PRAYER FOR NON BELIEVERS

Merciful Lord, who prayed that there be one flock and one shepherd,

I ask the light of faith

for those who are related to me

and do not know You in Your Eucharistic Presence.

Give them the joy of Your protecting presence.

Bring them into the one fold

of which You are the master and Lord.

Forgive them their sins and teach them the way of repentance.

In the end bring them into the larger circle of Your family,

to God our Father,

to Mary our Mother,

and to You our beloved Brother.

Amen.

James Chapter 1:19-27

Know this, my dear brothers: everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath, for the wrath of a man does not accomplish the righteousness of God. Therefore, put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls. Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his own face in a mirror. He sees himself, then goes off and promptly forgets what he looked like. But the one who peers into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres, and is not a hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, such a one shall be blessed in what he does. If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, his religion is vain. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

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Stay With Us

Lord,

the day is already waning,

stay with us.

Stay to illuminate our doubts

and our fears.

Stay so that we may fortify

our light with yours.

Stay to help us be

Strong and generous.

Stay so that in a world

that has little faith and hope

we may be able to encourage

one another

and sow faith and hope.

Stay

so that we, too, may learn from you

to be the light for other young people

and for the world.

– John Paul II

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PRAYER TO CHRIST CRUCIFIED

Keep us in peace, O Christ our God,

under the protection of Thy holy and venerable Cross:

save us from enemies visible and invisible

and account us worthy to glorify Thee with thanksgiving,

together with the Father,

and the Holy Ghost,

now and ever and world without end.

Amen.

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CONFITEOR

I confess to Almighty God,

to blessed Mary ever Virgin,

to blessed Michael, the Archangel,

to blessed John the Baptist,

to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul,

to all the Saints and to you, Father,

that I have sinned exceedingly,

in thought, word and deed,

through my fault,

through my fault,

through my most grievous fault.

Therefore I beseech the blessed Mary,

ever Virgin,

blessed Micahel the Archangel,

blessed John the Baptist,

the holy Apostles Peter and Paul,

all the Saints, and you, Father,

to pray to the Lord our God for me.

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Carry Me Through

Carry me through today, Lord,

With Your gentle wings from above.

Carry me through today, Lord,

Let me feel Your love.

I shall not worry about tomorrow,

Yesterday is gone.

Just carry me through today, Lord,

That’s where I belong.

Through all my trails and troubles,

I know that You are there;

Sometimes it’s hard to see You

Through each tear and care.

Carry me through today, Lord,

Don’t let me slip away.

Tomorrow may be taken from me,

So carry me through today.

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Prayer of Solace

May Christ support us all the day long,

till the shadows lengthen,

and the evening comes,

and the busy world is hushed,

and the fever of life is over

and our work is done.

Then in his mercy

may he give us a safe lodging,

and holy rest and peace at the last.

Amen.

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The Book of Wisdom Chapter 15:1-3

But you, our God, are good and true, slow to anger, and governing all with mercy. For even if we sin, we are yours, and know your might; but we will not sin, knowing that we belong to you. For to know you well is complete justice, and to know your might is the root of immortality.

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A PRAYER FOR LENT

O gracious Master,

infuse in our hearts

the spotless light of Your Divine Wisdom

and open the eyes of our mind

that we may understand the teachings of Your Gospel.

Instill in us also the fear of Your blessed commandments,

so that having curbed all carnal desires,

we may lead a spiritual life,

both thinking and doing everything to please You.

For You, O Christ, our God,

are the enlightenment of our souls and bodies;

and to You we render glory,

together with Your eternal Father,

and with Your all holy,

life-creating Spirit,

now and ever, and forever.

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The Universal Prayer

Lord, I believe in you, increase my faith.

I trust in you, strengthen my trust.

I love you, let me love you more and more.

I am sorry for my sins, deepen my sorrow.

I worship you as my first beginning,

I long for you as my last end,

I praise you as my constant helper,

And call on you as my loving protector.

Guide me by your wisdom,

Correct me with your justice,

Comfort me with your mercy,

Protect me with your power.

