“If you are not successful in prayer, you will not be successful in anything; for prayer is the foundation of everything” (St. Theophan the Recluse).
The Lord manifests himself to those who pause while in peace and humility of heart….
God, in order to be able to speak to the soul and fill it with the knowledge of his love, leads it to the solitude, detaching it from preoccupations of earthly things. He speaks to the ears of those who are silent and makes them hear his secrets (St. Anthony of Padua).
“The whole doctrine of prayer, from its practical standpoint, can be summed up by saying that it is talking to God as a friend talks with a friend” (Fr. Bede Jarrett).
It takes great courage to listen, O God. Give me a receptive mind and heart that will be attentive to what stirs within. Draw me into considerations that I had not anticipated and change my life in ways that only you could envision (Sr. Maria Tasto, OSB).
“As our body cannot live without nourishment, so our soul cannot spiritually be kept alive without prayer” (St. Augustine of Hippo).
Prayer is an aspiration of the heart… a simple glance directed to heaven. It is a cry of gratitude and love in the midst of trial as well as joy (St. Thérèse of Lisieux).
“Prayer is a treasure undiminished, a mine never exhausted, a sky unobstructed by clouds, a haven unruffled by storm” (St. John Chrysostom).
Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at his disposition, and listening to his voice in the depth of our hearts (St. Teresa of Calcutta).
“Build yourself a cell in your heart and retire there to pray” (St. Catherine of Siena).
What a gift prayer is! It is the real treasure of our soul, our being able to give to God the worship of perfect adoration (St. Frances Xavier Cabrini).
“You… pray to become a bonfire, a living flame, giving light and heat” (St. Josemaría Escrivá).
Prayer is the key that opens the treasury of God. You have the key. Use it well and often! (Fr. Lawrence G. Lovasik).
“Prayer is the inner bath of love into which the soul plunges itself” (St. John Vianney).
Let us offer our prayers in Christ’s name. The Father will most readily agree to them when they are made this way (St. Cyril of Alexandria).
“Do nothing at all unless you begin with prayer” (St. Ephrem).
Take yourself off to the garden of olives or the foot of the cross and stay there. Our Lord will speak to you… (St. Bernadette).
“A soul arms itself by prayer for all kinds of combat” (St. Faustina Kowalska).
Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one’s weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart (Mahatma Gandhi).
.
Abandonment by Charles de Foucald
Father, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will. Whatever you may do, I thank you: I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only your will be done in me and in all your creatures. I wish no more than this, O Lord. Into your hands I commend my soul: I offer it to you with all the love of my heart, for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself, to surrender myself into your hands without reserve, and with boundless confidence, for you are my Father.
.
Angelus
V. The angel spoke God’s message to Mary.
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary….
V. “I am the lowly servant of the Lord:
R. “Let it be done to me according to your word.”
Hail Mary….
V. And the Word became flesh
R. And lived among us.
Hail Mary….
V. Pray for us, holy Mother of God,
R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray. Lord, fill our hearts with your grace: Once through the message of an angel, you revealed to us the incarnation of your Son; now, through his suffering and death, lead us to the glory of his resurrection.
V. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
.
And God said to the soul by Mechthild of Magdeburg (edited)
And God said to the soul:
I desired you before the world began. I desire you now as you desire me. And, where the desires of two come together, love is perfected.
The soul speaks to God:
Lord, you are my lover, my longing, my flowing stream, my sun; and I am your reflection.
God answers the soul:
It is my nature that makes me love you often, for I am love itself. It is my longing that makes me love you intensely, for I yearn to be loved from the heart. It is my eternity that makes me love you long, for I have no end.
.
Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, heal me. Blood of Christ, drench me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
Good Jesus, hear me. In your wounds, shelter me. From turning away, keep me. From the evil one, protect me.
At the hour of my death, call me. Into your presence, lead me to praise you with all saints forever and ever. Amen.
.
Be at peace by St. Francis de Sales
Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life; rather look to them with full hope as they arise. God, whose very own you are, will deliver you from out of them. He has kept you hitherto, and he will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand it, God will bury you in his arms.
Do not fear what may happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you then and everyday. He will either shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace and put aside all anxious thoughts and imagination.
.
Beatitudes
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice’s sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when men reproach you and persecute you and, speaking falsely,
say all manner of evil against you for my sake.
.
Blessings
The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace! (Numbers 6:24-26).
.
God bless and keep you through all of your days, and may he reward you for all your dear ways. God guide you and guard you; bring peace of mind, too; and, in all his goodness, keep watch over you!
.
Bread of life by Rev. Jennifer Frayer-Griggs
God of yeast and salt and flour and water, enter in to our hearts through the daily incarnations that you present to us. Come to us through the bread and the housework, through the mud and the grey clouds, through the rhythm of our sleeping and waking and eating and work. Keep pointing us back to you in all the fleshy, real, incarnated ways of our lives. May we be present to them. May we be present to you. In the name of the Incarnated One, the Bread of Life.
.
Catechists from Loyola Press
Loving God, Creator of all things, you call us to be in relationship with you and others. Thank you for calling me to be a catechist, for the opportunity to share with others what you have given to me. May all those with whom I share the gift of faith discover how you are present in all things. May they come to know you, the one true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. May the grace of the Holy Spirit guide my heart and lips, so that I may remain constant in loving and praising you. May I be a witness to the Gospel and a minister of your truth. May all my words and actions reflect your love.
.
Child’s daily offering from Apostleship of Prayer
For love of me you came to earth;
you gave your life for me.
So, every day you give me now
I give back happily.
Take all my laughter, all my tears,
each thought, each word, each deed.
And let them be my all-day prayer
to help all those in need.
.
Come, Spirit by Sister Mary Lou Kownacki, OSB
Come, Spirit, make me docile to your voice.
Help me debate angels. Let your will be done in me even if it means misunderstanding, rejection, scandal. Give me wisdom to find you in the irrational: heavens gone awry, astrologers’ predictions, songs in the night. Give me such hospitality of heart that family, foreign seers, poor shepherds and animals find a home in my presence. Let me protect innocent children from oppressive power. Make me fearless of foreign lands and unknown journeys.
When I cannot find you, do not let me rest until I search home, highway, and temple. Let me always insist on miracles to celebrate love. And when all I love on earth lies lifeless in my arms let me offer it to you with such freedom of heart that I am swept up into the heavens.
.
Disciple’s prayer by RENEW International (2004)
Loving God and Father, help us to be people of prayer, committed to the person and message of Jesus, your son. Help us to grasp the integrity and beauty of the truths of our faith and the transforming power of your grace. Nourish and strengthen us as people of faith, disciples of Jesus… eager to share the gospel without restraint. Let our hearts burn within us as we catch glimpses of your heart in Jesus; for, through him, we know your loving plan for us. We ask this through Jesus the Christ who lives with you and the Holy Spirit in one loving Trinity.
