1 MORNING PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I thank you for keeping me safe through the night and for giving me another day in which to serve you. You have created me, redeemed me through your son Jesus Christ and called me to your eternal kingdom. Therefore, I want to belong to you wholly today, for the rest of my life, and through all eternity. May your holy will be done in me; give me light that I may know what I ought to do for you during this day. Protect me from all evil; lead me through your son Jesus Christ; fill me with the love of the Holy Spirit. All for your glory! All for love of you!
-Amen.
2 MY GOD IS NO STRANGER
I’ve never seen God
But I know how I feel
It’s people like you who Make him “so real”
My God is no stranger
A friend, come what may And he doesn’t ask me
To weep when I pray.
It seems often that I pass him, So often each day
In the faces of people I meet on the way
He’s in the stars in some heaven
A smile on some face
A leaf on a tree
A rose in a vase.
He’s winter and autumn And summer and spring
In short, God is every Real wonderful thing I wish I might meet him
Much more than I do
I would if there were More people like you
-Amen.
— Beverly James
3
OH LORD, OPEN MY EYES
Oh lord, open my eyes, to see what is beautiful; My mind, to know what is true: My heart, to love what is good: for Jesus’s sake.
-Amen.
4 LOVING FATHER, WE PRAISE YOU FOR THE WONDERFUL THINGS WHICH YOU HAVE GIVEN TO US:
For the beautiful sun, For the rain which makes things grow, For the woods and the fields, For the sea and the sky, For the flowers and the birds And for all your gifts to us. Everything around us rejoices. Make us also to rejoice and give us thankful hearts.
5
A PRAYER FOR THE MORNING
Lord, all through the night
You have watched over the world And cared for those I love. And I have woken, Not to chaos and darkness, But to order, beauty and hope. Thank you, Lord, Take my thankfulness And turn it into love For you world
Take my hope and make them thoughts, Words and deeds for you. Take my fears And let your light shine through them That I may see them for what they are. Be with me, Lord, in every hour this day.
-Amen.
-Amen.
6 THIS DAY GOD GIVES ME
This day God gives me
Strength of high heaven
Sun and moon shining, Flame in my hearth, Flashing of lightening, Wind in its swiftness, Deeps of the ocean, Firmness of the earth. This day God sends me Strength as my steersmen, Might to uphold me, Wisdom and guide. Your eyes are watchful, Your ears are listening, Your lips are speaking, Friend at my side.
God’s way is my way, God’s shield is around me, God’s host defends me, Saving from ill. Drive from me always Angels of heaven, All that would harm me, Stand by me still.
Rising, I thank you, Mighty and strong one, King of creation, Giver of rest. Firmly confessing Threeness of Persons, Oneness of Godhead, Trinity blest.
7 PRAYER FOR THE EVENING
Jesus, I am tired,
The day is done. I bring before you
The happiness and sadness of today,
All the hopes,
All the things done well, All the failures.
And now I thank you for it all, And ask for forgiveness
For the wrong things I did
And the good things I forgot to do. I ask your blessing
On all the people I met, And on my family and friends. Now, having returned all this day to you, I seek your peace this night with me. -Amen.
8 AND PEACE AT LAST
May he support us all day long, till the shades lengthen and the evening comes and the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over and our work is donethen in his mercymay he give us a safe lodging and a holy rest and peace at the last.
-Amen.
9 A NIGHT PRAYER FOR THOSE IN NEED
O God, before I sleep, I remember before you all the people I love, And now in the silence I say their names to you. All the people who are sad and lonely, old and forgotten, Poor and hungry and cold, In pain of body and distress of mind. Bless all who specifically need your blessing, And bless me, too, And make this a good night for me. This I ask for your love’s sake.
10
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses As we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.
11 THE APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit And born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, And is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
-Amen.
-Amen.
12 GENERAL INTERCESSIONS FOR FEASTS OF OUR LADY
Grant us, Lord, ever to have a faithful devotion to Mary, who will most surely lead us to Christ our Saviour, Lord hear us.
May all men, Lord, come to recognise that they are all sons of one mother, so that putting aside all ill-will, envy and rancour, we may enjoy peace, unity and true brotherhood, Lord hear us.
May the intercession of Mary, Lord, bring peace and joy to all who are dear to us, and to all whom we pray, Lord hear us.
May Mary, Lord, who experienced sorrow in her life bring comfort to all who are in sorrow or in pain, Lord hear us.
May the motherly protection of Mary, Lord, be given especially to our Holy Father the Pope, who is her son’s vicar on earth.
-Amen.
13
THE HAIL MARY
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, Now and at the hour of our death.
-Amen.
14
HAIL HOLY QUEEN
Hail Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, Our life, our sweetness and our hope.
To you do we cy, poor banished children of Eve, To you do we send up our sighs, mou ring and weeping, in the vale of tears. Turn them, O most gracious Advocate in your eyes of mercy towards us. After this our exile, Show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
-Amen.
15
MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS
Mary, other nations have asked your protection and received it. Help and protect the people of Australia who call you their national patroness. Watch over me and make me courageous in what is right. As my youth merges in adulthood, make me a worthy citizen of my country and a source of strength to other Australians.
-Amen.
16 THE ANGELUS
An angel of the Lord appeared to the Virgin Mary And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary. Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to your word. Hail Mary. And the Word was made of flesh. And dwelt among us. Hail Mary.
Pray for us O Holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray:
Father you made known to us
The incarnation of your Son
Through the message of an angel.
Grant us help in our life
And the joy of a resurrection
In your friendship
We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
17 THE SONG OF THE VIRGIN MARY
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour; For he has looked with favour on his lowly servant, And from this day all generations will call me blessed. The Almighty has done great things for me holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, He has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, And has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, And has sent the rich away empty.
-Amen.
18 HOW TO RECITE THE ROSARY
The rosary is a series of prayers and meditations in honour of our Lord and the blessed Virgin Mary. The whole rosary is composed of fifteen decades. A decade consists of: the Lord’s Prayer, ten Hail Mary’s, and the Glory be to the Father.
A pair of rosary beads has 5 decades of beads, as it is common practice to recite 5 decades at a time, while meditating on one of the 5 joyful, sorrowful, or glorious mysteries in the life of our Lord and the blessed Virgin Mary. It is customary to commence the rosary by saying the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, three Hail Mary’s and the Glory be to the Father.
The Hail, Holy Queen is usually said after the five decades are completed.
The Rosary:
The Sign of the Cross
The Apostles’ Creed
The Lord’s Prayer on the large beads.
The Hail Mary on the small beads.
The Glory be to the Father, at the end of each decade.
At the end of the five decades the Hail, Holy Queen.
THE FIVE JOYFUL MYSTERIES
1. The Annunciation
The angel went in and said to her, ‘Rejoice, so highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’ Luke 1:28.
2. The Visitation
And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, ‘Of all women you are the most blessed, blessed is the fruit of your womb.’ Luke 1:41-42
3. The Birth of Jesus
And she gave birth to a son, her first-born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn. Luke 2:7.
4. The Presentation
And when the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the Law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. Luke 2:2223
5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
Three days later, they found him in the Temple, sitting among the doctors and listening to them, and asking them questions. Luke 2:46.
