We pray for the dreamers of this life, O God,for those persons who imagine new possibilities,who long for what others cannot perceive,who spin dreams of wonder and majesty in their minds.Defend them from ridicule and harsh criticism,from self-doubt and lack of faith in their dreams,and from abandonment of this call to make things new.Grant that from their dreamsmay come forth blessings for humankindto enrich the quality of lifeand the wonderment of us all. Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
Friday, August 17, 2007
Monday, July 23, 2007
Fix Me Jesus
Oh yes, fix me, Jesus, fix me.
Fix me so that I can walk on a little while longer.
Fix me so that I can pray onjust a little bit harder.
Fix me so that I can sing onjust a little bit louder.
Fix me so that I can go on despite the pain, the fear
the doubt, and yes, the anger
I ask not that you take this cross from me
only that you give me the strength to continue
carrying it onward 'til my dying day.
Oh, fix me, Jesus, fix me.
African-American spiritual
Fix me so that I can walk on a little while longer.
Fix me so that I can pray onjust a little bit harder.
Fix me so that I can sing onjust a little bit louder.
Fix me so that I can go on despite the pain, the fear
the doubt, and yes, the anger
I ask not that you take this cross from me
only that you give me the strength to continue
carrying it onward 'til my dying day.
Oh, fix me, Jesus, fix me.
African-American spiritual
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Be Mindful, O Lord
Be mindful, O Lord, of those who travel by land, by sea, and by air; of the old and young, the sick, the suffering, the sorrowing, the afflicted, the captives, the needy and the poor; and upon them all send forth Thy mercies, for Thou art the Giver of all good things.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Prayer for the Brokenhearted
O God,whose love restoresthe brokenhearted of this world:pour out your love,we beseech you,upon those who feellonely, abandoned, or unloved.Strengthen their hopeto meet the days ahead;give them the courageto form life-giving friendships;and bless them with the joyof your eternal peace.Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
Sunday, July 8, 2007
For Those Who Serve Others
O Lord our heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served but to serve: Bless, we beseech thee, all who, following in his steps, give themselves to the service of others; that with wisdom, patience, and courage, they may minister in his name to the suffering, the friendless, and the needy; for the love of him who laid down his life for us, the same thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Prayer for Those in the Armed Services
O God of Mercy, we beg You now to protect in a special way those who are fighting for us and for the country we love. Bless them and take care of them. If they are tired, give them strength. If they are wounded and suffering, give them comfort. If they are lonely, touch them with Your gentle hand and let them know that You are near them. Grant them strength, wisdom and help through Your power and Your limitless love. Amen.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Keep My Mind Focused on Good Health
O Lord, I find it hard to remember what it was like
to be healthy.
Help me keep my mind focused on good health
and strength.
Let me be positive about the course of treatment
I am undergoing.
And let me always have faith, great faith,
in your presence in my life
and your glory in my health.
- Maureen Pratt
to be healthy.
Help me keep my mind focused on good health
and strength.
Let me be positive about the course of treatment
I am undergoing.
And let me always have faith, great faith,
in your presence in my life
and your glory in my health.
- Maureen Pratt
Blessing for the Home
Peace be to this house
And to all who dwell in it.
Peace be to them that enter
And to them that depart.
And to all who dwell in it.
Peace be to them that enter
And to them that depart.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Prayer for Those Seeking Meaning
Eternal Wisdom,
source of life and grace,
bless all who are seeking
the meaning of life.
Endow them with courage
to risk the unknown.
Bless them with wonder
to be still and rejoice.
Anoint them with wisdom
to understand the potential
of their dreams.
Blessed is your name,
now and evermore. Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
source of life and grace,
bless all who are seeking
the meaning of life.
Endow them with courage
to risk the unknown.
Bless them with wonder
to be still and rejoice.
Anoint them with wisdom
to understand the potential
of their dreams.
Blessed is your name,
now and evermore. Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
Prayer for Lonely People
Loving God,
there are times in each life
when there is no one.
No one with whom to share
a word,
a laugh,
a sad remembrance,
a gentle touch,
a fond embrace,
a kiss of love.
Bless each one who suffers
from such loneliness.
Enrich life with a friend
or gentle stranger
who will spend a moment
noticing
and loving.
In those times
your love shines through,
the world is reborn,
and Christ is known.
So be it!
Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
there are times in each life
when there is no one.
No one with whom to share
a word,
a laugh,
a sad remembrance,
a gentle touch,
a fond embrace,
a kiss of love.
Bless each one who suffers
from such loneliness.
Enrich life with a friend
or gentle stranger
who will spend a moment
noticing
and loving.
In those times
your love shines through,
the world is reborn,
and Christ is known.
So be it!
Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
Monday, June 25, 2007
Ten Prayers God Says Yes To
Haven't you ever wondered, "Why are some of my prayers answered while some are not? How do I get God's attention? How do I get the divine 'Yes'?" Even the most faithful believers are discouraged by dry seasons, when it seems as though God doesn't really care about them or their needs.
"Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To" is the result of author Anthony DeStefano's journey through scripture to find those prayers that God always answers, and promises to always say yes to. Not sometimes. Not maybe. But all of the time.
God, Show Me That You Exist
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. (Rev. 3:20)
God is just waiting for honest doubters to cry out for a little revelation! In fact, he is knocking at their doors, eager to oblige. The door to the human heart can be opened only from the inside. God will never force his way in. All we have to do is open.
Even if we already know that God exists and promises to be there for us, sometimes we don't feel his presence or see him moving in our lives. Then even strong believers experience doubts. They, too, need fresh reminders that he is there, aware and listening--and that he promises to respond:
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. (Luke 11:9)
God invites us to knock at his door so he can reveal himself to us. The interesting thing about Jesus' use of the word "knock" is that it means "to keep on knocking"--persistently, confidently, trusting in the love and faithfulness of God to answer us.
God, Make Me an Instrument
Wherever two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20)
Quite literally one of the oldest Christian prayers in the Book, the request that God make you an instrument is the one that God will answer fastest.
Jesus is making an important promise: When two or three (or more) of us are together in his name, we have an opportunity to love our neighbor as ourselves. This is real love, not some mushy feeling or hormonal rush: It is allowing God to make us his "instruments" and live his life through us.