.
Divine praises
Blessed be God.
Blessed be his holy name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man.
Blessed be the name of Jesus.
Blessed be his most sacred heart.
Blessed be his most precious blood.
Blessed be Jesus in the most holy sacrament of the altar.
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.
Blessed be the great mother of God, Mary most holy.
Blessed be her holy and immaculate conception.
Blessed be her glorious assumption.
Blessed be the name of Mary, virgin and mother.
Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse.
Blessed be God in his angels and in his saints.
May the heart of Jesus in the most blessed sacrament be praised, adored, and loved with grateful affection at every moment in all the tabernacles of the world even to the end of time.
.
Drawing strength by Larry Livingston at Unbound
Loving God, you who make all things new again, bless us at this time of uncertainty and division. Help us to embrace our common virtues and beliefs rather than obsess over that which separates us. May our love for you lead us to embrace your presence in every human being, and may love overcome the fears that keep us from living in freedom and joy. We ask this in your most holy name.
.
Enlightenment with prayer cards from the Servants of Mary (OSM)
Most high, glorious God, bring light to the darkness of my heart. Give me right faith, certain hope, and perfect charity. God give me insight and wisdom, so that I might always discern your holy and true will.
.
Everlasting gifts by St. John Paul II
O God, you are our creator. You are good, and your mercy knows no bounds. To you arises the praise of every creature. O God, you have given us an inner law by which we must live. To do your will is our task. To follow your ways is to know peace of heart. To you we offer our homage. Guide us on all the paths we travel upon this earth. Free us from all the evil tendencies which lead our hearts away from your will. Never allow us to stray from you. O God, judge of all humankind, help us to be included among your chosen ones on the last day. O God, author of peace and justice, give us true joy and authentic love and a lasting solidarity among peoples. Give us your everlasting gifts.
.
Faith, hope, & love from the OSM
.
Family with prayer cards from the Association of the Miraculous Medal (AMM)
O dear Jesus, I humbly implore you to grant your special graces to our family. May our home be the shrine of peace, purity, love, labor, and faith. I beg you, dear Jesus, to protect and bless all of us, absent and present, living and dead.
O Mary, loving mother of Jesus and our mother, pray to Jesus for our family, for all the families of the world, to guard the cradle of the newborn, the schools of the young, and their vocations.
Blessed St. Joseph, holy guardian of Jesus and Mary, assist us by your prayers in all the necessities of life. Ask of Jesus that special grace which he granted to you to watch over our home at the pillow of the sick and the dying so that with Mary and with you, heaven may find our family unbroken in the sacred heart of Jesus.
.
Farm worker’s struggle by César Chavez
Show me the suffering of the most miserable,
so I will know my people’s plight.
Free me to pray for others,
for you are present in every person.
Help me take responsibility for my own life
so that I can be free at last.
Grant me courage to serve others,
for in service there is true life.
Give me honesty and patience
so that I can work with other workers.
Bring forth song and celebration
so that the Spirit will be alive among us.
Let the Spirit flourish and grow
so that we will never tire of the struggle.
Let us remember those who have died for justice,
for they have given us life.
Help us love even those who hate us,
so we can change the world.
.
Fisherman’s prayer (Author unknown).
I pray that I may live to fish until my dying day and, when it come to my last cast, I then most humbly pray: When in the Lord’s great landing net and peacefully asleep, that in his mercy I be judged big enough to keep.
.
Flowing light of the Godhead by Mechthild of Magdeburg
Pride is the first sin that begins to chase a person away from God,
and if we don’t leave it, lust grows;
and if we don’t leave lust, greed grows;
and if we don’t leave greed, laziness grows;
and if we don’t leave laziness, lying grows;
and if we don’t leave lying, perjury grows;
and if we don’t leave perjury, anger grows;
and if we don’t leave anger, slander grows;
and if we don’t leave slander, stubbornness, grows;
and if we don’t leave stubbornness, hatred grows;
and if we don’t leave hatred, vengeance grows;
and if we don’t leave vengeance, hopelessness grows;
and if we don’t leave hopelessness, insolence grows;
and if we don’t leave insolence, shameless arrogance grows;
and if we don’t leave shameless arrogance, wrong wisdom grows;
and if we don’t leave wrong wisdom, unbelief grows and says,
“It’s not at all like they say it is.”
Lord, infuse me with your grace. Then I’ll flow from your love.
.
For a joyful soul by St. Alberto Hurtado
Lord, there are so many who suffer in today’s world and so few who know to forget their sorrow. I want to be light reflecting your lamp and good leaven to raise up souls. I thank you, Lord, because you have risen from the dead. And you put to death in my soul the anguish of sin. If you ask my life, I want to give it to you content. If you don’t want me to die, I want to live smiling. I want to laugh, I want to dream, I want to give to everyone the joy of loving.
.
For a sick relative or friend from CSA
St. Anthony, you always helped those in need. I fervently seek your heavenly intercession now for (name) who is ill and in need of your miraculous assistance. Give strength to (name) so that he/she may experience God’s blessings and goodness at this time. May his/her sufferings be lessened and confidence in God’s divine providence be increased.
St. Anthony, you were a true friend to the sick and offered them your compassionate care in powerful acts of healing. Stay near to (name) now with your protection. Console our anxious hearts and grant that our physical and emotional sufferings be a source of purification and growth for eternal life.
.
For our community by Richard Rohr, OFM
Loving God, you fill all things with a fullness and hope that we can never comprehend. Thank you for leading us into a time where more of reality is being unveiled for us all to see. We pray that you will take away our natural temptation for cynicism, denial, fear and despair. Help us have the courage to awaken to greater truth, greater humility, and greater care for one another. May we place our hope in what matters and what lasts, trusting in your eternal presence and love. Listen to our hearts’ longings for the healing of our suffering world. (Please add your own intentions.) Knowing, good God, you are hearing us better than we are speaking, we offer these prayers in all the holy names of God.
.
For special friends
You flood the hearts of all the faithful, O God, with the gifts of love by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Give health of mind and body to all our friends for whom we entreat your favor. May they love you with all their strength and be always pleasing to you in every way. Through Jesus Christ, our lord, your son, we ask this blessing. He it is who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the same spirit, one God, for all the ages to come.
.
For the dying with prayer cards from Franciscan Mission Associates (FMA), CSA, & the Salesians
Most merciful Jesus, lover of souls, I pray you, by the agony of your most sacred heart and by the sorrows of your immaculate mother, to wash in your most precious blood the sinners of the world who are now in their agony and who will die today. Heart of Jesus, once in agony, have mercy on the dying.