THE FIVE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES
1. The Agony in the Garden
In his anguish he prayed even more earnestly, and his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. When he rose from prayer he went to the disciples and found them sleeping for sheer grief. Luke 22:44-45
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
Pilate then had Jesus taken away and scourged. John 19:1.
3. The Crowning with Thorns
Then they stripped him and made him wear a scarlet cloak, and having twisted some thorns into a crown they put this on his head and placed a reed in his right hand. Matthew 27:28-19.
4. The Carrying of the Cross
And carrying his own cross he went out of the city to the place of the skull or, as it was called in Hebrew, Golgotha. John 19:17
5. The Crucifixion
And when Jesus had cried out in a loud voice, he said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit’. With these words he breathed his last. Luke 23:46
THE FIVE GLORIOUS MYSTERIES
1. The Resurrection
You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified: he has risen, he is not here. See, here is the place where they laid him. Mark 16:6
2. The Ascension
And so the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up to heaven: there at the right hand of God he took his place.
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak foreign languages as the Spirit gave them the gift of speech. Acts 2:4
4. The Assumption of our Lady into Heaven
Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman, adorned with the sun, standing on the moon, and with the twelve stars on her head for a crown. Revelation 12:1.
5. The Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Heaven
‘You are the glory of Jerusalem!
You are the highest honour of our race!
And God has approved of what you have done.
‘May you be blessed by the Lord Almighty in all the days to come!’ Judith. 15:10-11.
19 GRACE BEFORE MEALS
All living things look to you to give them their food in due season. You give it, they gather it up: you open your hand, they have their fill. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Bless us, O Lord, and these your gifts which we are about to receive from your bounty, through Christ our Lord. -Amen.
20
Thank you, Father, for this food, Which you gave to do us good. Help us to remember you All day long, in all we do.
21 We thank thee, Father, for thy care For all thy children everywhere. As thou dost feed us all our days May all our lives be filled with praise.
-Amen.
-Amen.
22 Be present at our table, Lord; Be here and everywhere adored. Thy creatures bless, and grant that we May feast in paradise with thee. -Amen.
John Wesley (1703-1791)
23 FOR PEOPLE IN NEED
For all those who are bitter and cynical, turned in on themselves and scornful of others, make them mild and open their eyes again to the goodness that is possible among men and to your creation and your future, LORD, HEAR US
For all whose self-confidence has been undermined by the harsh criticism of others, for all the who are misunderstood and who never hear a kind word or meet anyone who will accept them, LORD, HEAR US
For all those who live with injustice, who are caught up in an inhuman system and who cannot make any headway under it; For all soldiers at the front who have to fight and kill against their will and against their consciences, LORD, HEAR US
For all who have lost heart because of so much evil in the world, but also for those who are optimistic, for those who radiate strength and can offer friendshipthat they may not fail when they are tested and that we may never lack their companionship, LORD, HEAR US
We pray to you, for all those who have no form or grace to look up to, for those who cannot keep up with others, for children who have been born unlucky, for all those who are incurably ill
We ask you that we may discover the meaning of their presence in the world.
LORD, HEAR US.
24 PRAYER OF HEALING
God of Mercy and Compassion, Our hearts are heavy with the pain of our people. We are sorry.
Hopelessness and despair of life has caused much hurt and anger
They have lost their way.
We ask you to touch the hearts of our broken people. Mend their paths and walk with them.
May they feel the Spirit of our Ancestors.
May the Spirit of our Ancestors strengthen and guide us, On our journey back to the light of hope, And the love of life in Christ
(Written by AICCQ Working Group
27 October 2000)
25
ABORIGINAL THANKSGIVING PRAYER
God of Holy Dreaming, Great Creator Spirit, from the dawn of creation you have given your children the good things of Mother Earth. You spoke and the gum tree grew.
In the vast desert and the dense forest, and in the cities and at the water’s edge creation sings your praise.
Your presence endures at the rock at the heart of our Land. When Jesus hung on the tree you heard the cries of all your people and became one with your wounded ones: the convicts, the hunted, the dispossessed.
The sunrise of your Son coloured the earth anew, and bathed it in glorious hope.
In Jesus we have been reconciled to you, to each other and to your whole creation.
Lead us on, Great Spirit, as we gather from the four corners of the earth; enable us to walk together in trust from the hurt and shame of the past into the full day which has dawned in Jesus Christ. -Amen.
[Permission to use this prayer by Rev. Lenore Parker.]
26 JUBILEE PRAYER
Father Our Creator,
You created all things, seen and unseen, Listen to my silent prayer as I stand here before you.
As my weary eyes look back over distant horizons, Back to those days where my people walked.
The footprints of my grandfathers are imprinted on the earth
And their images become real to me.
I see my Grandfathers standing tall and strong, warriors of long ago I hear them singing I see them dancing
And my spirit moves within me.
They told of the emus fighting
And the kangaroos picking up the scent of our hunters
The images fade away as I feel the hurt of my people.
I can hear the cries of my Grandmothers as they cry for their children Grandfather, you can see me as I stand here and feel this hurt
Father Creator, is this the purpose of my being here
Or is it your plan to reshape my people
To be once again the proud race it once was?
Let me walk with you and my Grandfathers
Towards the dawning of a proud and new nation.
I thank you for my Sacred Being.
-Amen.
(NATSICC Leadership Gathering November 1995)
27 PRAYER OF THE ABORIGINAL PEOPLE
Father of all, You gave us the Dreaming, You have spoken to us through our beliefs, You then made your love clear to us in the person of Jesus
We thank you for your care.
You own us, you are our hope. Make us strong as we face the problems of change.
We ask you to help the people of Australia to listen to us and respect our culture.
Make the knowledge of you grow strong in all people, So that you can be at home in us and we can make a home for everyone in our land.
-Amen.
(Prepared by Aboriginal people for Pope John Paul II’s visit to Alice Springs 1986)
28 FOR GENEROSITY
Lord, teach me to be generous, To serve you as you deserve to be served, To give without counting the cost, To fight without counting the wounds, To work without seeking to rest, To spend my life without expecting any other return than the knowledge that I’m doing your holy will.
29 PRAYER FOR INSPIRATION
We pray you, Lord, to prompt our actions by your inspiration and to forward them by your help, so that every prayer and work of ours may begin from you and with you be completed. Through Christ our Lord.
30 PRAYER FOR KINDNESS
Jesus, help me to live with enthusiasm; to see a lonely person and to talk to him; to give a word of encouragement to a struggling student; to be patient with my friend even when they are wrong; to donate to charity even though world hunger will still exist; to accept you as my saviour and to trust you as my friend.
31 FOR CONFIDENCE
Sometimes Jesus, I become very discouraged, worried, anxious. Everything seems to fail. Help me then Jesus. Fill my heart with great confidence, with great trust, with great love of you. Make me realise, Jesus, that the little daily trials and troubles are but opportunities for me to prove my love for you.
FOR THE NEEDY
Grant, Lord, that I may gladly share what I have with the needy, humbly ask for what I need from him who has, sincerely admit the evil I have done, calmly bear the evil I suffer, not envy my neighbour for his blessings, and thank you unceasingly whenever you hear my prayer.