I offer you, Lord, my thoughts, to be fixed on you;

My words, to have you for their theme;

My actions, to reflect my love for you;

My sufferings, to be endured for your greater glory.

I want to do what you ask of me:

In the way you ask,

For as long as you ask,

Because you ask it.

Lord, enlighten my understanding,

Strengthen my will,

Purify my heart,

and make me holy.

Help me to repent of my past sins

And to resist temptation in the future.

Help me to rise above my human weaknesses

And to grow stronger as a Christian.

Let me love you, my Lord and my God,

And see myself as I really am:

A pilgrim in this world,

A Christian called to respect and love

All whose lives I touch,

Those under my authority,

My friends and my enemies.

Help me to conquer anger with gentleness,

Greed by generosity,

Apathy by fervor.

Help me to forget myself

And reach out toward others.

Make me prudent in planning,

Courageous in taking risks.

Make me patient in suffering,

unassuming in prosperity.

Keep me, Lord, attentive at prayer,

Temperate in food and drink,

Diligent in my work,

Firm in my good intentions.

Let my conscience be clear,

My conduct without fault,

My speech blameless,

My life well-ordered.

Put me on guard against my human weaknesses.

Let me cherish your love for me,

Keep your law,

And come at last to your salvation.

Teach me to realize that this world is passing,

That my true future is the happiness of heaven,

That life on earth is short,

And the life to come eternal.

Help me to prepare for death

With a proper fear of judgment,

But a greater trust in your goodness.

Lead me safely through death

To the endless joy of heaven.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

Pope Clement XI

Prayer for Souls in Purgatory

My Jesus,

by the sorrows Thou didst suffer in Thine agony in the Garden,

in Thy scourging and crowning with thorns,

on the way to Calvary,

in Thy crucifixion and death,

have mercy on the souls in purgatory,

and especially on those that are most forsaken;

do Thou deliver them from the terrible torments they endure;

call them and admit them to Thy most sweet embrace in paradise.

Amen.

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The LiveSimply Prayer

Compassionate and loving God,

you created the world for us all to share,

A world of beauty and plenty.

Create in us a desire to live simply,

so that our lives may reflect your generosity.

Creator God,

you gave us responsibility for the earth,

a world of riches and delight.

Create in us a desire to live sustainably,

so that those who follow after us

may enjoy the fruits of your creation.

God of peace and justice,

you give us the capacity to change,

to bring about a world that mirrors your wisdom.

Create in us a desire to act in solidarity,

so that pillars of injustice crumble

and those now crushed are set free.

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LOOK UPON THE FACE

O Almighty and Eternal God,

look upon the Face of Thy Son Jesus.

We present It to Thee with confidence to implore Thy pardon.

The All-Merciful Advocate opens His mouth to plead our cause;

hearken to His cries,

behold His tears, O God,

and through His infinite merits

hearken to Him when He intercedes

for us poor miserable sinners.

Amen.

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Love

O God,

you call us

to yourself

through love.

Life is the home

of your grace.

Life is the evidence

of your hope in us.

You draw us

to yourself

by touching

the places

of blessing

that gift us

to human life.

We now lift

those gifts

to you

with the hope

of holy union...

Bless our hearts

with love

for you and

one another.

Inspire our spirits

with freedom

and devotion.

Challenge our minds

with truth.

Nourish our strength

with courage.

Focus our conversion

away from fire

and ashes...

to the burning

transformation

of action,

that we might

place desire

on the altar

of experience.

Amen.

Silence

God of silence,

perhaps what is

mute within us

is merely

your Word

beyond words.

You call forth

this Word

in Jesus,

who loosens

tongues to articulate

the meaning of faithful love.

The light of daily miracles

casts out

the darkness

and celcomes in

the kingdom...

for you join us

in Jesus.

Forgive us

when we resist

your invitation

to accept

the mystery

of your Word.

Enable us to walk

each day

in the shade

of that truth.

Teach us

how to live

with one another.

Do not allow

our lack

of understanding

to be a source

of conflict

but the assurance

of your presence...

a presence

beyond our grasp

yet within our reach.