Volunteering to become God's instrument sounds like a happy, innocent request, doesn't it? But it can be risky because God may need to shape us up first. For one thing, he will require us to rethink the importance of the thing that concerns us most: ourselves.
And then some of us may not be sure we're really equipped to be God's instruments. What if we're not wise enough or brave enough or spiritual enough? Well, God has promised divine help. Just remember this verse: God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him and then helping you do what he wants (Philippians 2:13 TLB). Imagine, God living within you, working within you. You can't get any closer to him than that!
God, Outdo Me in Generosity
Give and it will be given to you, full measure, pressed down, overflowing. (Luke 6:38)
God will never be outdone in generosity!
Here's how it works: As you give generously to people in need, God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others....Yes, you will be enriched so that you can give even more generously (see II Corinthians 9:8-13).
When God finds a giving heart, he will pour out generously too, because he knows he has found someone who will help him fix our broken world; someone who will become the Gospel in action and bring honor and thanks to God.
God, Get Me Through This Suffering
God will not let you be tested beyond your strength. With your trial, he will also provide you with a means of escape, so that you will be able to endure it. (I Corinthians 10:13)
This prayer is not a way out of suffering itself, but a reminder that we can count on being consoled and fortified by God--if we ask for help. That shoulder you cried on, the understanding hug, the cup of tea--all are little gifts of comfort from God.
Jesus, our high priest, understands our struggles with suffering and temptation, because he faced those things himself! So, if we ask, he will meet us with grace to help us in our time of testing (Hebrews 4:16).
You may not need this prayer right now if things are going well in your life, but never forget it. Keep it fresh in your heart, ready to use when sorrow and pain afflict your life.
God, Forgive Me
He is faithful and just to forgive our sins. (I John 1:9)
God is so gracious. But while we're rejoicing in his grace, it's a good idea to remember that there are rules, and there are consequences in our lives here and now. For instance: If I regard sin in my heart, the Lord will not hear me (Psalm 66:18).
Confession is our route around a big roadblock to answered prayer. Sin is such a serious matter to God that he gave the life of his son to set us free from it, so it pays to keep short accounts with him. He has not made that difficult to do.
Repentance isn't a time for dread. God isn't waiting to beat us up, but to set us free into his forgiveness. As we grow in Christ, and he grows in us, we won't need to repent as often, because his Holy Spirit living in us won't let us sin as comfortably as we once did. Isn't that good news?
Right now you can get honest and remove those "sin-roadblocks" to answered prayer. You can be sure you're connecting with God because he never, never turns away from a contrite heart.
God, Give Me Peace
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3 NKJV)
Real, inner peace goes beyond emotions; it comes from focusing on God. Jesus said, "I leave you peace....My peace I give to you."
Without him we won't have the peace that takes us unshaken through life's physical and emotional earthquakes. We need the peace of faith that knows God is there, walking alongside, whispering, Trust me; I have a plan and you are going to be okay. Just keep on going.
The requirements for peace depend upon "being right" with God. That means:
Confession of sin so we can start over (and over) without negative baggage.
Forgiveness of others that frees us from the ugly stress of resentment.
Then we're ready for God to move in our lives and bring peace into our chaos.
God, Give Me Courage
The Lord... delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)
The great Christian writer C.S. Lewis once said that "courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at its testing point, which means at the point of highest reality." Even honesty, self-control, patience and chastity take courage.
You need courage to persevere through life's difficulties, to endure suffering, to take risks, to give witness to the truth, to dare to do great things. Every time we admit our weakness and our dependency on God, we're ripe for his grace and help.
If we rely on our own courage, we're in trouble. But God's Spirit can take us triumphantly through whatever we face.
Courage is the cornerstone of the entire moral order. God is willing to distribute massive doses of supernatural grace to those of his children who are rightly disposed to him, and who ask for courage.
God, Give Me Wisdom
If anyone lacks in wisdom, let him ask God, who is always ready to give. (James 1:5)
We face lots of challenges in our world today. Just turn on the television and there they are: war, an unpredictable economy, spiraling fuel prices, new pandemic diseases. What next?
Being smart isn't enough to handle all this; we need wisdom. We need direction from someone who sees our whole life at a glance, the big picture and the intricate details, someone who knows what's coming down the road.
But wisdom isn't just knowing what God has to say; wisdom is obeying him (James 1:22). With that as our focus, we avoid pitfalls that bring us to the end of our lives realizing we've lived the whole thing "the wrong way!" God's word shows us the "right way"--the way of unselfishness that will save us and those we love a lifetime of hurt.
Do you really want to study at the school of hard knocks? You don't have to make a million mistakes or live to be 100 to learn life's great lessons. Wisdom is available to everyone, free of charge.
God, Bring Good Out of This Bad Situation
All things work together for good, for those who love God and are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
That's a wonderful Bible verse to quote and feel comforted by--except, of course, when you feel crushed by some impossible situation. Then what do you do? Quote it anyway. Tuck it into your mind and let it take root there. Then wait on God to work his redemptive purpose out of the circumstances that threaten to overwhelm you.
Sometimes God allows suffering in order to get our attention: to divert us from wrong paths; to build our faith and our courage, to help us grow strong and resilient; to make us wiser. Or to turn our bad situations into good ones.
Remember the darkest time of all: Jesus' crucifixion. In one amazing stroke of genius and grace, God turned all that suffering around--he redeemed mankind and made it possible for sins to be forgiven. In I Corinthians 2:7-8, Paul reminds us that God had a secret plan before time began: our own redemption. As Paul says, the rulers of this age--the devil and his demons--engineered the crucifixion, believing they could get rid of the Savior and foil God's plan. But their scheme backfired! They never dreamed that Jesus' death would be followed by his resurrection.
Remember, whatever you're going through, God has a "resurrection" plan for your life, too.
"Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To" is the result of author Anthony DeStefano's journey through scripture to find those prayers that God always answers, and promises to always say yes to. Not sometimes. Not maybe. But all of the time.