33 FOR SERVICE TO OTHERS
Make us worthy, Lord, To serve our fellow human beings throughout the world who live and die in poverty and hunger. Give them through our hands this day their daily bread, And by our understanding love, give peace and joy.
-Amen.
-Amen.
St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
-Amen.
Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
34 THE SERENITY PRAYER
Lord, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference.
35 FOR A GOOD CHOICE
Dear Father, you are the creator origin of all I am and of all I am called to be. With the talents and opportunities I have, how may I serve you best? Please guide my mind and heart, open me to the needs of my country and of the world, and help me to choose wisely and practically for your honour and glory and for the good of all those whose lives I touch.
36 BEFORE STUDY
Creator of all things, true source of light and wisdom, give me a sharp sense of understanding, a retentive memory, and the ability to grasp things correctly and fundamentally. Grant me the talent of being exact in my explanations, and the ability to express myself with thoroughness and charm. Point out the beginning, direct the progress, and help in the completion; through Christ our Lord.
-Amen.
-Amen.
-Amen.
St Thomas Aquinas
37 FOR INSIGHT
May the Lord Jesus touch our eyes, as he did those of the blind. Then we shall begin to see in visible things those which are invisible. May he open our eyes to gaze, not on present realities, but on the blessings to come. May he open the eyes of our heart to contemplate God in spirit, through Jesus Christ the Lord, to whom belong power and glory through all eternity.
FOR PERSEVERANCE
O Lord, keep us from the vain strife of words and help us profess the truth. Preserve us in the faith, true faith and undefiled, that we may always hold fast what we promised when we were baptised in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
May we have you for our Father, and my we live in your Son and in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, through the same Christ Jesus our Lord.
-Amen.
- St. Hilary of Poitiers
39 I PLACE THEM IN YOUR CARE
Lord Jesus Christ, I praise you for my parents and my brothers and sisters whom you have given me to cherish. Surround them with your tender, loving care, teach them to love and serve one another in true affection and to look to you in all their needs. I place them all in your care, knowing that your love for them is greater than my own. Keep us close to one another in this life and conduct us at the last to our true and heavenly home. Blessed be God forever.
40 OUR PLACE IN THE FAMILY OF LIFE
Almighty God, you have given us the world and all that is therein. HELP US TO CARE.
You have confronted us with hunger, poverty, illiteracy, disease and ignorance. HELP US TO BE AWARE.
You have endowed us with intelligence, ingenuity, energies, resources and skills. HELP US TO SHARE.
Help us become increasingly sensitive to the needs of all your people everywhere. Help us to work together to gain a better understanding of our place in the family of man. OUR LIVES WILL BE OUR THANKS.
-Amen.
-Amen.
41 FOR FAMILIES
O God our Father, bind together in your all-embracing love every family on earth.
Banish anger and bitterness within them; nourish forgiveness and peace.
Bestow upon parents such wisdom and patience that they may gently exercise the disciplines of love, and call forth from their children their greatest virtues and their highest skill.
Instil in children such independence and self-respect that they may freely obey their parents, and grow in the joys of companionship.
Open ears to hear the truth within the words another speaks; open eyes to see the reality beneath another’s appearance; and make the mutual affection of families a sign of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
42 FOR OUR FAMILY
Father, remember our family today, help us to love one another unselfishly, as Christ does his Church, so that we may live together in joy and peace and give you heartfelt praise, through your Son and in the Holy Spirit.
-Amen.
-Amen.
43 THANK YOU LORD FOR MY FAMILY
Thank you, Lord, for everything. Thank you especially for my family.
For the good times we have and for the hard times we do at times experience.
Watch over each of our family and may we come closer to each other in our love and understanding and so be a support and comfort to all. May we rejoice in all that you have given to each of us.
FOR FAMILY PEACE
Holy Father, if any of us has any grievance against another, may the sun not set on our anger or disappointment, but may we present as our offering to you a forgiving heart.
Grant each of us the courage to forgive those who have offended us, the patience to bear with our own faults, and the faith to renew our commitment to you each day of the year.
-Amen.
-Amen.
45 FOR PARENTS IN TROUBLE
Lord, you are present everywhere. We ask for help for those of our parents who are in trouble. Where they are at odds with each other, we pray for a breakthrough and reconciliation. Where a job has been lost, grant a new opportunity for useful work. Where there is sickness, we pray for healing and strength. Where there are patterns which make life dull, we pray for a broken routine which will allow for new possibilities. O Lord, some of our parents have trouble. We ask that you help them, and to help us to know what to do; through Jesus Christ your Son.
46 FOR THOSE WE LOVE
Lord God,
We can hope for others nothing better than the happiness we desire for ourselves. Therefore, I pray you, do not separate me after death from those I have tenderly loved on earth. Grant that where I am they may be with me, and that I may enjoy their presence in heaven after being so deprived of it on earth. Lord God, I ask you to receive your beloved children immediately into your life-giving heart. After this brief life on earth, give them eternal happiness.
47 FOR THE SICK
Father, your only Son took upon himself the sufferings and weakness of the whole human race; through his passion and cross he taught us how good can be brought out of suffering. Look upon our brothers and sisters who are ill. In the midst of illness and pain, may they be united with Christ, who heals both body and soul; may they know the consolation promised to those who suffer and be fully restored to health. Through Christ our Lord.
48
FOR RECOVERY FROM SICKNESS
God of heavenly power, one word from you can free us from every weakness and disease. Kindly hear our prayers, free us from our sickness, restore our health, and give us the vigour to praise you unceasingly. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
-Amen.
-Amen.
49 FOR THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US
The Lord will open to them the gates of paradise, and they will return to that homeland where there is no death, but only lasting joy. Give them eternal rest, O Lord, and let them share your glory.
O God, our Creator and Redeemer, by your power Christ conquered death and returned to you in glory. May all your people who have gone before us in faith share his victory and enjoy the vision of your glory forever, where Christ lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever.
50 PRAYER FOR A DECEASED PERSON
Father, creator and redeemer of all faithful, grant mercy to the recently deceased… May he come to share your eternal happiness. We ask this through your Son, Jesus, O Lord.
Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.
51 HEALTH AND SICKNESS
-Amen.
-Amen.
-Amen.
Jesus, I sometimes make a great fuss because I don’t feel very well, and take my usual good health for granted. Help me to be thankful for it and help me to look after my body sensibly. Give knowledge and sympathy to doctors, dentists, nurses, and all healthcare workers.
- Amen.
52 GENERAL INTERCESSIONS FOR THE DEAD
Give eternal rest, Lord, to all who are dear to usparents, family, friends, relationswhom you have given us and taken from us, Lord hear us.
Especially we pray you, Lord, for all who have no one to pray for them; receive them into your mercy and give them life, Lord hear us.
We pray you, Lord, reward with eternal life all who laid down their lives in the service of others, or in the defence of their country and those they loved, Lord hear us.
53 HOPE
Hope means to keep living amid desperation and to keep humming in the darkness. Hoping is knowing that there is love, it is trust in tomorrow it is falling asleep and waking again when the sun rises. In the midst of a gale at sea, it is to discover land. In the eyes of another it is to see that he understands you. As long as there is hope there will also be prayer, and God will be holding you in his hands.
54 ACCEPT YOU ARE ACCEPTED
Accept You are accepted By One far greater Thank you,
Whose name
You neither know nor ask, Whose will You seek not now, Perhaps you may do so later.