Amen.

Colossians Chapter 4:1-6

Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, realizing that you too have a Master in heaven. Persevere in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving; at the same time, pray for us, too, that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak of the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison, that I may make it clear, as I must speak. Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you know how you should respond to each one.

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LENTEN PRAYER

Almighty and Everlasting God,

You have given the human race

Jesus Christ our Savior as a model of humility.

He fulfilled Your Will by becoming Man

And giving His life on the Cross.

Help us to bear witness to You

By following His example of suffering

And make us worthy to share in His Resurrection.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son.

Amen.

Our Father...

MARY, Mother of Jesus,

you were Jesus’ gift for us from the Cross.

He gave you to us as our mother.

Intercede for all our needs.

Hail Mary...

Glory Be...

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A PRAYER FOR LENT

O gracious Master,

infuse in our hearts

the spotless light of Your Divine Wisdom

and open the eyes of our mind

that we may understand the teachings of Your Gospel.

Instill in us also the fear of Your blessed commandments,

so that having curbed all carnal desires,

we may lead a spiritual life,

both thinking and doing everything to please You.

For You, O Christ, our God,

are the enlightenment of our souls and bodies;

and to You we render glory,

together with Your eternal Father,

and with Your all holy,

life-creating Spirit,

now and ever, and forever.

Amen.

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Open our eyes

God of goodness,

how many times

have we passed

through the door

of our homes

and missed

the hungers of you?

We find ourselves

laden with bread,

yet many

still cry for

mere crumbs.

What is wrong with our vision?

Why does it tunnel

down our paths

and capture

only the poor

of our choosing?

Why are we

so narrow

in defining needs?

Jesus sensed

what could not

be seen

and noticed needs

as in rhythm

with his every breath.

Teach us through him

to be attentive to our actions,

worthy of our words,

generous with our giving

so that another's thirst

may reach our own throats

and be satisfied by the cooling waters

of our compassion.

Amen.

Through it all...

God does not take away conflict or pain. God offers me healing within and blessing throughout.

"Promise me that these sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and the other at your left, in your kingdom." In reply Jesus said, "You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink of the cup I am to drink of?" (Mt 20:21-22).

O God,
your kingdom
is not one of
conflict and power,
but one of
kinship.
You desire
relationship
not rivalry
and so empower
greatness
with humility,
and meekness
with strength.
Places of honor
are wounds in
your right hand
and left.

With our brother,
Jesus,
you bid us
gather 'round
and share a cup
of blood and tears...
to drink death
before the promised
dawn.

How foolish we are
to think that pushing
our way to you
avoids the pull
of one another.
Forgive...forgive us
who look for answers
in a balance
of heaven and earth
but leave no room
for the ballast
of your wisdom.
Forgive us the egos
that edge you out
of our holiness.

Amen.

A Good Complexion

A dear old lady was asked what she used to make her complexion so beautiful and her whole being so bright and attractive. She answered:

I use for my lips ~~ truth;

I use for my voice ~~ kindness;

I use for my ears ~~ compassion;

I use for my hands ~~ charity;

I use for my figure ~~ uprightness;

I use for my heart ~~ love;

I use for anyone who doesn't like me ~~ prayer.

Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things.

~~~Philippians 4:8

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