God, Show Me That You Exist
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. (Rev. 3:20)
God is just waiting for honest doubters to cry out for a little revelation! In fact, he is knocking at their doors, eager to oblige. The door to the human heart can be opened only from the inside. God will never force his way in. All we have to do is open.
Even if we already know that God exists and promises to be there for us, sometimes we don't feel his presence or see him moving in our lives. Then even strong believers experience doubts. They, too, need fresh reminders that he is there, aware and listening--and that he promises to respond:
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. (Luke 11:9)
God invites us to knock at his door so he can reveal himself to us. The interesting thing about Jesus' use of the word "knock" is that it means "to keep on knocking"--persistently, confidently, trusting in the love and faithfulness of God to answer us.
God, Make Me an Instrument
Wherever two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20)
Quite literally one of the oldest Christian prayers in the Book, the request that God make you an instrument is the one that God will answer fastest.
Jesus is making an important promise: When two or three (or more) of us are together in his name, we have an opportunity to love our neighbor as ourselves. This is real love, not some mushy feeling or hormonal rush: It is allowing God to make us his "instruments" and live his life through us.
Volunteering to become God's instrument sounds like a happy, innocent request, doesn't it? But it can be risky because God may need to shape us up first. For one thing, he will require us to rethink the importance of the thing that concerns us most: ourselves.
And then some of us may not be sure we're really equipped to be God's instruments. What if we're not wise enough or brave enough or spiritual enough? Well, God has promised divine help. Just remember this verse: God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him and then helping you do what he wants (Philippians 2:13 TLB). Imagine, God living within you, working within you. You can't get any closer to him than that!
God, Outdo Me in Generosity
Give and it will be given to you, full measure, pressed down, overflowing. (Luke 6:38)
God will never be outdone in generosity!
Here's how it works: As you give generously to people in need, God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others....Yes, you will be enriched so that you can give even more generously (see II Corinthians 9:8-13).
When God finds a giving heart, he will pour out generously too, because he knows he has found someone who will help him fix our broken world; someone who will become the Gospel in action and bring honor and thanks to God.
God, Get Me Through This Suffering
God will not let you be tested beyond your strength. With your trial, he will also provide you with a means of escape, so that you will be able to endure it. (I Corinthians 10:13)
This prayer is not a way out of suffering itself, but a reminder that we can count on being consoled and fortified by God--if we ask for help. That shoulder you cried on, the understanding hug, the cup of tea--all are little gifts of comfort from God.
Jesus, our high priest, understands our struggles with suffering and temptation, because he faced those things himself! So, if we ask, he will meet us with grace to help us in our time of testing (Hebrews 4:16).
You may not need this prayer right now if things are going well in your life, but never forget it. Keep it fresh in your heart, ready to use when sorrow and pain afflict your life.
God, Forgive Me
He is faithful and just to forgive our sins. (I John 1:9)
God is so gracious. But while we're rejoicing in his grace, it's a good idea to remember that there are rules, and there are consequences in our lives here and now. For instance: If I regard sin in my heart, the Lord will not hear me (Psalm 66:18).
Confession is our route around a big roadblock to answered prayer. Sin is such a serious matter to God that he gave the life of his son to set us free from it, so it pays to keep short accounts with him. He has not made that difficult to do.
Repentance isn't a time for dread. God isn't waiting to beat us up, but to set us free into his forgiveness. As we grow in Christ, and he grows in us, we won't need to repent as often, because his Holy Spirit living in us won't let us sin as comfortably as we once did. Isn't that good news?
Right now you can get honest and remove those "sin-roadblocks" to answered prayer. You can be sure you're connecting with God because he never, never turns away from a contrite heart.
God, Give Me Peace
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3 NKJV)
Real, inner peace goes beyond emotions; it comes from focusing on God. Jesus said, "I leave you peace....My peace I give to you."
Without him we won't have the peace that takes us unshaken through life's physical and emotional earthquakes. We need the peace of faith that knows God is there, walking alongside, whispering, Trust me; I have a plan and you are going to be okay. Just keep on going.
The requirements for peace depend upon "being right" with God. That means:
Confession of sin so we can start over (and over) without negative baggage.
Forgiveness of others that frees us from the ugly stress of resentment.
Then we're ready for God to move in our lives and bring peace into our chaos.
God, Give Me Courage
The Lord... delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)
The great Christian writer C.S. Lewis once said that "courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at its testing point, which means at the point of highest reality." Even honesty, self-control, patience and chastity take courage.
You need courage to persevere through life's difficulties, to endure suffering, to take risks, to give witness to the truth, to dare to do great things. Every time we admit our weakness and our dependency on God, we're ripe for his grace and help.
If we rely on our own courage, we're in trouble. But God's Spirit can take us triumphantly through whatever we face.
Courage is the cornerstone of the entire moral order. God is willing to distribute massive doses of supernatural grace to those of his children who are rightly disposed to him, and who ask for courage.
God, Give Me Wisdom
If anyone lacks in wisdom, let him ask God, who is always ready to give. (James 1:5)
We face lots of challenges in our world today. Just turn on the television and there they are: war, an unpredictable economy, spiraling fuel prices, new pandemic diseases. What next?
Being smart isn't enough to handle all this; we need wisdom. We need direction from someone who sees our whole life at a glance, the big picture and the intricate details, someone who knows what's coming down the road.
But wisdom isn't just knowing what God has to say; wisdom is obeying him (James 1:22). With that as our focus, we avoid pitfalls that bring us to the end of our lives realizing we've lived the whole thing "the wrong way!" God's word shows us the "right way"--the way of unselfishness that will save us and those we love a lifetime of hurt.
Do you really want to study at the school of hard knocks? You don't have to make a million mistakes or live to be 100 to learn life's great lessons. Wisdom is available to everyone, free of charge.
God, Bring Good Out of This Bad Situation
All things work together for good, for those who love God and are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
That's a wonderful Bible verse to quote and feel comforted by--except, of course, when you feel crushed by some impossible situation. Then what do you do? Quote it anyway. Tuck it into your mind and let it take root there. Then wait on God to work his redemptive purpose out of the circumstances that threaten to overwhelm you.