Search for nothing, Perform nothing, No intend nothing, Simply accept You are accepted.
Accepting, You may not Be better than you were, Or believe more than you did,
But in the acceptance moment Grace conquers sin, Estrangement departs, Reconciliation is achieved.
55 THINGS TO BELIEVE
Believe in yourself; you are God’s creation. Believe in your job; honest work is a form of worship. Believe in this day; every minute contains an opportunity to serve God. Believe in your family; create harmony and togetherness by working together. Believe in your neighbours; friends are an important ingredient of a happy life. Believe in the present; yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come. Believe in God’s promise; he means it when he says, “I am with you always.” Believe in God’s mercy; since God forgives you, you can forgive yourself and try again tomorrow.
-Amen.
PRAYER TO BE MINDFUL
Dear Lord, I wake up and I realise how quickly time is flying. Teach me to remember my days carefully, so that I can be wise in how best to use them. This is another day of opportunity: so I ask you to help me see the opportunities you send and to use them wisely.
Help me, Lord, not to get too wrapped up in thinking about myself, but to think of others first.
Bless those for whom today is not going to be an easy day those who are facing big decisions; those who are struggling with temptation; those who have great problems to solve; those who need your special power to help them this day.
Bless those for whom today is going to be a very sad day those who have lost a loved one; those who have lost their partner; those who have lost their children; those who are unable to find work.
Bless those for whom today is going to be a happy day. may their happiness spill over onto others, so that together we may enjoy that happiness that comes from you.
Help me, O Lord, to bear the burdens of others, even as Jesus has carried all my burdens, and relieved me with his love.
-Amen.
57 PRAYER TO START YOUR DAY
Dear Lord,
As I go out into the busy world today, I need your power and your direction. Give to mehumility so that I do not exaggerate my own importance; graciousness and gentleness so that I am a better person to live with; consistency of effort and reliability so that I do my work well; alertness so that I can see quickly how to help those around me; your love so that I can understand how others feel, and be able to help them; the continual awareness of your presence so that I may consciously try to do your will.
-Amen.
FOR GOD’S GOOD EARTH
Father, the bible tells us you looked on all that you made and saw that it was good. But we have been too willing to squander the richness of creation. We have laid the axe to the mighty forests, despoiled the green hillsides, wasted earth’s mineral wealth. We have fouled the air, littered the countryside and polluted the streams and oceans. Voices are raised to stop us from squandering our patrimony. May we look on the planet you have given us and say with pride, once again, “Behold, it is good.”
-Amen.
59 FOR ALL PEOPLE
Father, you have made us. In all colours, in all sizes, rich and poor, young and oldall are your children. Teach us to cooperate rather than to compete, to respect rather than revile, to forgive rather than condemn. Your Son turned from no one. May we learn, like him, to be open to the share of the divine that you have implanted in each of your children. And may we forge a bond of love that will make a living reality the brotherhood in which we profess to believe.
60
THE WORLD WE LIVE IN
-Amen.
Thank you God for other people, for all the people whom I don’t know but whose daily work enriches and make possible my own life. Help people to remember that we all depend on each other and that no group is more important than another.
- Amen.
61 FOR OUR NATION
Eternal God, have mercy on the faithful for whom our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ poured out his precious blood. Through your only-begotten Son avert that dangers which threaten our people and country.
-Amen.
- St. Peter Canisius
62
FOR
CIVIL AUTHORITIES
Almighty and ever-living God, in whose hand are the rights and hopes of every people. Look graciously on those who govern, that in lasting peace they may promote social progress and religious freedom for all the nations of the earth. Through Christ our Lord.
63 FOR THE CHURCH
Gracious Father, We pray to you for our holy Catholic Church. Fill it with your truth. Keep it in your peace. Where it is corrupt, reform it. Where it is in error, correct it. Where it is right, defend it. Where it is in want, provide for it. Where it is divided, reunite it; For the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.
64
PRAYER FOR THE BISHOP
-Amen.
-Amen.
Lord our God you have chosen your servant to be a shepherd of your flock in the tradition of the apostles. Give him a spirit of courage and right judgement, a spirit of knowledge and love. By governing with fidelity those entrusted to his care may he build your Church as a sign of salvation for the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. - Amen.
65 THE CHURCH
Thank you, Lord, for the Christian Church, its work and witness in all ages and throughout the world. Thank you for the church I attend, and for the people who have taught me about you. Help me work for you, as a member of the Church.
-Amen.
66
Lord Jesus, please help us to remember that you think it is better to give things than to get them. Please teach us to be givers, giving our time to hep at home, giving turns to each other at play, and giving our best work at school.
-Amen.
67 My father, all last year you took care of me and now you have given me a birthday. I thank you for all your goodness and kindness to me. You have given me loving parents, a home, gifts, and clothes. Thank you, God. Help me to be a better child in my new year, to grow strong, to study well, to work happily.
-Amen.
68
Dear Father God, we thank you that we are able to see
We thank you that we are able to hear
- please help the blind.
- please help the deaf. We thank you that we are able to speak
- please help the mute.
We thank you that we can run and jump and play
- please help the sick and injured everywhere. -Amen.
69 PRAYER FOR THE POPE
May the Lord preserve him and give him life. Make him blessed upon the earth and deliver him not to the will of his enemies.
70 FOR THE CHURCH OF YOUR SON JESUS
God our Father, we pray to you for the Church of your Son Jesus. Let her be the resplendent with the beauty of Jesus; let her avoid painting herself with the vain beauty of the world. Let her not be disfigured by the wrinkles of old age; let her represent for all people the hope of the future.
Let her face be purified from every strain of pride; let her show preference for the poor and the humble. Let her be holy and spotless; let her not be maimed by error. Let her shun the unseemly “adornments” of money and power.
Lord Jesus, you have loved your Church, and you have given yourself up for her; we pray to you: Guide this Church that she, in turn, will love all people, and put people at their service.
-Amen.
71 PRAYER FOR THE BISHOP
O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all the faithful, look favourably upon your servant…May he by word and example help those over whom he is placed, so that shepherd and flock may reach eternal life.
-Amen.
72 PRAYER FOR PEACE
O God, from whom proceed all holy desires, all right counsels and all just works, give unto your servants that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey your commandments, and, being delivered from the fear of our enemies, we may pass our time under your protection in peace and rest. Through Christ our Lord.
73 PRAYER FOR PEACE
-Amen.
O God, from whom are holy desires, right counsels and just works, grant to your servants that peace which the world cannot provide; that our hearts may be devoted to keeping your commandments, and with fear of the enemy removed, may our times be peaceful under your protection.
-Amen.
74 PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, let me bring faith; where there is despair, hope.
O divine Master! Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive, it is pardoning that we are pardoned; and in dying that we are born to eternal life.
75 A PRAYER FOR PEACEMAKERS
O Lord, God of peace, you have created us and shown us your love so that we may share in your glory. We bless you and give thanks because you have sent us Jesus, your well-beloved Son.
Through the mystery of his resurrection, you made him the worker of salvation, the source of peace, the bond of brotherhood. We give thanks for the desires, efforts and achievements stirred up by the Spirit of peace in our time, to replace hate by love, mistrust by understanding, indifference by interdependence.