~~~Galatians 5:22-23

Let all that you do be done with love.

~~~ I Corinthians 16:14

Give...

Jesus said to his disciples: "Be compassionate, as your Father is compassionate....For the measure you measure with will be measured back to you" (Lk 6:36-38).

God of unconditional love,

of freedom

beyond-all-measure...

how do we fathom

within our own hearts

a depth of self-giving

so much more

than our experience?

How do we enter your boundless generosity,

for we measure not beyond-all-measure?

Help us, O God...

Help us to exchange the weight of judgment

for the freedom of forgiveness.

To clothe our brothers and sisters

with the garment of compassion.

To let mercy make a home in our hearts,

and truth the door through which we pass...

And there so enter upon the way of Jesus

who is life beyond-all-measure.

Amen

PRAYER FOR THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT

Mother or a child: From the words of St. Paul [2 Cor. 6:1-2]. Dearly beloved, we entreat you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says: "In an acceptable time I have beard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you. Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."

Father: This time of fasting has opened to us the gates of paradise. Let us accept it, praying and beseeching.

Family: That on the day of resurrection we may be glorified in the Lord.

Father: Let us pray. Through the observance of Lent, O Lord, You purify Your Church every year. See to it that Your children lead a better life and so obtain the graces they are striving to acquire by doing penance. This we ask of You through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son.

Family: Amen. Favor this dwelling, Lord, with Your presence. Far from it repulse all the wiles of Satan. Your holy angels, let them live here, to keep us in peace. And may your blessing remain always upon us. This we ask of you through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son.

Father: Let us bless the Lord.

Family: Thanks be to God.

Father: May the almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless and keep us.

Family: Amen.

Note: This prayer should be prayed before a Crucifix

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A Lenten Reflection

Give up harsh words: use generous ones.

Give up unhappiness: take up gratitude.

Give up pessimism: take up hope and optimism.

Give up discouragement: be full of hope.

Give up worrying: take up trust in God.

Give up complaining: value what you have, focus on gratitude.

Give up gloom: enjoy the beauty that is all around you.

Give up anger: take up gentleness and patience.

Give up stress: take up prayer.

Give up judging others: discover Jesus within them.

Give up gossiping: control your tongue.

Give up sorrow and bitterness: fill your heart with joy.

Give up selfishness: take up compassion for others.

Give up being unforgiving: learn reconciliation.

Give up bitterness: turn to forgiveness.

Give up hatred: return good for evil.

Give up pettiness: become mature.

Give up jealousy: pray for trust.

Give up words: fill yourself with silence, and listen to others.

Give up sin: turn to virtue.

Give up giving up: hang in there!

Ash Wednesday Prayer

O Jesus, you place on my forehead

the sign of your saving Cross:

“Turn from sin and be faithful

to the gospel.”

How can I turn from sin

unless I turn to you?

You speak, you raise your hand,

you touch my mind and call my name,

“Turn to the Lord your God again.”

These days of your favor

leave a blessing as you pass

on me and all your people.

Turn to us, Lord God,

and we shall turn to you.

Amen.

AS I AM LORD

Because I am obnoxious, forgive me Lord.

Because I am dishonest, forgive me Lord.

Because I am egotistical, forgive me Lord.

Because I am undisciplined, forgive me Lord.

Because I am weak, forgive me Lord.

Because I am impure, forgive me Lord.

Because I am arrogant, forgive me Lord.

Because I am self-centered, forgive me Lord,

Because I am pompous, forgive me Lord.

Because I am insincere, forgive me Lord.

Because I am unchaste, forgive me Lord.

Because I am grasping, forgive me Lord.

Because I am judgmental, forgive me Lord.

Because I am impatient, forgive me Lord.

Because I am shallow, forgive me Lord.

Because I am inconsistent, forgive me Lord.

Because I am unfaithful, forgive me Lord.

Because I am immoral, forgive me Lord.

Because I am ungrateful, forgive me Lord.

Because I am disobedient, forgive me Lord.

Because I am selfish, forgive me Lord.

Because I am lukewarm, forgive me Lord.

Because I am slothful, forgive me Lord.

Because I am unloving, forgive me Lord.

Because I am uncommitted, forgive me Lord.

Because I am sinful, forgive me Lord.

Because I am loved by You, thank you Lord!

Amen!

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A PRAYER FOR THE VIRTUE OF LOVE

Loving Jesus, sweetness of my heart,

Your magnetic love draws me to You.

You taught me the meaning of true love

By mercifully forgiving all my sins

And dying on the Cross for my salvation.

Teach me to embrace such Divine love,

That my actions be the fruits of Your Spirit.

Transform my soul into pure abounding love,

Enabling me to always walk in righteousness.

Your endowment of love is priceless;

Being sought out by all living souls.

Repeatedly, inundate me with Your love!

Amen!

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Proverbs Chapter 6:16-20

There are six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to him; Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood; A heart that plots wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, The false witness who utters lies, and he who sows discord among brothers.