Sometimes God allows suffering in order to get our attention: to divert us from wrong paths; to build our faith and our courage, to help us grow strong and resilient; to make us wiser. Or to turn our bad situations into good ones.
Remember the darkest time of all: Jesus' crucifixion. In one amazing stroke of genius and grace, God turned all that suffering around--he redeemed mankind and made it possible for sins to be forgiven. In I Corinthians 2:7-8, Paul reminds us that God had a secret plan before time began: our own redemption. As Paul says, the rulers of this age--the devil and his demons--engineered the crucifixion, believing they could get rid of the Savior and foil God's plan. But their scheme backfired! They never dreamed that Jesus' death would be followed by his resurrection.
Remember, whatever you're going through, God has a "resurrection" plan for your life, too.
Prayer for Sleep
O heavenly Father, you give your children sleep for the refreshing of soul and body: Grant me this gift, I pray; keep me in that perfect peace which you have promised to those whose minds are fixed on you; and give me such a sense of your presence, that in the hours of silence I may enjoy the blessed assurance of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Help Me Avoid Toxic Relationships
Heavenly Father, I sometimes get into relationships
that are not good for me.
Please help me better discern how I relate to
the people in my life
and give me the wisdom to know when a relationship
is not giving you glory and is harmful to me.
Bring me courage to avoid toxic relationships
and help nurture what is good and just in all things.
- Maureen Pratt
that are not good for me.
Please help me better discern how I relate to
the people in my life
and give me the wisdom to know when a relationship
is not giving you glory and is harmful to me.
Bring me courage to avoid toxic relationships
and help nurture what is good and just in all things.
- Maureen Pratt
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Prayer for Those Searching for God
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,
And 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.
- St. Anselm
Teach my heart this day where and how to see you,
Where and how to find you.
You have made me and remade me,
And 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.
- St. Anselm
Prayer When I Can't Pray
I try to pray;
words don’t come.
I toss and turn
and feel nothing.
My mind is dry,
my heart is dull,
my soul longs
for life.
Hear my silent cry,
my God, hear me.
Let me not be
a shriveled reed
or an empty shell.
Breathe on me
and make me whole.
Give me passion
that I may love.
Then shall my tongue praise
your holy name
with words I do not yet know.
So be it.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
words don’t come.
I toss and turn
and feel nothing.
My mind is dry,
my heart is dull,
my soul longs
for life.
Hear my silent cry,
my God, hear me.
Let me not be
a shriveled reed
or an empty shell.
Breathe on me
and make me whole.
Give me passion
that I may love.
Then shall my tongue praise
your holy name
with words I do not yet know.
So be it.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
Friday, June 22, 2007
The Blessing of Unanswered Prayers
I asked for strength that I might achieve;
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy;
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I had asked for,
but eveything that I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered;
I am, among all men, most richly blessed.
- Unknown Confederate soldier
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy;
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I had asked for,
but eveything that I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered;
I am, among all men, most richly blessed.
- Unknown Confederate soldier
Prayer for Those Searching for God
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,
And 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.
- St. Anselm
Teach my heart this day where and how to see you,
Where and how to find you.
You have made me and remade me,
And 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.
- St. Anselm
Prayer to Do God's Will
Dearest Lord, teach me to be generous;
Teach me to serve thee as thou deservest;
To give and not to count the cost,
To fight and not to seek for rest,
To labour and not to seek reward,
Save that of knowing that I do thy will.
- St. Ignatius of Loyola
Teach me to serve thee as thou deservest;
To give and not to count the cost,
To fight and not to seek for rest,
To labour and not to seek reward,
Save that of knowing that I do thy will.
- St. Ignatius of Loyola
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Prayer for Peace, Love, and Happiness
Let me be loved, let me be happy, let me be peaceful.
Let my friends be happy, loved, and peaceful.
Let my perceived enemies be happy, loved, and peaceful.
Let all beings be happy, loved, and peaceful.
Let the whole world experience these things.
- Deepak Chopra
Let my friends be happy, loved, and peaceful.
Let my perceived enemies be happy, loved, and peaceful.
Let all beings be happy, loved, and peaceful.
Let the whole world experience these things.
- Deepak Chopra
Lead Me to Peace
Lead me from death to life,
from falsehood to truth.
Lead me from despair to hope,
from fear to trust.
Lead me from hate to love,
from war to peace.
Let peace fill my heart,
my world, my universe.
Amen.
from falsehood to truth.
Lead me from despair to hope,
from fear to trust.
Lead me from hate to love,
from war to peace.
Let peace fill my heart,
my world, my universe.
Amen.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Prayer for Life's Journey
May we know that it is the journey that is important. May we find our own truths and the divine within ourselves and in doing so help our fellow travelers to find their own. May we see each other through spirit and not through worldly eyes.
Prayer for Friendship
You have blessed us, O God,
with the gift of friendship,
the bonding of persons
in a circle of love.
We thank you for such a blessing:
for friends who love us,
who share our sorrows,
who laugh with us in celebration,
who bear our pain,
who need us as we need them,
who weep as we weep,
who hold us when words fail,
and who give us the freedom
to be ourselves.
Bless our friends with health,
wholeness, life, and love.
Amen.
with the gift of friendship,
the bonding of persons
in a circle of love.
We thank you for such a blessing:
for friends who love us,
who share our sorrows,
who laugh with us in celebration,
who bear our pain,
who need us as we need them,
who weep as we weep,
who hold us when words fail,
and who give us the freedom
to be ourselves.
Bless our friends with health,
wholeness, life, and love.
Amen.
A Heart to Love Thee
O Lord, who hast mercy upon all, take away from me my sins,
and mercifully kindle in me the fire of thy Holy Spirit.
Take away from me the heart of stone,
and give me a heart of flesh,
a heart to love and adore thee,
a heart to delight in thee,
to follow and to enjoy thee,
for Christ's sake.
- Ambrose of Milan (c. 339-97)
and mercifully kindle in me the fire of thy Holy Spirit.
Take away from me the heart of stone,
and give me a heart of flesh,
a heart to love and adore thee,
a heart to delight in thee,
to follow and to enjoy thee,
for Christ's sake.