Open our minds and hearts to the real demands of love, so that we may become more completely peacemakers. Remember, Father of mercy, all who struggle, suffer and die to bring forth a world of closer relationship. May your kingdom of justice, peace and love come to people of every race and tongue. May the earth be filled with your glory.
-Amen.
- Pope Paul VI (1897-1978)
-Amen.
76 FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES
Let us pray for our children: Help them grow in grace and wisdom, and in the knowledge of your Son Jesus Christ. Let us pray for our young people: Give them a full and happy youth; open their hearts to accept not only the suffering but also the joy of the world. Let us pray for all married people who have promised before Christ to be faithful to each other: May the fervour of their love show to the world the tenderness of Christ Jesus toward his Church. Let us pray for all those in the autumn of life: Grant them a peaceful and happy old age; guide their steps on the road to peace.
Let us pray for all those who have no family and home: Show the gentleness of your presence to all who live alone and have no hope but you.
77 FOR VOCATIONS
O God, you wish all men to be saved and come to know your truth. Choose from the families of our diocese many priests, brothers and sisters, who will gladly spend their entire lives in announcing to mankind your truth and saving love. This we ask through Christ, our Lord.
-Amen.
-Amen.
78 ANIMA CHRISTI
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within your wounds hide me. Suffer me not to be separated from you. From the evil enemy defend me. In the hour of my death call me. And me bid me to come to you.
That with your saints I may praise you For ever and ever.
79 OPEN MY MIND
Lord Jesus, you were once a student like me. You studied God’s Law, the history of your people and a trade by which to earn a living. You lived in a human family, made steady progress in understanding and yearned to discover your vocation in life. Open my mind to the truth of things, make me humble before the awesome mysteries of the universe, make me proud to be a human being and a child of God and give me courage to live my life in the light of your gospel.
-Amen.
-Amen.
80 SCHOOL
Lord, I don’t always like school, but help me to remember that I am lucky to be able to go to school.
Help me to make the best of each hour I spend there. Bless the people I meet in school especially.
81 PRAYER BEFORE EXAMS
Lord, it seems as though our lives are one test after another, weighing us in somebody’s balance.
-Amen.
Save us from taking the coming tests too seriously or too lightly, but grant that we may reflect the best of the work we’ve done and the best of the teaching we’ve received; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
-Amen.
82 FOR CHOOSING A CALLING
Dear Father,
you are the creative origin of all I am and all I am called to be. With the talents and opportunities I have, how may I serve you best?
Please guide my mind and heart, open me to the needs of my country and of the world, and help me to choose wisely and practically for your honour and glory and for the good of all those whose lives I touch.
-Amen.
83 FOR PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS
Lord God,
Grant that the Priests and Religious of your Church may remain faithful to the commitment they have made, and continue to grow in love for you and for the people they serve.
May their lives be a sign of your Presence in the world and may they contribute in a significant way to the bringing about your kingdom in the worldA kingdom of truth justice love and peace
Open the hearts of young men and women you are calling to the Priesthood and Religious Life; inspire them to answer your call with love.
-Amen.
FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER FOR THEIR FAITH
O God, today I want to pray to you for people who have to suffer and to sacrifice and their Christian faith.
I ask you to blessMissionaries who go out to other lands to tell the story of Jesus to those who have never heard it, and who have to endure discomforts, face dangers, and accept long months and years of separation from those whom they love; People who live in countries in which Christians are hated and hunted and persecuted for their faith, and especially Christians who live in countries in which they are persecuted and cruelly treated by others who call themselves Christians.
People who live or work in circumstances in which they are laughed at and even despised for trying to live a Christian life.
This I ask for your love’s sake.
-Amen.
85 SOCIAL JUSTICE
Heavenly Father,
Because Jesus came to serve, and not to be served, I understand how great it is to serve. I pray for my nation, May it live out the principles of responsible nationhood, May it constantly pleas for justice in the world, May it be ready to help underdeveloped countries, May it achieve greatness through the path of service. For myself I ask that you would show me what part I should playI am your servant Where should I serve?
86
FOR A JOYOUS HEART
Lord, grant me a joyous heart that sees always what is fine and pure and is not frightened at the sight of sin, but created order wherever it goes. Grant me a heart that knows nothing of boredom, weeping and sighing. let me not be too concerned with the bothersome thing I call “myself”.
Lord, give me a sense of humour and I will find happiness in life and love for others.
87 ACT OF FAITH
-Amen.
-Amen.
- St. Thomas More
O my God, I firmly believe all the truths that the holy catholic Church believes and teaches. I believe these truths, O Lord, because you have revealed them to her and in this faith I am resolved to live and die.
-Amen.
88 ACT OF HOPE
O my God, relying on your promises, I hope that, through the infinite merits of Jesus Christ, you will grant me pardon of my sins, and the graces necessary to serve you in this life and to obtain eternal happiness in the next.
-Amen.
89 ACT OF CHARITY
O my God, I love you with my whole heart and above all things, because you are infinitely good and perfect; and I love my neighbour as myself for love of you. Grant that I may love you more and more in this life, and in the next for all eternity.
-Amen.
90 LORD THAT I MAY SEE
See always with new wonder and fresh joy – the common things of earth, and air and sky; that I may not be blind to beauties all around me. The daisies in the grass, the eyes of little children, the bird upon the wing, the robin at the window, the first faint streak of early dawn – the glorious skies at sunset; clouds that come and go. The stars that shine at midnight. Lord, let me see how good and gracious in this life Thou art to me. Are my lines cast in pleasant places, let me be, free as the air and merry as the sun beams yet not unmindful of the love that guards me. Should my path lie across the crowded city where I must never hear the skylark sing, or tread the fragrant meadow, let me not trudge along with heavy feet, but let me see the vision of you Lord behind the trellis of my daily work.
-Amen.
91 AN IRISH BLESSING
May the road rise to meet you, May the wind always be at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, May the rains fall soft upon your field, May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
92 FLOOD THE PATH WITH LIGHT
God of our life, there are days when the burdens we carry chafe our shoulders and weigh us down; when the road seems dreary and endless, the skies grey and threatening; when our lives have no music in them, and our hearts are lonely, and our souls have lost their courage. flood the path with light, turn our eyes to where the skies are full of promise; tune our hearts to brave music; give us the sense of comradeship with heroes and saints of every age; and so quicken our spirits that we may be able to encourage the souls of all who journey with us on the road of life, to your honour and glory.
93 THE ROAD AHEAD
-Amen.
Attributed to St. Augustine (354-430)
My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me To face my perils alone.
-Amen.
94 THE BEATITUDES
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
95 FRIENDS
Jesus, when you were on Earth you had friends who were especially close to you.
You knew what it was like to enjoy their company; you also knew what it Was like when they deserted you. Please keep my friends in your care, especially… Help me to be a good friend.
96 FOR THOSE IN NEED
Bless those who are ill, and who cannot sleep tonight because of their pain. Bless those who are in hospitals, in infirmaries, and in nursing homes; and bless the doctors and nurses who are trying to help and to cure them.
Bless those who are sad and lonely. Bless those who are in prison and all those who are in any kind of trouble or disgrace. Bless those who are far away from home, amongst strange people in a strange place.