.
For the future and present moment by St. Faustina
O my God,
When I look into the future, I am frightened,
But why plunge into the future?
Only the present moment is precious to me,
As the future may never enter my soul at all.
It is no longer in my power to change, correct or add to the past;
For neither sages nor prophets could do that.
And so what the past has embraced I must entrust to God.
O present moment, you belong to me, whole and entire.
I desire to use you as best I can.
And although I am weak and small,
You grant me the grace of your omnipotence.
And so, trusting in your mercy,
I walk through life like a little child,
Offering you each day this heart
Burning with love for your greater glory.
.
For the sick by St. Augustine of Canterbury
Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight; and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend your sick ones, O Lord Christ. Rest your weary ones. Bless your dying ones. Soothe your suffering ones. Pity your afflicted ones. Shield your joyous ones. And for all your love’s sake.
.
Future not our own by the late Bishop Ken Untener of Saginaw, MI
It helps now and then to step back and take a long view. The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts, it is beyond our vision.
We accomplish in our lifetime only a fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work. Nothing we do is complete, which is another way of saying that the kingdom always lies beyond us. No statement says all that could be said. No prayer fully expresses our faith. No confession brings perfection, no pastoral visit brings wholeness. No program accomplishes the church’s mission. No set of goals and objectives include everything.
This is what we are about. We plant the seeds that one day will grow. We water the seeds already planted knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need further development. We provide yeast that produces effects far beyond our capabilities.
We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing this. This enables us to do something, and to do it very well. It may be incomplete; but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and do the rest. We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker.
We are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of a future not our own (Friars of the Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph, 2017: 1094, p. 3; edited).
.
Generosity from Scout’s Prayer (Author unknown, 1910), not St. Ignatius
Lord, teach me to be generous, to serve you as you deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to look for any reward, save that of knowing that I do your holy will.
.
Gratitude
Lord, hear our prayers of gratitude for all the glorious gifts we receive daily. Then help us keep life’s many challenges in the appropriate perspective necessary for true health of body, mind, and spirit. And when the burdens of life coming knocking at our door, may the room they enter always be large enough to place them in the corners, where they truly belong, thus enabling our faith-filled celebrations to hold center place among all our experiences now and forever (Rev. Larry P. Homitsky).
.
Thank you, O God, for hearing my prayer and granting my request. Thank you for all the kindness you have shown me. Thank you, Father, for your great love in giving me my life, for your great patience in preserving me despite my sinfulness, for your protection in the past, and for the opportunity to serve and honor you in the future. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for keeping me numberless times from sin and death by the toils of your life, the sufferings of your passion, and by your victorious resurrection. Thank you, Holy Spirit of God, for bestowing so many graces upon my soul and for having so frequently renewed your life within me. May my life from now on be a sign of my gratefulness.
.
Guardian angel with prayer card from FMA
Angel of God, my guardian dear,
to whom God’s love commits me here,
ever this day be at my side
to light, to love, to be my guide.
.
Angel sent by God to guide me,
be my light and walk beside me.
Be my guardian and protect me;
on the paths of life direct me.
.
Hail, holy queen
Hail holy queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us. And after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet virgin, Mary.
.
Heart of a man by Dag Hammardskjold from A new heart: Eleven qualities of holiness
Give me a pure heart that I may see you,
a humble heart that I may hear you,
a heart of love that I may serve you,
a heart of faith that I may abide in you,
a heart of courage that I may follow you,
a heart of joy that I may sing with you,
a heart of praise that I may adore you,
a heart of gratitude that I may thank you,
a heart of kindness that I may emulate you,
a heart of hospitality that I may welcome you,
a heart of hope that I may trust in you.
.
Holy Infant of Prague
.
Holy Spirit with prayer card from FMA
Come, Holy Spirit, fill my heart with your holy gifts. Let my weakness be penetrated with your strength this very day that I may fulfill all the duties of my state conscientiously, that I may do what is right and just. Let my charity be such as to offend no one and hurt no one’s feelings, so generous as to pardon sincerely any wrong done to me. Assist me, O Holy Spirit, in all my trials of life, enlighten me in my ignorance, advise me in my doubts, strengthen me in my weakness, help me in all my needs, protect me in temptations, and console me in afflictions. Graciously hear me, O Holy Spirit, and pour your light into my heart, my soul, and my mind. Assist me to live a holy life and to grow in goodness and grace.
.
We beg the all-merciful Father through [Jesus] to send from his treasure-house the Spirit of sevenfold grace: the spirit of wisdom enabling us to relish the fruit of the tree of life, which is indeed you; the gift of understanding to enlighten our perceptions; the gift of prudence enabling us to follow in your footsteps; the gift of strength to withstand our adversary’s onslaught; the gift of knowledge to distinguish good from evil by the light of your holy teaching; and the gift of fear to withdraw from all ill-doing and live quietly in awe of your eternal majesty. These are the [gifts] for which we petition. Please grant them for the honor of your holy name (St. Bonaventure; edited).
.
Holy Trinity
Glory be to the Father, who by his almighty power and love created me, making me in the image and likeness of God. Glory to the Son, who by his precious blood delivered me from hell and opened for me the gates of heaven. Glory be to the Holy Spirit, who has sanctified me in the sacrament of baptism and continues to sanctify me by the graces I receive daily from his bounty. Glory be to the three adorable persons of the Holy Trinity now and forever.
.
Holy will
O Sweet Jesus, I desire neither life nor death but your most holy will. You are the one, O Lord, that I long for. If it be your holy will to have me die, receive my soul and grant that, in you and with you, I may receive everlasting rest. If it be your holy will to have me live longer upon this earth, give me the grace to amend the rest of my life and, with good works, to glorify your holy name.
.
Hope from CSA (52915CV) with prayer cards from FMA
Lord Jesus, I pray this day for strength
because there are times when things get tough and I feel like quitting.
Lord Jesus, I ask this day for the comforting reassurance of your love
because there are times when people fail me and I am tempted to lose hope.
Lord Jesus, I seek this day for your light to guide my steps
because there are times when life is confusing and difficult and I lose my way.
Help me, O Lord, to pick up the pieces, wipe my tears, face the sun, and start over again; for all is possible when I place my faith and trust in you, my saving God.
.
Hurricane season from Mel Louviere’s mother (deceased)
.
I met God in the morning by Bishop Ralph Spaulding Cushman (1879-1960)
I met God in the morning when my day was at its best.
His presence came at sunrise like a glory in my breast.
All day the presence lingered; all day long he stayed with me.
And we sailed in perfect calmness o’er a very troubled sea.
Other ships were blown and battered; other ships were sore distressed.
But the winds that seemed to drive them brought to us a peace and rest.