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Why Worry

Why Worry

If you are hurried, you can slow down;

If you are late, you can miss something;

If you miss something,

then you didn't have it to do,

You can do something else, if you want.

You can apologize, make amends for being late.

If you are hurt, you can heal;

If you are tired, you can rest;

If you are empty, you can fill up;

If you are sad, you can cry;

If you are lonely; you can be with someone;

If you hate, you can forgive;

If you are weak, you can pray.

You are as you are.

Life is at it is.

Join it.

Be a part of it--just as it is.

Be natural.

You are provided for.

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PARENT'S PRAYER

All praise to You, Lord Jesus,

Lover of children:

Bless our family,

And help us to lead our children to You.

Give us light and strength,

And courage when our task is difficult.

Let Your Spirit fill us with love and peace,

So that we may help our children to love You.

All glory and praise are Yours, Lord Jesus,

For ever and ever.

Amen.

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Luke Chapter 14:7-15

He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. "When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, 'Give your place to this man,' and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, 'My friend, move up to a higher position.' Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." Then he said to the host who invited him, "When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." One of his fellow guests on hearing this said to him, "Blessed is the one who will dine in the kingdom of God."

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THE 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;

separated from you, let me never be;

From the evil one protect me;

At the hour of my death, call me;

And close to you bid me;

That with your saints, I may be praising you forever and ever.

Amen.

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Matthew Chapter 11:27-30

All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him. "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."

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SIMEON'S PRAYER

Lord, now You let Your servant go in peace.

Your word has been fulfilled.

My own eyes have seen the salvation

which You have prepared in the sight of every people.

A light to reveal You to the nations

and the glory of Your people Israel.

Amen.

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Revelation Chapter 21:1-8

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, God's dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them (as their God). He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, (for) the old order has passed away." The one who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." Then he said, "Write these words down, for they are trustworthy and true." He said to me, "They are accomplished. I (am) the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give a gift from the spring of life-giving water. The victor will inherit these gifts, and I shall be his God, and he will be my son. But as for cowards, the unfaithful, the depraved, murderers, the unchaste, sorcerers, idol-worshipers, and deceivers of every sort, their lot is in the burning pool of fire and sulfur, which is the second death."

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PRAYER OF A SEPARATED OR DIVORCED PERSON

Father, I belong to you.

I place myself anew in your hands

and acknowledge you as Master and Lord of my life.

Grant me the gift of a forgiving heart

and cleanse me of any anger,

hostility or revenge.

Heal my hurts and wounds and teach me to rely on your love.

Grant me wisdom of heart

and strengthen me by your grace to move on in faith,

in trust and in love.

Thank you Lrod for you love in my life.

Amen.

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Philippians Chapter 4:4-9

Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.

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Prayer for Aborted Babies

Heavenly Father, Thou hast given us the gift of freedom to love and to follow in Thy ways and commands. Some parents choose to abuse this freedom by destroying the gift of life which Thou hast given to their offspring. Please forgive those who destroy human life by aborting their unborn babies. Give these unborn children the opportunity to enjoy Thee for all eternity, if it according to Thy ordinance. Assist me in being one in solidarity with Thy little ones by taking to heart the words of Thy Son, "whatever you did for one of these least brothers of Mine, you did for Me." (Mt. 25:40) Therefore, allow me today, Father, to adopt spiritually an unborn child and to offer my prayers, works, joys and sufferings for that little one, so that child will be able to be born and live for Thy greater honor and glory. We pray this in Jesus' name, in union with the Holy Spirit one God forever and ever.

Amen.

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PRAYER OF THANKS FOR PEOPLE

God of Love,

I thank You for the people in my life

who are easy to love.

I thank You for my family and friends

who understand my actions,

who support me in my decisions,

and whose presence can lift the burden of a thorny day.

Help me with those who are difficult to love.

When they come at me with criticism

and wild expectations,

when they ignore me

or try to bend me to their will,

let me recognize their flaws and their dangers.