Bless all those whom I love and all those who love me.
97 ON THE THRESHOLD OF LIFE
-Amen.
Lord, here I stand on the threshold of life- a new life… It’s like standing at the end of a long, lonely dust road on a hot summer’s day. There are road signs, Lord, lots of them; they’re all offering me different things. I don’t know which road to take. Must I choose the easiest one, the smart highway or the muddy path the dust road, or…?
I know nothing of whom I’m going to meet and see, and the difficulties to be overcome.
But Lord, do a friend a favour?
Help me to live fully, no matter what!
And to be completely human. Walk with me, Jesus. Hold me by my hand. Show me which road to take, and help me to get to the top.
-Amen.
98 THANK YOU LORD
Thank you Lord for me. Thank you Lord for my birth. Thank you Lord for the hope of my life before me. Thank you Lord for my family, friends and all the people who matter to me and I to them. Thank you Lord for loving me.
99
LOVE AND NON-LOVE
Lord, you have created us with love and for love. We are sorry for the hatred in the world and in our hearts. You endured the cross for love of us and to conquer hate. Help us to grow in love.
100
CARING FOR OTHERS
As you care for us, Jesus, may we try to care for others. Help us to give our time to others. Help us to give our skills for others. Help us to give money where there is need. Help us to be generous in our words, our deeds and our thoughts.
101 ONE SOLITARY LIFE
-Amen.
-Amen.
-Amen.
He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in still another village, where he worked in a carpenter shop until he was thirty. Then for three years he was an itinerant preacher.
He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a house. He didn’t go to college. He never visited a big city. He never travelled two hundred miles from the place where he was born. He did none of the things one usually associates with greatness. He had no credentials but himself.
He was only thirty-three when the tide of public opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. He was turned over to his enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. While he was dying, his executioners gambled for his clothing, the only property he had on Earth.
When he was dead, he was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.
Centuries have come and gone, and today he is the central figure of the human race, and the leader of mankind’s progress.
All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliament that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together have not affected the life of man on Earth as much as that one Solitary Life.
Attributed to Dr James Allen Francis
102 WITH OR WITHOUT WORDS
We have all experienced moments of prayer in our lives. The fact that we did it once, means that we can do it again. We have the capacity.
Like the amateur athlete who must work to acquire consistent skill, we too must work at prayer. The skill of prayer is within reach of all of us.
Prayer normally takes three forms: meditation contemplation and direct address
Often these forms occur intertwined in one and the same prayer- like strands of wire coiled together in one and the same cable.
In meditation one can ponder life and the events of life to seek God’s presence and action in personal life and human history. Meditation can lead to contemplation. During such a prayer, one can be so struck with the idea of God that they can hardly utter a single word. It is like enjoying a great piece of music or gazing spellbound at some fantastic view of nature
Direct address is the simplest form of prayer. It is merely a response to God’s presence or a “calling out” to him in his apparent absence. Here is an example of direct address in a prayer for perseverance by Gwen Smith: Holy Lord, Thank You for grace. Please help me move beyond the hurdles that trip me up and give me the strength and wisdom to look up and see the hope I run toward in Christ.
103 THE BOUNTIFUL GOD
Australian transposition of Psalm 104 (in Australian Psalms) With all my being I celebrate the Lord! My wonderful God, you are dressed in glorious love! You come to us as bright as the sunlight, and signal to us out of the star-flecked sky. You refresh us with rain and play on tumbling clouds, and ride on the wings of the wind. The breezes are your messengers, and the sparkling fire is your servant.
In the first travail of our planet’s birth, while earth’s crust settled and seas found their shores, While mountains stood tall and valleys nestled below, you were present with a word insistent as thunder. You were the one who first poured streams down valleys, letting the kangaroo drink and cockatoo quench his thirst. You saw the kookaburra settle in the scrub, laughing from among the branches, While the mountain ash lifted high its head, and the river gums gave nesting place to the owl and parrot.
Even now you are still at work; on the rocky hills you shelter the wallaby and lizard. The farmers look up as the clouds still give sweet rain, so that the grass grows and the sheep and cattle are fed. Over the wheat crops the showers spread, the thirsty vineyards are watered; On the slopes the banana plantations are refreshed, till the face of man shines with happiness.
Your sun and moon revolve on, regulating all walking and sleeping; After dark the wild creatures are on the move, then at dawn they slink back to their lairs. In the rhythm of this good life man gets up to work; tired, he comes home at night and receives rest.
Lord, everything you do is so bountiful! The wide sea swarms with tuna, prawns and mackerel. The world teems with living things, all depending on you, taking what you offer, feeding from your hands. If you should hide your face, fear would overtake us; if you should withdraw your breath, all would be no more. But you would only have to speak and all would be renewed; the face of the earth would be radiant again.
May your rule last forever!
May you always find joy in your precious planet! We tremble with joy at your glance! We come to life at your touch!
104 THANK YOU FOR MAKING ME AS I AM
O God, thank you for making me as I am. Thank you for health and strength; For eyes to see; For ears to hear; For hands to work; For feet to walk and run; For a mind to think; For a memory to remember; For a heart to love. Thank you for Parents who are kind to me; Friends who are true to me; Teachers who are patient with me. Thank you for this wonderful life. Help me to try to deserve all your gifts a little more. This I ask for Jesus’ sake.
-Amen.
-Amen.
105 THE BALANCE
Help me God, to find a balance between study and leisure. When work must be done, let me realise that I am here to learn. Let me also see that life is more than books, and being a person comes before grades.
A walk in the fresh outdoors or a simple talk with a friend will do wonders when study gets me down. Guide me along this balance line.
-Amen.
106 A TENDER HEART
Lord, give us a tender heart.
Let us do loving things that surprise even ourselves. Let us stop daily to talk to people who need a good word, mend what is broken, and heal what needs to be loved. Make us more aware of the tiny surprises that are scattered like secrets all around us.
Let us notice the things we have forgotten, and those persons of whom we have grown weary. May we see them in a new way so that we have a new word for them.
As we busily set out to do the large tasks, may we find more time for small celebrations.
O Christ, give us the grace to live out each day as though it were a gift.
O Spirit, surprise us often.
Then let us show our great surprise.
-Amen.
107 PRAYER BEFORE MASS
Almighty and ever-living God, I approach the sacrament of your only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. I come unclean to the fountain of mercy, blind to the radiance of eternal light, poor and needy to the Lord of heaven and earth. Lord, in your great generosity, heal my sickness, wash away my defilement, enlighten my blindness, enrich my poverty, and clothe my nakedness.
May I receive the bread of angels, the King of kings and Lord of lords, with humble reverence, with the purity and faith, the repentance and love, and the determined purpose that will help to bring me to salvation.
May I receive the sacrament of the Lord’s body and blood, and its reality and power.
King God, may I receive the body of your only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, born from the womb of the Virgin Mary, and so be received into his mystical body, and numbered among his members. Loving Father, as on my earthly pilgrimage I now receive your beloved Son under the veil of a sacrament, may I one day see him face to face in glory, who lives and reigns with you for ever.
-Amen.