Then I thought of other mornings with a keen remorse of mind
when I, too, had loosed the moorings and his presence left behind.
So, I think I know the secret learned from many a troubled way:
You must seek him in the morning if you need him through the day.
.
In sickness with prayer cards from AMM & FMA
Dear Jesus, divine physician and healer of the sick, we turn to you in this time of illness. O dearest comforter of the troubled, alleviate our worry and sorrow with your gentle love and grant us the grace and strength to accept this burden. Dear God, we place our worries in your hands. We place our sick under your care and humbly ask that you restore your servant to health again. Above all, grant us the grace to acknowledge your holy will and know that whatsoever you do, you do for the love of us.
.
O Jesus, you suffered and died for us. You understand my suffering. Teach me to understand my suffering as you do, to bear it in union with you, to offer it with you to atone for my sins and to bring your grace to souls in need. Calm my fears and increase my trust. May I gladly accept your holy will and become more like you in trial. If it be your will, restore me to health so that I may work for your honor and glory and the salvation of all.
.
In time of personal illness from CSA
St. Anthony, lover of the least and lowly, you reached out to the sick with a generous and compassionate heart. Please be with me at this time of ill health and accompany me as I face this sickness and all the uncertainties of infirmity. Help me experience God’s healing power through your prayers as well as my own.
If I suffer, lead me to unite myself to the cross of Jesus Christ so that this suffering can bring spiritual benefit to me and to others. May my bearing the cross of illness here on earth prepare me for new life in the eternal joys of perfect happiness and fullness of life with God forever in heaven.
.
Jesus Christ crucified
My good and dear Jesus, I kneel before you, asking you most earnestly to engrave upon my heart a deep and lively faith, hope, and charity with true repentance for my sins and a firm resolve to make amends. As I reflect upon your five wounds and dwell upon them with deep compassion and grief, I recall, good Jesus, the words the prophet David spoke long ago concerning you: “They have pierced my hands and my feet; they have counted all my bones.”
.
Journey’s end (Author unknown) with prayer card from FMA
Life is but a stopping place,
a pause in what’s to be,
a resting place along the road
to sweet eternity.
We all have different journeys,
different paths along the way.
We all were meant to learn some things,
but never meant to stay.
Our destination is a place
far greater than we know;
for some the journey’s quicker,
for some the journey’s slow.
And, when the journey finally ends,
we’ll claim a great reward
and find an everlasting peace
together with the Lord.
.
Knots
Dear God, please untie the knots that are in my mind, my heart, and my life. Remove the have nots, can nots, and do nots that I have in my mind. Erase the will nots, may nots, and might nots that may find a home in my heart. Release me from the could nots, would nots, and should nots that obstruct my life. And, most of all, dear God, I ask that you remove from my mind, my heart, and my life all of the am nots that I have allowed to hold me back, especially the thought that I am not good enough.
.
Learning to pray by Christine Parks, CSJ
I used to pray for God to change the world. I used to pray for God to change others. I used to pray for God to change.
I used to pray to a God of magical miracles. Prayed for small miracles, like passing tests I hadn’t studied for, like no rain for our picnic— even though farmers were desperate for rain.
I didn’t pray for the big ones, like burning bushes, multiplying loaves and fish, water into wine, lepers cured, and demons cast out.
Though I did pray for world peace more than once.
Small miracles were mostly what I wanted— until the day I met you on a hot summer hillside. A day when the sky was such deep dark blue I could fall into it if I didn’t hold on. And there you were talking about love, being love, being in love… with me.
You taught me that the miracle was in me, that my prayer wasn’t changing anyone else or the world; it was changing me— into love. That was the miracle. That would change the world.
.
Light
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house in the same way. In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).
.
Litany of humility attributed to Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val (1865-1930)
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart.
Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being honored.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being praised.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being approved.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being despised.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected.
Deliver me, Jesus.
That others may be loved more than I.
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I.
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease.
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside.
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I unnoticed.
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything.
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should.
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
.
Litany of the lost
Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy.
For those of us who have lost…
Our health.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
Our peace of mind.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
Our housing.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
Our financial security.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
A loved one.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
Our dreams.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
Our talents.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
Our initial zeal.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
Our sobriety.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
Our faith.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
Our self-respect.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
Our perspective.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
Our innocence.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
Our independence.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
Peace within our families.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
Civil peace.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
Our trust in others.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
Our virtue.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
Our home.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
[State intention.]
St. Anthony, pray for us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world.
Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world.
Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world.
Have mercy on us.
Let us pray…
All loving God, you have given us St. Anthony, the patron of the lost, as an intercessor of those who are in need of your mercy. Listen to his voice as he calls out to You on our behalf and grant those things which will help us to grow in your love. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
.
Litany of trust by Sr. Faustina Maria Pia, SV (Sisters of Life)
From the belief that I have to earn your love.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear that I am unlovable.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the false security that I have what it takes.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear that trusting you will leave me more destitute.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From all suspicion of your words and promises.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the rebellion against childlike dependency on you.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From refusals and reluctances in accepting your will.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From anxiety about the future.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From resentment or excessive preoccupation with the past.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From restless self-seeking in the present moment.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From disbelief in your love and presence.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being asked to give more than I have.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the belief that my life has no meaning or worth.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of what love demands.
Deliver me, Jesus.
From discouragement.
Deliver me, Jesus.
That you are continually holding me, sustaining me, loving me.
Jesus, I trust in you.
That your love goes deeper than my sins and failings, and transforms me.
Jesus, I trust in you.
That not knowing what tomorrow brings is an invitation to lean on you.
Jesus, I trust in you.
That you are with me in my suffering.
Jesus, I trust in you.
That my suffering, united to your own, will bear fruit in this life and the next.
Jesus, I trust in you.
That you will not leave me orphan, that you are present in your Church.
Jesus, I trust in you.
That your plan is better than anything else.
Jesus, I trust in you.
That you always hear me and in your goodness always respond to me.
Jesus, I trust in you.
That you give me the grace to accept forgiveness and to forgive others.
Jesus, I trust in you.
That you give me all the strength I need for what is asked.
Jesus, I trust in you.
That my life is a gift.
Jesus, I trust in you.
That you will teach me to trust you.
Jesus, I trust in you.
That you are my Lord and my God.
Jesus, I trust in you.
That I am your beloved one.
Jesus, I trust in you.
.
Magnificat
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior because he has regarded the lowliness of his handmaid; for, behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed because he who is mighty has done great things for me; and holy is his name; and his mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. He has put down the mighty from their thrones and has exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has given help to Israel, his servant, mindful of his mercy even as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his posterity forever.
.
Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of Virgins, my mother; to you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me.
.