- Ambrose of Milan (c. 339-97)
A Father's Prayer
May God give you the grace of wit and wisdom to understand that rainbows are only the result of showers, dust, and hope.
May you always have joy in the morning and trust in the evening and may your sorrows be short and without scars.
May your lives have a spirit neither bent by belligerence nor broken by failure; may you simply love each other.
May you share with each other spring flowers, dirty dishes, music, rain, death, mushrooms, a measure of boredom, strawberries, and God.
May that God never make you immune to the wonderful afflictions of real love, making you instead farsighted to each other's faults, tongue-tied to criticism, and short of memory to petty hurts and slights.
May God provide the confidence and serenity that comes only from the assurance of each other's fidelity and the tolerance, as years go by, of wrinkles and gray hairs, short tempers, curlers, and Monday mornings.
May no one steal from you laughter at the top of the stairs or giggles and whispers in a dark room.
May you keep a hunger for each other, the appetite to taste tomorrow, and deep knowledge of and devotion to your past, heritage and families.
May you perpetuate trust, the radiation of vitality, kind answers to sharp questions and sharp humor to unkind attitudes.
May your fights be fierce and short, and may each truce be warm and long and held in each other's arms before the sun comes up.
May you walk with wise men, sing loud songs at late hours, share secrets, have healthy children, and provide smiles for lonesome strangers and prayers for those without hope.
May you never forget small things; smiles, birthdays, holding hands, family, old friends, the neglected, and the simplicity of saying please and thank you.
May you keep a warm, generous, and happy house where love is the insulation and God is present. May your children be friends of God's child, Jesus.
May your union bring a smile to the face of the Holy Spirit and may he live in your pots and pans, in your hope and aspirations.
- Author Unknown
May you always have joy in the morning and trust in the evening and may your sorrows be short and without scars.
May your lives have a spirit neither bent by belligerence nor broken by failure; may you simply love each other.
May you share with each other spring flowers, dirty dishes, music, rain, death, mushrooms, a measure of boredom, strawberries, and God.
May that God never make you immune to the wonderful afflictions of real love, making you instead farsighted to each other's faults, tongue-tied to criticism, and short of memory to petty hurts and slights.
May God provide the confidence and serenity that comes only from the assurance of each other's fidelity and the tolerance, as years go by, of wrinkles and gray hairs, short tempers, curlers, and Monday mornings.
May no one steal from you laughter at the top of the stairs or giggles and whispers in a dark room.
May you keep a hunger for each other, the appetite to taste tomorrow, and deep knowledge of and devotion to your past, heritage and families.
May you perpetuate trust, the radiation of vitality, kind answers to sharp questions and sharp humor to unkind attitudes.
May your fights be fierce and short, and may each truce be warm and long and held in each other's arms before the sun comes up.
May you walk with wise men, sing loud songs at late hours, share secrets, have healthy children, and provide smiles for lonesome strangers and prayers for those without hope.
May you never forget small things; smiles, birthdays, holding hands, family, old friends, the neglected, and the simplicity of saying please and thank you.
May you keep a warm, generous, and happy house where love is the insulation and God is present. May your children be friends of God's child, Jesus.
May your union bring a smile to the face of the Holy Spirit and may he live in your pots and pans, in your hope and aspirations.
- Author Unknown
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
All Good Things Come From You
Lord, you are to be blessed and praised;
all good things come from you:
you are in our words and in our thoughts, and in all that we do.
Amen.
- St. Teresa of Avila
all good things come from you:
you are in our words and in our thoughts, and in all that we do.
Amen.
- St. Teresa of Avila
A Heart to Love Thee
O Lord, who hast mercy upon all, take away from me my sins,
and mercifully kindle in me the fire of thy Holy Spirit.
Take away from me the heart of stone,
and give me a heart of flesh,
a heart to love and adore thee,
a heart to delight in thee,
to follow and to enjoy thee,
for Christ's sake.
- Ambrose of Milan
and mercifully kindle in me the fire of thy Holy Spirit.
Take away from me the heart of stone,
and give me a heart of flesh,
a heart to love and adore thee,
a heart to delight in thee,
to follow and to enjoy thee,
for Christ's sake.
- Ambrose of Milan
A Collect for Guidance
O heavenly Father, in whom we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray thee so to guide and govern us by thy Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget thee, but may remember that we are ever walking in thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
91st Psalm
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
abides under the shadow of the Almighty.
He shall say to the Lord,
"You are my refuge and my stronghold,
my God in whom I put my trust."
He shall deliver you from the snare of the hunter
and from the deadly pestilence.
He shall cover you with his pinions,
and you shall find refuge under his wings;
his faithfulness shall be a shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid of any terror by night,
nor of the arrow that flies by day;
Of the plague that stalks in the darkness,
nor of the sickness that lays waste at mid-day.
A thousand shall fall at your side
and ten thousand at your right hand,
but it shall not come near you.
Your eyes only have to behold
to see the reward of the wicked.
Because you have made the Lord your refuge,
and the Most High your habitation,
There shall no evil happen to you,
neither shall any plague come near your dwelling.
For he shall give his angels charge over you,
to keep you in all your ways.
They shall bear you in their hands,
lest you dash your foot against a stone.
You shall tread upon the lion and the adder;
you shall trample the young lion and the serpent
under your feet.
Because he is bound to me in love,
therefore will I deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my Name.
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him;
I am with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and bring him to honor.
With long life will I satisfy him,
and show him my salvation.
- Psalms 91: 1-16
abides under the shadow of the Almighty.
He shall say to the Lord,
"You are my refuge and my stronghold,
my God in whom I put my trust."
He shall deliver you from the snare of the hunter
and from the deadly pestilence.
He shall cover you with his pinions,
and you shall find refuge under his wings;
his faithfulness shall be a shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid of any terror by night,
nor of the arrow that flies by day;
Of the plague that stalks in the darkness,
nor of the sickness that lays waste at mid-day.
A thousand shall fall at your side
and ten thousand at your right hand,
but it shall not come near you.
Your eyes only have to behold
to see the reward of the wicked.
Because you have made the Lord your refuge,
and the Most High your habitation,
There shall no evil happen to you,
neither shall any plague come near your dwelling.
