognized as higher than any human law. We thank You for the opportunity that this election year puts before us, To exercise our solemn duty not only to vote, But to influence countless others to vote, And to vote correctly. Lord, we pray that Your people may be awakened. Let them realize that while politics is not their salvation, Their response to You requires that they be politically active. Awaken Your people to know that they are not called to be a sect fleeing the world But rather a community of faith renewing the world. Awaken them that the same hands lifted up to You in prayer Are the hands that pull the lever in the voting booth; That the same eyes that read Your Word Are the eyes that read the names on the ballot, And that they do not cease to be Christians When they enter the voting booth. Awaken Your people to a commitment to justice, To the sanctity of marriage and the family, To the dignity of each individual human life, And to the truth that human rights begin when Human Lives Begin, And not one moment later. Lord, we rejoice today That we are citizens of Your kingdom. May that make us all the more committed To being faithful citizens on earth. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
O God, we acknowledge You today as Lord, Not only of individuals, but of nations and governments. We thank You for the privilege Of being able to organize ourselves politically And of knowing that political loyalty Does not have to mean disloyalty to You. We thank You for Your law, Which our Founding Fathers acknowledged And recognized as higher than any human law. We thank You for the opportunity that this election year puts before us, To exercise our solemn duty not only to vote, But to influence countless others to vote, And to vote correctly. Lord, we pray that Your people may be awakened. Let them realize that while politics is not their salvation, Their response to You requires that they be politically active. Awaken Your people to know that they are not called to be a sect fleeing the world But rather a community of faith renewing the world. Awaken them that the same hands lifted up to You in prayer Are the hands that pull the lever in the voting booth; That the same eyes that read Your Word Are the eyes that read the names on the ballot, And that they do not cease to be Christians When they enter the voting booth. Awaken Your people to a commitment to justice, To the sanctity of marriage and the family, To the dignity of each individual human life, And to the truth that human rights begin when Human Lives Begin, And not one moment later. Lord, we rejoice today That we are citizens of Your kingdom. May that make us all the more committed To being faithful citizens on earth. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
May we who are merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at stake. May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable. May we who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health and making their rent. May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close remember those who have no options. May we who have to cancel our trips remember those who have no safe place to go. May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market remember those who have no margin at all. May we who settle in for a quarantine at home remember those who have no home. As fear grips our country, let us choose love. And during this time when we may not be able to physically wrap our arms around each other, let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors. Amen. - Written by Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II
Thank You, Father, that You have called me out of darkness into Your marvellous light and set me free from slavery to sin and released me from bondage to fear.��Thank You for breathing the new resurrection life of Christ into my very being, and for taking up permanent residence within my heart. Lord, I want to be led by Your Holy Spirit and to walk in spirit and truth. I want to live a godly life and to develop personal holiness, but I do not really know how to.��Lord, I come to You incapable of being able to live a holy life myself and humbly ask You Lord, that You would teach me to be holy and show me how You would have me live. Open my eyes to see what You would have to do. Unblock my ears so that I may hear Your still small voice, and give me a teachable spirit to learn all that You would teach me. I know that alone I can do nothing, but in Christ, Who is my life, I can do all things. In Jesus' name,�Amen.
Dear Lord, We rejoice in the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Francis I. What a wonderful gift you have bestowed upon us in this courageous leader! We thank you for your continued guidance of our Most Holy Church, and we pray you continue to extend your blessings to our Church Fathers and all your faithful. We ask that you be with Francis now, as he embarks on a great undertaking, shepherding, stewarding, and renewing the flock. We pledge to you, our Lord, our most true and humble obedience to your will through our Holy Father who guides and fosters us through these turbulent times. Amen.