Military
God of power and mercy, you destroy war and put down earthly pride. Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears, that we may all deserve to be called your sons and daughters. Keep in your mercy those men and women who have died in the cause of freedom and bring them safely into your kingdom of justice and peace. We ask this though Jesus Christ our Lord (USSCB in Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers).
.
Heavenly Father, inspire those who are overseas for the cause of peace. Send your son, Jesus Christ, as the Prince of Peace. Bless the men and women of our military who respond to the needs of peacekeeping. Keep them safe from harm. Let them be models of discipline and courage, and bring them home safely to their loved ones. We ask this in your name (Fr. Michael Ortiz in God and Country: Reflections for Catholics in the Military).
.
Miracle prayer
.
Morning prayer
O my God, I offer you all my prayers, works, and sufferings in union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the intentions for which he pleads and offers himself in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, in thanksgiving for your favors, in reparation for my offenses, and in humble supplication for my temporal and eternal welfare for the conversion of sinners and for the relief of the poor souls in purgatory.
.
New year from RCL Benziger with prayer cards from the Salesians
God of all time, this New Year’s Day we place our days and months in your hands.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Fill our days with the blessings of family, friendship, laughter, and love.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Show us ways to spend our time serving your children in need.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Help us appreciate the time we have to listen to your Word, to talk with you in prayer.
Lord, hear our prayer.
.
Our Lady
I prostrate myself in your presence, O God Most High, and I give you thanks and praise for your immutable being, for your infinite perfections, and for having created me out of nothing.
I acknowledge myself as your creature and as the work of your hands. I bless you, and I adore you. I give you honor, magnificence, and divinity as the supreme Lord and creator of myself and of all that exists.
I raise up my spirit to place it into your hands. I offer myself with profound humility and resignation to you, and I ask you to dispose of me according to your holy will during this day and during all the days of my life. I ask you to teach me to fulfill whatever would be to your greater pleasure.
I consult you. I ask your advice. I ask your permission. I ask your blessing on everything that I do today. I ask your permission to use my body as your temple, my mind as the mind of Christ, my soul as the souls of Jesus and Mary. [I ask your permission to use] my memory to remember only you, my will to use it in conformity to your will, and my understanding to understand you and your wisdom and to understand my brothers and sisters.
.
Our Lady of Guadalupe with prayer cards from the Archdiocese of San Antonio (left) & Future Church
Dearest Lady of Guadalupe, fruitful mother of holiness, teach me your ways of gentleness and strength. Hear my prayer offered with deep-felt confidence to beg this favor…
O Mary, conceived without sin, I come to your throne of grace to share the fervent devotion of your faithful Mexican children who call to thee under the glorious Aztec title of “Guadalupe,” the virgin who crushed the serpent.
Queen of Martyrs, whose immaculate heart was pierced by seven swords of grief, help me to walk valiantly amid the sharp thorns strewn across my pathway. Invoke the holy spirit of wisdom to fortify my will to frequent the sacraments so that, thus enlightened and strengthened, I may prefer God to all creatures and shun every occasion of sin. Help me, as a living branch of the vine that is Jesus Christ, to exemplify his divine charity always seeking the good of others.
Queen of Apostles, aid me to win souls for the sacred heart of my Savior. Keep my apostolate fearless, dynamic, and articulate to proclaim the loving solitude of our Father in heaven so that the wayward may heed his pleading and obtain pardon through the merits of your merciful son, our lord, Jesus Christ.
.
Our Lady, queen and mother
My Queen! My Mother! I give myself entirely to you; and to show my devotion to you, I consecrate to you this day my eyes, my ears, my mouth, my heart, my whole being without reserve. Wherefore, good mother, as I am your own, keep me and guard me as your property and possession.
.
We ask you, Our Lady, mother of God, exalted above the choirs of angels, that you fill the vessel of our hearts with grace; that you make it shine with the gold of wisdom; that you make it resolute with the power of your virtue; that you adorn it with the precious stones of virtue (St. Anthony of Padua).
.
Parents from the Rosary Shrine of St. Jude
God of all life, I thank you for the gift of my children. I ask for your guidance and strength to be the best parent I can possibly be. Because you have entrusted them to my care, help me to assist them in becoming compassionate and responsible adults, strong in their faith and confident in the goodness and abilities you have given them. Grant that they may be ever aware of your presence in their lives and confident in your unconditional love for them. Fill my children with your choicest blessings. Enrich their souls with your grace. Inspire them with your wisdom. Lead them to mature in virtue each day so that our family may be always united with you and with each other in this life and in the next.
.
Most loving Father, the example of parenthood, you have entrusted our children to us to bring them up for you and prepare them for everlasting life. Assist us with your grace that we may fulfill this sacred duty with competence and love. Teach us what to give and what to withhold. Show us when to reprove, when to praise, and when to be silent. Make us gentle and considerate, yet firm and watchful. Keep us from the weakness of indulgence and the excess of severity. Give us the courage to be disliked sometimes by our children when we must do necessary things which are displeasing in their eyes. Give us the imagination to enter their world in order to understand and guide them. Grant us all the virtues we need to lead them by word and example in the ways of wisdom and piety. One day with them, may we enter into the joys of our true and lasting home with you in heaven.
.
Peace
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, light; and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
.
Peace in the Middle East by Rev. Said Allabouni in Presentation Doorways (Winter 2023)
God of mercy and compassion, of grace and reconciliation, pour your power upon all your children in the Middle East: Jews, Muslims and Christians, Palestinians and Israelis. Let hatred be turned into love, fear to trust, despair to hope, oppression to freedom, occupation to liberation, that violent encounters may be replaced by loving embraces, and peace and justice could be experienced by all.
.
Peace of mind from CSA
St. Anthony, faithful servant of Christ, you offered comfort and consolation to all who came to you in times of trouble. Pray for me now that I may know true peace of mind, heart, and soul. Help me grow in faith so that I may be free from all useless and needless anxiety in this life.
Fill me with confidence in God’s healing graces. Grant me the serenity known by those who let go of resentments, bitterness, and anger. Reassure me that our divine savior, Jesus Christ, is with me every step of the way every day of my life and, that in his gracious love, I need not worry or fear sickness, problems, or any of life’s difficulties.
,
Priests
O Jesus, I pray for your faithful and fervent priests, for your unfaithful and tepid priests, for your priest laboring at home or abroad in distant mission fields, for your tempted priests, for your lonely and desolate priests, for your young priests, for your dying priests, and for the souls of your priests in purgatory.
.
Quieting the soul by Edwina Gately
Be silent. Be still. Alone. Empty. Before your God say nothing. Ask nothing. Be silent. Be still. Let your God look upon you. That is all. He knows. He understands. He loves you with an enormous love. He only wants to look upon you with his love. Quiet. Still. Be. Let your God love you.