For he shall give his angels charge over you,
to keep you in all your ways.
They shall bear you in their hands,
lest you dash your foot against a stone.
You shall tread upon the lion and the adder;
you shall trample the young lion and the serpent
under your feet.
Because he is bound to me in love,
therefore will I deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my Name.
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him;
I am with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and bring him to honor.
With long life will I satisfy him,
and show him my salvation.
- Psalms 91: 1-16
Every Minute
Through every minute of this day, be with me, Lord!
Through every day of all this week, be with me, Lord!
Through every week of all this year, be with me, Lord!
So shall the days and weeks and years be threaded on a golden cord.
And all draw on with sweet accord into thy fullness, Lord, that so,
When time is past,
By grace I may, at last,
Be with thee, Lord.
- John Oxenham
Through every day of all this week, be with me, Lord!
Through every week of all this year, be with me, Lord!
So shall the days and weeks and years be threaded on a golden cord.
And all draw on with sweet accord into thy fullness, Lord, that so,
When time is past,
By grace I may, at last,
Be with thee, Lord.
- John Oxenham
Day by Day
Day by day, dear Lord of you
Three things I pray:
To see you more clearly,
To love you more dearly,
To follow you more nearly,
Day by day.
- St. Richard of Chichester
Three things I pray:
To see you more clearly,
To love you more dearly,
To follow you more nearly,
Day by day.
- St. Richard of Chichester
Child's Prayer for Morning
Now, before I run to play,
Let me not forget to pray
To God who kept me through the night
And waked me with the morning light.
Help me, Lord, to love thee more
Than I ever loved before,
In my work and in my play
Be thou with me through the day.
Amen.
- Author Unknown
Let me not forget to pray
To God who kept me through the night
And waked me with the morning light.
Help me, Lord, to love thee more
Than I ever loved before,
In my work and in my play
Be thou with me through the day.
Amen.
- Author Unknown
Bless Your Little Lamb Tonight
Jesus tender
Shepherd hear me
Bless your little lamb tonight
Through the darkness
Be thou near me
Keep me safe till morning's light.
Shepherd hear me
Bless your little lamb tonight
Through the darkness
Be thou near me
Keep me safe till morning's light.
How to Pray When You're Depressed
When you're depressed, you may discover that the shadows and tempests of that depression alter the way you look at God and the way you believe God looks at you. When you pray, you may be unable to sit still or to keep your mind focused for more than a few moments. Everything may appear to be a huge gaping hole of silence--all so useless. God may seem to be mocking your attempts to pray.
I know people who have gone three, five, ten years without "praying," though they were faithful to setting time aside for prayer regardless of its seeming uselessness. In the haunting darkness where all communication had gone silent, they found loneliness, boredom, frustration, anger. Were they praying? Yes.
If this is happening to you, try these forms of prayer and contemplative love.
Find a Quiet Place
Put on some soothing music. Keep it soft and gentle. Take a few deep breaths, holding each one for a few seconds and then slowly exhaling. Relax. Feel the chair you're sitting on, your feet on the floor. Smell the scents in the room. Imagine Jesus coming toward you with a smile on his face. Tell him how you are feeling right now-anxious, uncomfortable, fidgety, distracted, wanting to focus. Tell him what things are like for you today. Open your heart to him. Feel his presence very close to you. Let his love into your heart. Thank him for this gift.
Go for a Walk
Take some pleasant music with you. As you go, notice the sky, feel the season. Recognize what is around you. Feel at home right now. Offer your heart to Jesus, even if your pain is deep. Though you may be alone on your walk, Jesus is in your heart. Tell him what you see...the beauty around you. Tell him how you feel...even if it is dark. Remember he wants you to tell him everything in your life...joys and pains.
Remember Others Who Are Hurting
Call to mind someone else you know who is hurting or sick. Focus for a few minutes on what that person may be feeling, and on what you would like to say to him or her. Lift this person up by name to Jesus and ask his blessing on them.
Hold On to the Cross
Hold a crucifix in your hands. Close your eyes and think of Jesus in agony. Join your sufferings to his in his act of redemption.
Hold On to God's Word
If you're feeling low, go to a quiet place and hold your Bible. Read Psalm 130 or focus on a phrase of it. Embrace how you feel, even if it's uncomfortable. Know that God is loving you through these moments of darkness.
Open Yourself to God
When you are unable to focus because your mind is racing, try to remember and pray the words, "My God, I love you." Open yourself to God's love.
Reflect on Jesus' Cry
Turn on soft music. Read this Bible verse over and over while thinking about it: "My God, my God, why have you forgotten me?" (cf. Mk 15:34). This is Jesus' own prayer of emptiness and abandonment.
Stop By Your Church
When you pass by your local church, stop in for a few minutes. Pause and connect with the One who loves you.
Repeat the Name of Jesus
If you can't get up, lie still and repeat the name of Jesus over, and over, and over. His love catches these words and he embraces you with love.
Spend Time in God's Presence
Go to Eucharistic adoration and spend some time in God's presence.
By Kathryn J. Hermes, Surviving Depression: A Catholic Approach
I know people who have gone three, five, ten years without "praying," though they were faithful to setting time aside for prayer regardless of its seeming uselessness. In the haunting darkness where all communication had gone silent, they found loneliness, boredom, frustration, anger. Were they praying? Yes.
If this is happening to you, try these forms of prayer and contemplative love.
Find a Quiet Place
Put on some soothing music. Keep it soft and gentle. Take a few deep breaths, holding each one for a few seconds and then slowly exhaling. Relax. Feel the chair you're sitting on, your feet on the floor. Smell the scents in the room. Imagine Jesus coming toward you with a smile on his face. Tell him how you are feeling right now-anxious, uncomfortable, fidgety, distracted, wanting to focus. Tell him what things are like for you today. Open your heart to him. Feel his presence very close to you. Let his love into your heart. Thank him for this gift.
Go for a Walk
Take some pleasant music with you. As you go, notice the sky, feel the season. Recognize what is around you. Feel at home right now. Offer your heart to Jesus, even if your pain is deep. Though you may be alone on your walk, Jesus is in your heart. Tell him what you see...the beauty around you. Tell him how you feel...even if it is dark. Remember he wants you to tell him everything in your life...joys and pains.