But then let me remember your attitude toward them,

and lead me to see them

in the light of Your love.

Amen.

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MARY, OUR MODEL IN PRAYER

All praise and glory are Yours, almighty Father:

You have given us Your Son Jesus to save us from sin.

We praise You for choosing Mary to be His mother,

for teaching her to believe Your message,

for helping her to accept Your holy will.

Strengthen us by Your Spirit to be like Mary:

to ponder Your word in our hearts,

to obey Your will,

to love Your Son,

to sing Your praises every day.

Father,

we praise You through Jesus Christ Your Son

in the love of Your Spirit,

for ever and ever.

Amen.

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1 John Chapter 2:7-11

Beloved, I am writing no new commandment to you but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. And yet I do write a new commandment to you, which holds true in him and among you, for the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. Whoever says he is in the light, yet hates his brother, is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is nothing in him to cause a fall. Whoever hates his brother is in darkness; he walks in darkness and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

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A PRAYER FOR SOLITUDE

Jesus, teaching the value of solitude,

You reserved many moments to reflect.

You often departed for solitary places,

Withdrawing Yourself into the wilderness,

Or going up into a mountain to pray.

In loneliness, You spoke to the Father!

Teach me how to pray in seclusion,

To perceive the Father within myself.

Teach me to welcome solitary moments,

To enjoy the solitude within myself,

While listening to Your inspirations.

In solitude, Your mysteries are uncovered!

Amen!

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Psalms Chapter 139:13-18

You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb. I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you knew; my bones were not hidden from you, When I was being made in secret, fashioned as in the depths of the earth. Your eyes foresaw my actions; in your book all are written down; my days were shaped, before one came to be. How precious to me are your designs, O God; how vast the sum of them! Were I to count, they would outnumber the sands; to finish, I would need eternity.

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PRAYER FOR PRIESTS

O Jesus,

I pray for Your faithful and fervent priests;

for Your unfaithful and tepid priests;

for Your priests labouring at home

or abroad in distant mission fields;

for Your tempted priests;

for Your lonely and desolate priest;

for Your young priests;

for Your dying priests;

for the souls of Your priests in purgatory.

But above all I recommend to You the priests dearest to me;

the priest who baptized me;

the priests who absolved me from my sins;

the priests at whose Masses I assisted

and who gave me Your Body and Blood in Holy communion;

the priests who taught and instructed me;

all the priests to whom I am indebted in any other way.

O Jesus, keep them all close to Your heart,

and bless them abundantly in time and in eternity.

Amen.

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GRACE BEFORE MEALS

Lord Jesus, our brother,

We praise You for saving us.

Bless us in Your love

As we gather in your Name,

and bless this meal that we share.

Jesus, we praise you for ever.

Amen.

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1 Corinthians Chapter 13:1-13

If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, (love) is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing; if tongues, they will cease; if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing. For we know partially and we prophesy partially, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put aside childish things. At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known. So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

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PRAYER TO BE FAITHFUL OF SERVING GOD

Father in Heaven,

ever-living source of all that is good,

keep me faithful in serving You.

Help me to drink of Christ's Truth,

and fill my heart with His Love

so that I may serve You in faith

and love and reach eternal life.

In the Sacrament of the Eucharist

You give me the joy of sharing Your Life.

Keep me in Your presence.

Let me never be separated from You

and help me to do Your Will.

AMEN.

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Ecclesiastes Chapter 3:1-14

There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build.

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.

A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces.

A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away.

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak.

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

What advantage has the worker from his toil?

I have considered the task which God has appointed for men to be busied about.

He has made everything appropriate to its time, and has put the timeless into their hearts, without men's ever discovering, from beginning to end, the work which God has done.

I recognized that there is nothing better than to be glad and to do well during life.

For every man, moreover, to eat and drink and enjoy the fruit of all his labor is a gift of God.

I recognized that whatever God does will endure forever; there is no adding to it, or taking from it. Thus has God done that he may be revered.