.
Reason, season, lifetime (Author unknown)
People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty,
to provide you with guidance and support,
to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met,
our desire fulfilled; their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered,
and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON
because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it. It is real, but only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifelong lessons,
things you must build on to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,
and apply what you have learned
to all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind, but friendship is clairvoyant.
Human connections are essential to health and well-being.
Thank everyone whose presence in your life has made a difference.
.
Sacred Heart
Sacred Heart of Jesus, today I wish to live in you, in your grace in which I desire at all costs to persevere. Keep me from sin and strengthen my will by helping me to keep watch over my senses, my imagination, and my heart. Help me to correct my faults which are the source of sin. I beg you to do this, O Jesus, through Mary, your Immaculate Mother.
.
Salve Mater Dolorosa
Father, as your son was raised on the cross, his mother, Mary, stood by him, sharing his suffering. May your Church be united with Christ in his suffering and death and so come to share in his rising to new life where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit and God, forever and ever.
.
Seeking God by St. Anselm
O Lord, my God, teach my heart this day where and how to see you, where and how to find you. You have made me and remade me; you have bestowed on me all the good things I possess and, still, I do not know you. I have not yet done that for which I was made. Teach me to seek you, for I cannot seek you unless you teach me or find you unless you show yourself to me. Let me seek you in my desire; let me desire you in my seeking. Let me find you by loving you; let me love you when I find you.
.
Show unusual kindness adapted from “Day 6: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” (World Council of Churches, 2020)
God of the orphan,
the widow and the stranger,
place within our hearts
a deep sense of hospitality
and a spirit of kindness.
Open our eyes, our ears, and our hearts
when you ask us to feed you,
to clothe you, and to visit you.
May all people of faith
take part in ending hunger, thirst,
loneliness, and pain,
and in breaking down barriers
that keep others from being welcomed.
.
Special act of sorrow
Forgive me my sins, O Lord. Forgive me my sins: the sins of my youth, the sins of my age, the sins of my soul, the sins of my body, my idle sins, my serious voluntary sins, the sins I know, the sins I have concealed for so long that they are now hidden from my memory.
I am truly sorry for every sin, mortal and venial, and for all the sins of my childhood up to the present hour.
I know my sins have wounded your tender heart, O my Savior. Let me be freed from the bonds of evil through the most bitter passion of my Redeemer.
O my Jesus, forget and forgive what I have been.
.
Special need with prayer cards from CSA & FMA
Sacred heart of Jesus, I firmly believe that you are here and see me perfectly and that you observe all my actions, all my thoughts, and the most secret movements of my heart. You permit me, a sinner, to remain in your presence. It is your goodness and bounty which command me to come to you in this, my time of special need. With confidence I pray that you will grant me this grace which I ask of you.
.
Spiritual communion
When unable to receive holy communion, make a spiritual communion with this prayer of St. Francis.
I believe that you, O Jesus, are in the most holy sacrament. I love you and desire you. Come into my heart. I embrace you. Oh, never leave me. May the burning and most sweet power of your love, O Lord Jesus Christ, I beseech you, absorb my mind that I may die through love of your love, [just as you] were graciously pleased to die through love of my love.
.
Lord Jesus Christ, come into my heart and take possession of me. Fill my heart with your love and peace. May I truly experience your life in me, and may I always feel your consoling presence.
.
Spouses for each other
Lord Jesus, grant that [name] and I may have a true and understanding love for each other. Grant that we may both be filled with faith and trust. Give us the grace to live with each other in peace and harmony. May we always bear with one another’s weaknesses and grow from each other’s strengths. Help us to forgive one another’s failings and grant us patience, kindness, cheerfulness, and the spirit of placing the well-being of one another ahead of self. May the love that brought us together grow and mature with each passing year. Bring us both ever closer to you through our love for each other. Let our love grow to perfection.
.
St. Agnes
O little St. Agnes, so young and yet made so strong and wise by the power of God, protect by your prayers all the young people of every place whose goodness and purity are threatened by the evils and impurities of this world. Give them strength in temptation and a true repentance when they fail. Help them to find true Christian friends to accompany them in following the Lamb of God and finding safe pastures in his Church and in her holy sacraments.
May you lead us to the wedding banquet of heaven to rejoice with you and all the holy virgin martyrs.
.
St. Anthony from FMA
Glorious St. Anthony, I salute you as a good servant of Christ and a special friend of God. You were once favored to hold the Christ Child in your arms as you cherished his world in your heart. Today, I place all my cares, temptations, and anxieties in your hands. I resolve ever to honor you by imitating your example. Powerful patron, model of purity, and victor over fleshly impulses, please win for me and for all devoted to you, perfect purity of body, mind, and heart.
.
St. Anthony litany from CSA (52915CV)
From all hardness of heart; from fear, anger, and strife; from every injustice.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
From quarreling and conflict, from envy and jealousy, from every addiction.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
From self-hatred and lack of self-esteem, from bitterness and evil.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
From all deception and dishonesty, from despair and hopelessness.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
That we may grow in the peace, compassion, and generosity of Jesus Christ.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
That we may love our neighbor as ourselves.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
That the Word of God may enlighten our minds and lead us into all truth.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
That we may always advance in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
Through the intercession of St. Anthony, may almighty God bless us. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
.
St. Corona
Lord Jesus Christ, you came into this world for our salvation.
Look kindly on us now, we pray, that we, and all those who serve you, might be kept safe from this epidemic.
Heal those who are sick, comfort the suffering, bring back those who have gone astray, and above all, increase our faith, O Lord.
Give us the grace to follow you and, like the martyr St. Corona, who gave her life for love of you, to take up our crosses daily without fear or hesitation.
Lord Jesus Christ, son of the living God, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
St. Corona, patroness of epidemic victims, pray for us.
.
St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe
Immaculata, queen and mother of the Church, I renew my consecration to you this day and for always so that you may use me for the coming of the kingdom of Jesus in the whole world. To this end I offer you all my prayers, actions, and sacrifices of this day.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you and for all those who do not have recourse to you, especially the enemies of holy Church and all those recommended to you.
.
St. Michael
St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do you, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls.
.
St. Sharbel’s last prayer before he died (Maronite liturgy, lightly edited)
Father of truth, here is your Son, the sacrifice in which you are well pleased. Accept him, for he died for me so [that], through him, I [might] be pardoned. Here is the offering. Take it from my hands so [that] I [may] be reconciled with you. Here is the blood which flowered on Golgotha for my salvation.
Remember not the sins that I have committed in front of your majesty, and pray for me. Out of consideration for this, accept my supplication. I have committed many sins, but your mercy is great. If you put them in the balance, your goodness will have more weight than the most mighty mountains.