Remember Others Who Are Hurting
Call to mind someone else you know who is hurting or sick. Focus for a few minutes on what that person may be feeling, and on what you would like to say to him or her. Lift this person up by name to Jesus and ask his blessing on them.
Hold On to the Cross
Hold a crucifix in your hands. Close your eyes and think of Jesus in agony. Join your sufferings to his in his act of redemption.
Hold On to God's Word
If you're feeling low, go to a quiet place and hold your Bible. Read Psalm 130 or focus on a phrase of it. Embrace how you feel, even if it's uncomfortable. Know that God is loving you through these moments of darkness.
Open Yourself to God
When you are unable to focus because your mind is racing, try to remember and pray the words, "My God, I love you." Open yourself to God's love.
Reflect on Jesus' Cry
Turn on soft music. Read this Bible verse over and over while thinking about it: "My God, my God, why have you forgotten me?" (cf. Mk 15:34). This is Jesus' own prayer of emptiness and abandonment.
Stop By Your Church
When you pass by your local church, stop in for a few minutes. Pause and connect with the One who loves you.
Repeat the Name of Jesus
If you can't get up, lie still and repeat the name of Jesus over, and over, and over. His love catches these words and he embraces you with love.
Spend Time in God's Presence
Go to Eucharistic adoration and spend some time in God's presence.
By Kathryn J. Hermes, Surviving Depression: A Catholic Approach
Have a heart
In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart.
-John Bunyan
-John Bunyan
Sunday, June 10, 2007
An Evening Family Prayer
Lord, behold our family here assembled.
We thank you for this place in which we dwell,
for the love that unites us,
for the peace accorded to us this day,
for the hope with which we expect the morrow;
for the health, the work, the food and the bright skies
that make our lives delightful;
for our friends in all parts of the earth. Amen.
- Robert Louis Stevenson
We thank you for this place in which we dwell,
for the love that unites us,
for the peace accorded to us this day,
for the hope with which we expect the morrow;
for the health, the work, the food and the bright skies
that make our lives delightful;
for our friends in all parts of the earth. Amen.
- Robert Louis Stevenson
Bedtime Prayer III
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the, Lord, my soul to keep:
The angels watch me through the night
Until I wake with the morning light.
Amen.
I pray the, Lord, my soul to keep:
The angels watch me through the night
Until I wake with the morning light.
Amen.
Bedtime Prayer II
There are four corners on my bed,
There are four angels at my head.
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John,
Bless the bed I sleep on.
There are four angels at my head.
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John,
Bless the bed I sleep on.
Bedtime Prayer
Loving Father, put away
All the wrong I’ve done today;
Make me sorry, true, and good;
Make me love thee as I should;
Make me feel by day and night
I am ever in thy sight.
Heavenly Father, hear my prayer,
Take thy child into thy care;
Let thy angels pure and bright
Watch around me through the night.
Amen.
All the wrong I’ve done today;
Make me sorry, true, and good;
Make me love thee as I should;
Make me feel by day and night
I am ever in thy sight.
Heavenly Father, hear my prayer,
Take thy child into thy care;
Let thy angels pure and bright
Watch around me through the night.
Amen.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Angel Blessing at Bedtime
Angels bless and angels keep
Angels guard me while I sleep
Bless my heart and bless my home
Bless my spirit as I roam
Guide and guard me through the night
and wake me with the morning's light.
Amen
Angels guard me while I sleep
Bless my heart and bless my home
Bless my spirit as I roam
Guide and guard me through the night
and wake me with the morning's light.
Amen
Friday, June 8, 2007
Pray constantly
One of the most popular evangelical preacher in the US is Joel Osteen, author of the best-selling book "Live your best life now". Below is from his daily word inspiration:
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
If there is a common thread that should run through the life of a Christian each day, it’s prayer. Now, that doesn’t mean you refuse to speak to anyone else or that you drive down the road with your eyes closed. But it does mean being ever ready and willing to go before God. Nothing is too small or too big for God to care about. He created you, so why wouldn’t He care about you? You should bathe your life in prayer. Pray for wisdom, peace, and patience. Pray for your marriage, your job, and your children. Pray for other people and circumstances, even when the situation may seem hopeless. Give every person and everything in your life to God in prayer — and they will be in the best of hands!
Thursday, June 7, 2007
WorkDay Prayer
Lord Jesus, as I enter this workplace,
I bring Your presence with me.
I speak Your peace, Your grace, and Your perfect order into the atmosphere of this office.
I acknowledge Your Lordship over all that will be spoken, thought, decided and accomplished within these walls.
Lord Jesus, I thank You for the gifts You have deposited in me.
I do not take them lightly, but commit to using them responsibly and well.
Give me a fresh supply of truth and beauty; on which to draw as I do my job.
Anoint my creativity, my ideas, my energy so that even my smallest task may bring You honor.
Lord, when I am confused, guide me. When I am weary, energize me.
Lord, when I am burned out, infuse me with the light of Your Holy Spirit.
May the work that I do and the way I do it, bring hope, life, and courage to all that I come in contact with today.
And Oh Lord, even in this day's most stressful moment, may I rest in You.
In the name of Jesus my savior I pray.
Amen.
- Unknown
I bring Your presence with me.
I speak Your peace, Your grace, and Your perfect order into the atmosphere of this office.
I acknowledge Your Lordship over all that will be spoken, thought, decided and accomplished within these walls.
Lord Jesus, I thank You for the gifts You have deposited in me.
I do not take them lightly, but commit to using them responsibly and well.
Give me a fresh supply of truth and beauty; on which to draw as I do my job.
Anoint my creativity, my ideas, my energy so that even my smallest task may bring You honor.
Lord, when I am confused, guide me. When I am weary, energize me.
Lord, when I am burned out, infuse me with the light of Your Holy Spirit.
May the work that I do and the way I do it, bring hope, life, and courage to all that I come in contact with today.
And Oh Lord, even in this day's most stressful moment, may I rest in You.
In the name of Jesus my savior I pray.
Amen.