St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
108 PRAYER AFTER MASS
Lord, Father all-powerful, and ever-living God, I thank you, for even though I am a sinner, your unprofitable servant, not because of my worth, but in the kindness of your mercy, you have fed me with the precious body and blood of your 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 the power to do good. May it be my strong defence 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 you, the one true God, and lead me safely through death to everlasting happiness with you. And I pray that you will lead me, a sinner, to the banquet where you, with your Son and Holy Spirit, are true and perfect light, total fulfillment, everlasting joy, gladness without end, and perfect happiness to your saints. Grant this through Christ our Lord.
-Amen. St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
109 Lord Jesus, take me this day and use me. Take my lips and speak through them. Take my mind and speak through it. Take my will and act through it, and fill my heart with love for you.
110 EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE
I. The Lord says:
“Love the Lord your God with your whole heart.”
-Amen.
Do I keep God in mind and put him first in my life? Or am I too caught up in material concerns?
Do I worship God regularly and carefully?
Do I respect his name, or have I dishonoured it by using it in anger and carelessness?
Do I try to grow in my understanding of the faith?
Do I pray even when I don’t feel like it?
Do I trust God and take seriously enough his personal love and concern for me?
Do I genuinely repent of my sins and accept God’s free and gracious forgiveness?
II. The Lord says:
“Love one another as I have loved you.”
Do I love my family and try to create a happy home life? Or am I sometimes thoughtless and even cruel toward them?
Do I try to maintain and foster friendships and give genuine respect and support to other people?
Am I fair and honest in my relationships? Or do I sometimes lie or take unfair advantage of others by cheating them or stealing from them?
Do I respect the rights and sensitivities of others? Or do I tend to categorize people unfairly or ignore them because they are different?
Do I honestly try to forgive people who dislike me? Or have I tried to hurt them by what I’ve said or done?
Am I trying to improve the quality of life around me? Or do I foul up the
111
environment and waste the good things I have?
Do I really care about my country and the good of the human community of which I am a part? Or do I care only about myself and the people I know?
Am I concerned for the poor, the hungry and the destitute and for the millions who thirst for justice and peace?
Can I contribute more of my time, talents and money to the poor of the world?
III. Jesus says:
“Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Am I working at becoming a better person and a better Christian?
Am I making the most of my talents, my education and my opportunities? Or do I fail to use them sometimes?
Do I take care of my body, and make sure I get enough sleep and exercise?
Am I able to admit my own need for help and to ask for it?
Do I accept myself, despite my limitations and weaknesses?
-Amen.
For our lack of thoughtfulness towards the lonely, the suffering in our midst, Lord have mercy.
For our selfishness in abusing your creation instead of enjoying and praising you in its midst, Lord have mercy.
For selfishly preferring our own ease and enjoyment instead of generously taking up our work, Christ, have mercy.
For our neglect of reflection on your law, especially as it comes to us from Christ in the Gospel, Christ, have mercy.
For the hardness and coldness of our hearts when we refuse to recognise our poverty and the pain we inflict so often on others, Lord have mercy.
-Amen.
112 PRAYER OF REPENTANCE AND TRUST
Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
113 FOR RECONCILIATION
Lord God, out of your great love for the world, you reconciled earth to heaven through your only begotten Son our Saviour. In the darkness of our sins, we fail to love one another as we should; please pour your light into our souls and fill us with your tenderness that we may embrace our friends in you and our enemies for your sake, in a bond of mutual affection. We make our prayer through the same Christ our Lord.
114 ACT OF CONTRITION
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.
(Psalms 130:1-4)
(from the Rite of Penance)
115 THE WAY OF THE CROSS
(The Way of the Cross, or Stations of the Cross, commemorates Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection. It is common for The Stations of the Cross to be celebrated on the Fridays of Lent, in particular Good Friday)
First Station: Jesus is condemned to death.
Help me, Lord to recognise your features in the features of all I meet so that I do not give way to the injustice of prejudice.
Second station: Jesus accepts his cross.
Lord, help me to recognise the crosses which others bear. And help me to accept the crosses of my life with the same kind of love with which you accepted your far heavier cross.
Third station: Jesus falls the first time.
Lord, I’m often deaf to the cries of those who have fallen. I even look down on them at times and forget about my own failures. Grant that I may be more willing to use my freedom to help those who have none.
Fourth station: Jesus meets his mother.
Lord, your mother looked on your suffering with horror and the deepest love. Grant that I may look on the sufferings of others with true compassion.
Fifth station: Simon helps Jesus carry the cross.
Lord, like Simon I turn away from suffering. Help me to be generous enough to share the cross of others who need me
Sixth station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.
Lord, help me to realise that showing compassion to another person need not involve a trip across the world. The opportunities are present everywhere.
Seventh station: Jesus falls the second time.
Lord, so often I am blind to the needs of others- especially when they are strangers. Remove my blindness and increase my love.
Eighth station: Jesus speaks to the weeping women.
Lord, help me not simply to weep over the suffering like the women did over you; Do whatever I can to feed the hungry millions of the world.
Ninth Station: Jesus falls the third time.
Lord, I am like millions of others- I find it difficult to keep trying to do my best. I get discouraged at my failures. Please give me the courage I need to get back up like you did.
Tenth Station: Jesus is stripped of his garments. Lord, I am sometimes selfish. I cling to everything I own. Help me to place less importance on material things and to share what has been given to me.
Eleventh station: Jesus is nailed to the cross.
Lord, torture is an ugly word. Help me to combat its use throughout the world if I can. Above all, help me to root it out of my own life so that I no longer nail people to crosses by word or action.
Twelfth station: Jesus dies on the cross.
Lord, I confess that I fear death and don’t like to face the fact that one day I shall die. Please give me courage to live my days well and to die my death with you at my side.
Thirteenth station: Jesus is taken down from the cross.
Lord, with infinite gentleness your mother took your body into her arms after your death. Grant me the same kind of gentleness so that I may comfort those who are grieving.
Fourteenth station: The burial of Jesus.
Lord, when you were buried it seemed like the end of everything you promised and stood for. But it wasn’t, it was only the beginning. Help me to bury my own selfishness as the beginning of a stronger love for you and your people.
Epilogue: The resurrection.
Lord, you have given me talents and gifts. Help me to use them in your service and in the service of my neighbour.
-Amen.
116 THE LITURGICAL YEAR
(The Liturgical year is the Church’s calendar of feasts and seasons.)
Advent Season:
A time of waiting, of preparing for the coming of Jesus at Christmas and for the coming of Jesus at the end of time.
Christmas Season:
Celebration of the birth of Jesus and of the mission of Jesus, sent by the father into human history. It is a time of great joy. “The word was made flesh and dwelt among us”
Lent:
A time of preparation for Easter, of realising our need for forgiveness, and conversion.
Easter Season:
Celebration of the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus and of his return to the father. It is the highpoint of the Liturgical Year.
Holy Thursday - commemoration of the Last supper.
Good Friday - commemoration of the Death of Jesus.
Easter Sunday - commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus.
Ascension Thursday - commemoration of the return of Jesus to the Father.
Pentecost Season:
Celebration of the coming of the Spirit of Jesus to the early church and of the gift of the Spirit to us which enables us to carry on the mission of Jesus today.
Ordinary Time:
Remembrance of various events in the life of Jesus and reflection on his message of love. -Amen.