Look not upon my sins but rather on what is offered for them, for the offering and the sacrifice are even greater than the offenses. Because I have sinned, your beloved bore the nails and the spear. His sufferings are enough to satisfy you. By them I shall live.
Glory be to the Father who sent his Son for us. Adoration be to the Son who has freed us and ensured our salvation. Blessed be he who, by his love, has given life to all. To him be the glory.
.
St. Teresa of Ávila
Lord, grant that I may always allow myself to be guided by you, always follow your plans, and perfectly accomplish your holy will. Grant that in all things, great and small, today and all the days of my life, I may do whatever you require of me. Help me respond to the slightest prompting of your grace so that I may be your trustworthy instrument for your honor. May your will be done in time and in eternity by me, in me, and through me.
.
Staying close in time of social distancing from Unbound
Compassionate God, we come to you with our fears in this time of global crisis. Calm us as you calmed the storm at sea. Help us to remember that in the seeming immensity of our troubles, you still hold each of us in the palm of your hand. You never forget us. You never abandon us.
Provide your healing touch to those who suffer. Bless, too, their caregivers and those charged with public safety. May all on the front lines of this pandemic be guided by wisdom, hope and resolve.
May we rise to the challenge of this moment with grace and courage. May this crisis bring out the best in us. May we be patient. May we be kind. And may our faith in you outweigh our uncertainty. We ask this in your most holy name.
.
Steadfast heart
Grant me, O God, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy thought can drag downward, an unconquered heart which no trial can wear out, an upright heart which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow upon me also, O Lord my God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and faithfulness that may finally embrace you.
.
Thanksgiving
Dear God, we offer you thanksgiving today and every day. Thank you for all our blessings— for food and for loved ones, for the beauty of your creation and for entrusting it to us, for the love we have and share, for the peace we strive to create, for our blessings and for our struggles— that they may bring us closer to you. O God, strengthen us to be a blessing to others. May we care for those who are suffering and in need. May we bring your love to all those we meet. May we be your presence in a world in need of love, mercy and justice. May we hold deep thanksgiving in our hearts not just today, but every day (Sisters of Providence, 2023).
.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; his courts, with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. For the Lord is good; his steadfast love and his faithfulness to all generations endure forever (Ps. 100; edited).
.
Thanksgiving for a favor received
Thank you, O God, for hearing my prayer and granting my request. Thank you for all the kindness you have shown me. Thank you, Father, for your great love in giving me my life, for your great patience in preserving me despite my sinfulness, for your protection in the past, and for the opportunity to serve and honor you in the future. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for keeping me numberless times from sin and death by the tolls of your life, the sufferings of your Passion, and by your victorious Resurrection. Thank you, Holy Spirit of God, for bestowing so many graces upon my soul and for having so frequently renewed your life within me. May my life from now on be a sign of my gratefulness.
.
Thoughts in solitude from Thomas Merton
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 that 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.
.
True friendship
A kind mouth multiplies friends and appeases enemies, and gracious lips prompt friendly greetings. Let your acquaintances be many, but one in a thousand your confidant. When you gain a friend, first test him and be not too ready to trust him. For one sort is a friend when it suits him, but he will not be with you in time of distress. Another is a friend who becomes an enemy and tells of the quarrel to your shame. Another is a friend, a boon companion, who will not be with you when sorrow comes. When things go well, he is your other self and lords it over your servants; but if you are brought low, he turns against you and avoids meeting you. Keep away from your enemies; be on your guard with your friends. A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure. A faithful friend is beyond price; no sum can balance his worth. A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy; such as he who fears God finds. For he who fears God behaves accordingly, and his friend will be like himself (Sirach 6:5-17).
.
Vocations by Roseann Kasayka, OSF
Creator God, life is your gift to me. Through Baptism, you invite me to share the gift of my life in service to others. Be with me as I choose each day to show your presence in our world. Give me the courage and generosity to respond to your love, to your call. I pray especially for those who serve you as priests, brothers, sisters, deacons, and lay ministers. Keep them close to you. Open the minds and hearts of many other men and women that they may accept your challenge to build the kingdom.
.
When I feel rejected by James Martin, SJ (edited)
Loving God, you made me who I am. I praise you and love you, for I am wonderfully made in your own image. But, when people make fun of me, I feel hurt, embarrassed, and even ashamed. So, please, God, help me remember my own goodness which lies in you.
Help me remember my dignity, which you gave me when I was conceived. Help me remember that I can live a life of love because you created my heart. Be with me, loving God, when people hate me. Help me to respond how you would want me to— with a love that respects others but also respects me. Help me find friends who love me for who I am. Help me, most of all, to be a loving person.
And, God, help me remember that Jesus loves me; for he was seen as an outcast. He was misunderstood. He was beaten and spat upon.
Jesus understands me and loves me with a special love because of the way you made me. And, when I am feeling lonely, help me to remember that Jesus welcomed everyone as a friend. Jesus reminded everyone that God loved them. He encouraged everyone to embrace their dignity, even when others were blind to seeing that dignity. Jesus loved everyone with the boundless love that you gave him. And he loves me, too.
One more thing, God. Help me remember that nothing is impossible with you, that you have a way of making things better, that you can find a way of love for me even if I can’t see it right now.
Help me remember all these things in the heart you created, loving God.
.
Wisdom to see and know love by Julian of Norwich, 1342-1416 (edited)
Truth sees God, and wisdom contemplates God. Of these two comes the third— a marvelous delight in God, which is love. Where truth and wisdom are, truly there is love coming from them both— all of God’s making. For God is endless supreme truth, endless supreme wisdom, endless supreme love uncreated. A man’s soul is a creature in God and always does what it was created for. It sees God, contemplates God, and loves God. Therefore, God rejoices in the creature and the creature in God. Endlessly marveling, the creature sees his God, his lord, his maker, so exalted, so great, so good. In comparison, the creature scarcely seems anything to itself. But the brightness and clearness of truth and wisdom make him see and know that he is made for love; and, in this love, God endlessly protects him.
.
Work from Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers
God our Creator, we are the work of your hands. Guide us in our work, that we may do it, not for self alone, but for the common good. Make us alert to injustice, ready to stand in solidarity, that there may be dignity for all in labor and in labor’s reward. Grant this through Christ our Lord.
St. Joseph, patron of laborers, pray for us.
.
World meeting of families (Philadelphia, 2015)
God and father of us all, in Jesus, your son and our savior, you have made us your sons and daughters in the family of the Church. May your grace and love help our families in every part of the world be united to one another in fidelity to the gospel. May the example of the Holy Family, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, guide all families, especially those most troubled, to be homes of communion and prayer and to always seek your truth and live in your love. Through Christ, our lord.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, pray for us.