117 PRAYER FOR GOOD FRIDAY AND EASTER SUNDAY
Good Friday is a time of sadness, Easter is a time of gladness. On Good Friday Jesus died, But rose again at Eastertide. All thanks and praise to God.
118 Jesus, our Lord, we praise you that nothing could keep you dead in the grave. You are stronger than death and the devil. Help us to remember that there is nothing to be afraid of, because you are alive and by our side.
-Amen.
-Amen.
119 EASTER
Resurrection
Heavenly Father,
We tremble on the threshold of this day’s wonder, lost for words. Like the disciples we dreaded that Jesus’ life had come to nothing, and we did not expect to find him: but he startles us with a greeting and disturbs us with his presence. It is not that we should have forgotten him. We were determined to hold him in our memory and cherish his example, but now he is no mere remembered friend; he is someone who meets us and guides us still. Father, we praise you for his resurrection - unexpected new creation.
You have raised him from the dust of death, and breathe sweet life into the graveyard of this world. Suddenly life has just begun, and we are moved at its great prospect.
Fill us now with the joy of believing. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
-Amen.
120
Jesus, you’re alive!
Not as you were alive in Galilee with your friends. Then only the people who met you could talk to you –but now, everybody can.
I’m talking to you and you’re with me; friends of yours all over the world are talking to you now, this very minute, and you’re with them.
That’s what I like about youalive for everyone.
-Amen.
121 COME TO US SPIRIT OF THE LORD!
Your spirit, Lord, is truth: May it make us free. Come to us, spirit of the Lord!
Your Spirit, Lord, is fire: May it enkindle us with love. Come to us, spirit of the Lord!
Your Spirit, Lord, is gentleness: May it bring us peace. Come to us, Spirit of the Lord!
Your Spirit, Lord, renews the face of the earth: May it renew the depths of our hearts. Come to us, Spirit of the Lord!
Your Spirit, Lord, is prayer: May it open our hearts to give praise. Come to us, Spirit of the Lord!
Your spirit, Lord, fills the whole universe: May it live among us forever. Come to us, Spirit of the Lord!
Your Spirit, Lord, is life: May it raise us up on the last day. Come to us, Spirit of the Lord!
122 A SPIRIT TO KNOW YOU
Gracious and holy Father, please give me: intellect to understand you, reason to discern you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, a spirit to know you, a heart to meditate upon you, ears to hear you, eyes to see you, a tongue to proclaim you, a way of life pleasing to you, patience to wait for you and perseverance to look for you. Grant me a perfect end –your holy presence, a blessed resurrection and life everlasting.
123 Holy Spirit, hear us, Friend from heaven above. Thou art ever near us; Fill our hearts with love.
to St. Benedict of Nursia (+555)
-Amen.
124 We thank you, heavenly Father, that when Jesus went back to be with you in heaven you sent us the Holy Spirit to take his place. Though we cannot see him, we know he is at work in the world, in everything that is good and holy, and in our lives to carry out your will. Send us the Holy Spirit, we pray, to shape and mould our lives and guide us day by day.
-Amen.
-Amen.
Attributed
125 Dear Holy Spirit, you are the one who comes along beside us to help and comfort us. Please make us sure that you are with us.
You are the teacher who helps us to understand and remember what the Bible says. May we learn from you.
You are God who comes to live in our hearts and love us. Help us to welcome you.
For Jesus’ sake.
126 COME HOLY SPIRIT
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, and they shall be created.
And You shall renew the face of the earth.
Let us Pray:
-Amen.
O God, You have taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit. Grant that we may by the gift of the same Holy Spirit be always truly wise and ever rejoice in his consolation. Through Christ our Lord.
-Amen.
127 God, we cannot do your will unless you help us. Send the Holy Spirit into our hearts to show us how to live.
128 PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
Across all our barriers of language, race and nationality,... Unite us, Jesus. Across all our mutual ignorance, prejudices and hostility... Unite us, Jesus. Across all our differences of thought, outlook and religious allegiance… Unite us, Jesus.
O God, for thy greater glory. Gather together the separated Christians.
O God, for the triumph of goodness and truth, Gather together the separated Christians.
O God, that they may henceforth be on flock and one shepherd, Gather together the separated Christians.
O God, that peace may reign in the world at last, Gather together the separated Christians.
129 GENERAL INTERCESSIONS FOR A SAINT’S DAY
Increase in your Church, Lord, the number of your saints, that the Church may give more effective witness to the saving power of Christ, Lord hear us.
May all of us, Lord, accept your universal call to holiness of life, Lord hear us.
By seeking always to know you, and to serve others, Lord, may we achieve the holiness of life you will of us, Lord hear us.
May the example of your saints, Lord, inspire us to imitate them, Lord hear us.
130 GENERAL INTERCESSIONS FOR FEASTS OF OUR LORD
Teach us, Lord, the wisdom ever to go in search of your Son, and grant that with joy we may find him in all things, and in all men, Lord hear us.
Grant, Lord, that in your Son whom you have given us, all the nations of the world may find the source and centre of peace, brotherhood and justice, Lord hear us.
May our lives, Lord, grow ever more Christ-like in compassion for the afflicted, and in care for all who are in need, Lord hear us.
May we always have, Lord, a strong personal love for Our Lord, Jesus Christ, Lord hear us.
-Amen.
131 INVOCATIONS TO THE SACRED HEART
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in you.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, protect our homes.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, may your kingdom come.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, grant us peace through the coming of your kingdom. Jesus, meek and humble of Heart, make our hearts like yours. -Amen.
132 BLESSINGS FOR THE ADVENT SEASON
May the God of hope fill us with all the joy and the peace of our faith, so that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit!
May God our Father strengthen us until the last day so that we will be without blame in the Day of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is faithful, he who calls us to fellowship with his Son Jesus, our Lord. To him be glory forever!
Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus! Your grace be with us all.
May God our Father, who has begun an excellent work in us, see that it is completed when the Day of Christ Jesus comes! To him be glory forever!
May the Lord help us to grow and abound in love for one another. May he confirm our hearts in holiness without blame before God our Father, at the time of his coming with all his saints!
May the God of peace himself make us completely holy. May he keep us blameless in spirt, soul and body, for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Forever faithful is he who calls us - God our Father!
Expectant, let us live in joyful hope for the revelation of the glory of our God and Savior, Christ Jesus! To him be glory forever!
SCRIPTURE TO PRAY WITH
-Amen.
133 There should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it. -Amen.
1 Corinthians 12:25-26
134 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord will be with you. -Amen. Joshua 1:9
PRAYERS OF ST FRANCIS
135 CANTICLE OF THE SUN
Be praised, my Lord, For all your creatures, And first for brother sun, Who makes the day bright and luminous. He is beautiful and radiant With great splendor He is the image of You, Most high.
Be praised, my Lord, For sister moon and the stars. You placed them in the sky, So bright and twinkling.
136 PEACE PRAYER
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
These extracts, prayers and reflection have been taken from the following books:
Mainly About Prayer
God and Man
Madonna Articles
Meditation
Australian Psalms
Take Off Your Shoes
Still Point
Prayers of Life
Christian Response
The Lion Book of Children’s Prayers
Armand Nigro
Brian Moore S. J.
Madonna Publications
Primantgen & Joseph
Prewer
Mark Link
Michel Quoist