– – – – – – – – – – – –
Articles of interest
Arguing the existence of purgatory… Avoiding the spiritual sin of acedia…
Confession… Combating pride… God’s healing mercy… Hidden blessings… Sweeping the temple clean… Ten short meditations… Tips…
Essential key to holiness… Exposing porn’s lies…
Fading of three Christian values…
Glimpse of heaven in my personal hell… Gravity of sin… Guide to reconciliation / victory over vice…
Habits of sin… Harrowing of hell… Healing mercy for diabolical prayer… Heaven or hell… Hidden value of nostalgia…
In his name I cast thee out… Is spiritual direction for everyone…
Learn to heal painful memories… Learning to forgive the unforgivable sin… Leveling lust…
Meaning behind “descended into hell”…
Nine reasons to kick porn to the curb / free e-books / pastoral letter…
Offering more than one Mass for the deceased…
Path of repentance… Prayer & purgatory: thresholds to glory… Purgatory 101 (ten things)… Pursuing true happiness in a world without truth…
Reasons Satan loves pornography / steps for giving your mind to Christ / ways to seek grace… Regrets people confess on their deathbeds… Remembering the last things…
Science behind pornography… Seven capital sins of the internet (more)… Silence about sin can itself be a sin… Six parts of fortitude… Spiritual apathy… Strange gods: saints & statues…
Talking to kids about porn… Taming the tongue: ten fatal abuses of speech… Temperance & our addiction crisis… Temptation: twelve things to know… Theological virtues… Three keys to fighting despair / tips to get through spiritual desolation…
Ways to overcome anxiety / win the battle for purity… What happens when giving up alcohol… What is sin… Who is the devil…
.
Links of interest
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception: history / virtual tours…
Beatitudes… On film: love lifts us up… Sermon on the Mount: Mt. 5:1-12…
Being Catholic… Detachment (more)… Faith & Life (blog)… Five rules for the new Catholic… How to grow in devotion… Lists to know… Sharing the Catholic faith with non-Catholics… Testimonies… Welcome home (more)… Why I remain a Catholic…
Bible… Books… Disciples & apostles… Free audio download… Gospel & gospels… Liturgies… New American… Study tools… What is…
Blessed Sacrament meditations: about / St. John Chrysostom’s hourly prayers / Visits to Jesus in the tabernacle: Hours & half-hours of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament (Lasance, 1897)…
Blessings (198)… Child’s birthday… Married couples…
Brother (Franciscan friars’ song; Aleteia)…
Catholic Harbor of Faith & Morals: saints index…
Catholic home study service (free courses)…
Catholic literature (free)… 100 prayers… Blessed be God… Printable worksheets… Traditional (also in Spanish)…
Catholics on call: In the beginning (blog)…
Christmas music: seven originals (videos; Aleteia)…
Come, my way, my truth, my life…
Come pray the rosary (virtual: English & Spanish)… Printable in various languages / text…
Divine Mercy (complete, YT) / chaplet…
Fr. Peter Mary Rookey: healing service story / miracle prayer / books: Healer of souls & Man of miracles…
Finding comfort (booklets as pdf files & other items)…
Fire from above: Christian contemplation & mystical wisdom…
God only knows (Aleteia)…
Grateful Living: candles to light / ecards…
Hail Mary, gentle woman (YT)…
Here I am, Lord (YT)…
How wafers for Holy Communion are made (Passionist Nuns; video)…
Hymnary: a comprehensive index of hymns and hymnals
I can only imagine (Andie’s Isle)…
Ignatian Spirituality… Consolation & desolation / expectations for prayer time (praying with imagination) / meeting God / prayer online / ten elements… Videos: (1) Ignatian prayer, (2) Ignatian prayer: An overview, (3) finding God in all things, (4) spiritual exercises, (5) examen, (6) discernment…
Illumination – Peaceful Gregorian Chants (Dan Gibson)…
Imitation of Christ (Thomas à Kempis)…
Instrument of peace (YT) / Prayer of St. Francis (Sarah McLachlan)…
Introduction to the devout life (e-book; St. Francis de Sales)…
Irish blessing (Andie’s Isle)…
Jesus: prayer (how to pray) / song (Chris Tomlin)…
Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary: consecrating the hours / hymns, psalms, & readings / prayers (more)…
Lord, I lift your name on high (YT)…
Marypages: calendar / Christmas stories / Mary apparitions / prayers (archive) / website…
Miracle prayer (YT)…
Online retreats: 34-week (multilingual) / Ignatian: 3-minute & 8-week…
Our Lady of the Rosary Library: daily prayers to the Blessed Virgin / site map…
Prayer cards: A – H / L – M / O / P – R / S – V /// Saints: A – E / F – J / K – P / R – V
Prayers… Devotions to the Blessed Mother… Daily sacred space… For all occasions… Four anchor points / daily habits / things to ensure answered prayers… General principles… How shall I pray… Index… Little book of caregiver prayers… Morning & new beginnings (starting right)… Not an emptying of the mind… Novenas made easy… Relationship with God… Seasons… Seven keys to praying without ceasing… Ten ways to grow in prayer / tips / tools to build a robust prayer life… Treasure trove (4,128)… Twelve prayers to help you receive all the gifts God has for you… When darkness falls… Why we must pray…
Praying to the saints… Does this mean they’re gods… Gracious advocates… Healing intercessors… How & why to pray to them… Intercessory prayer / litanies (238) / novenas (969)… Not idol worship… Why Catholics pray novenas, pray to the saints, & treasure their saints…
Pre-battle chant of the Knights Templar (Aleteia)…
Resurrection (song)…
Roman Catholic calendar: Romcal / Universalis…
Saints: Feast day list by month (more)… Loyola Press: activities & plans / reflections / stories… Prayers… Questions… Set an example… Why so many…
Santos y vidas ejemplares (index)…
Seven penitential psalms (6, 31, 37, 50, 101, 129, 142)…
Spiritual Direction: Advent preparation / Lent / preparing our hearts for the coming King…
Stations of the cross for children & families: about / devotion / FishEaters / for kids (downloadable) / how to do / origin / prayers / printables / puppet show / significance / unique chant / way of the cross… Veronica’s compassionate act… Via Crucis at the Colosseum with Pope Francis… Why churches have them…
Txichochi Conetzintle (sung for Our Lady of Guadalupe; Aleteia)…
USCCB: daily readings & lecturas…
Weightless (Macaroni Union; reducing anxiety)
.
© Deli Lanoux, Ed.D. and Shared thoughts…, 2024. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Deli Lanoux, Ed.D. and Shared thoughts…, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Shared thoughts... 
Leave a comment