- Unknown
Evening Prayer (I)
O my God, I thank You for all the benefits which I have received from You this day. Give me light to see what sins I have committed and grant me grace to be truly sorry for them.
Prayer for the Start of Day
This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.
Christian
source: Book of Common Prayer 1979
Christian
source: Book of Common Prayer 1979
Prayer for the Beginning of the Day
O Lord, grant me to greet the coming day in peace, help me in all things to rely upon your holy will. In every hour of the day reveal your will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Teach me to treat all that comes to throughout the day with peace of soul and with firm conviction that your will governs all. In all my deeds and words, guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events, let me not forget that all are sent by you. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give me strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring. Direct my will, teach me to pray. And you, yourself, pray in me. Amen.
- St. Philaret of Moscow
Christian, Eastern Orthodox
- St. Philaret of Moscow
Christian, Eastern Orthodox
Five Finger Prayer
1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."
2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
5. And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.
2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
5. And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Luther's Morning Prayer
My Heavenly Father, I thank You, through Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son, that You kept me safe from all evil and danger last night. Save me, I pray, today as well, from every evil and sin, so that all I do and the way that I live will please you. I put myself in your care, body and soul and all that I have. Let Your holy Angels be with me, so that the evil enemy will not gain power over me. Amen.
- Martin Luther
- Martin Luther
Monday, June 4, 2007
10 Quick Ways to Pray
Do you struggle to find time to pray during your hectic daily life? These 10 suggestions for quick ways to pray will help you catch a few moments to talk to God in the most unlikely of places, from the shower to the elevator. Get started on your new daily prayer routine now.
1. Give an Alarm Clock Alleluia
When your alarm goes off in the morning, open your eyes and repeat this line from the Psalms: "This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad."
Commit to living in gratitude for the day, and you'll soon notice how much happier your days can become.
2. Practice Shower Power
Water is a powerful spiritual symbol. As you soap and rinse in the shower, pray to be cleansed of any feelings of anger, bitterness, resentment, or regret.
Recall the words of Isaiah (58:11): "The Lord will guide you continually… You shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail."
3. Practice Driveway Meditation
This one is especially for those who commute to work. Turn your time behind the wheel into time for prayer. Before starting the car engine, place your hands lightly on the steering wheel and breathe deeply several times. Ask the Holy Spirit to steer you through your day. Back out of your driveway slowly, and remain aware of the slowness.
As you drive, think about your 'to-be' list. Let words like compassionate, serene and diligent percolate through your mind. Let grace-filled thoughts carry you in a loving manner through the day.
4. Climb Stairs
If you work on an upper floor in a multi-story building, skip the elevator and climb the stairs. Make your climb work for your body and your soul.
Climb thoughtfully, breathing slowly. Use the time alone to experience a connection with God. Pause at each landing. Catch your breath, and focus for a moment on the blessings in your life. Say thanks before continuing your climb.
5. Elevator Blessings
No stairs? Next time you share an elevator with someone, say a silent prayer. Ask God to meet the other person's unique needs. Add a smile of your own.
6. Try Prayerful Single-Tasking
We all feel too busy. It has become a workplace axiom that multi-tasking is a good thing, but a growing body of research shows that it actually erodes productivity.
Instead of dividing our concentration among many tasks, do one thing at a time-prayerfully. Offer your work as a prayerful gift to God. Ask for the grace to do it meaningfully, and without anxiety.
7. Fast for One Minute
In times of stress, we are often tempted to reach for foods that aren't healthy for us.
Before you reach for the fried foods, sugar or chips- try this. Wait one minute. Offer the minute to God and ask for the grace you need to control your appetite. Chances are you'll no longer be tempted until the minute is up. If you do give in-just remember, God forgives you. Forgive yourself.
8. Touch the Earth
Native Americans have this saying: "Never let a day go by without touching the earth with your foot." If only a couple of times each week, take a five or ten minute break to walk in a meditative way. Give up your usual energized stride to pay attention to the movement of lifting your leg, bending your knee, and placing your foot. Observe your breathing and your body. Look around. Notice the squirrels, the trees, and the sounds of nature. Nature tunes us into God's presence.
9. Cook up a Memory
Next time you cook, pay attention to the memories that are sparked by the dishes you make. Perhaps you have old recipes lying around that you have forgotten about. Bless all those who sweeten your recollections, thanking God for the spiritual nourishment these people have brought to your life.
10. Pray a Peanut Butter Minute
This is a good one for moms of school kids. When making your child's lunch, whisper a prayer as though you are sending the prayer right into your child's meal. You might even tuck in a blessing on a post-it note.
Excerpted from "Grace on the Go: 101 Quick Ways to Pray"
by Barbara Bartocci
1. Give an Alarm Clock Alleluia
When your alarm goes off in the morning, open your eyes and repeat this line from the Psalms: "This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad."
Commit to living in gratitude for the day, and you'll soon notice how much happier your days can become.
2. Practice Shower Power
Water is a powerful spiritual symbol. As you soap and rinse in the shower, pray to be cleansed of any feelings of anger, bitterness, resentment, or regret.
Recall the words of Isaiah (58:11): "The Lord will guide you continually… You shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail."
3. Practice Driveway Meditation
This one is especially for those who commute to work. Turn your time behind the wheel into time for prayer. Before starting the car engine, place your hands lightly on the steering wheel and breathe deeply several times. Ask the Holy Spirit to steer you through your day. Back out of your driveway slowly, and remain aware of the slowness.
As you drive, think about your 'to-be' list. Let words like compassionate, serene and diligent percolate through your mind. Let grace-filled thoughts carry you in a loving manner through the day.
4. Climb Stairs
If you work on an upper floor in a multi-story building, skip the elevator and climb the stairs. Make your climb work for your body and your soul.
Climb thoughtfully, breathing slowly. Use the time alone to experience a connection with God. Pause at each landing. Catch your breath, and focus for a moment on the blessings in your life. Say thanks before continuing your climb.
5. Elevator Blessings
No stairs? Next time you share an elevator with someone, say a silent prayer. Ask God to meet the other person's unique needs. Add a smile of your own.
6. Try Prayerful Single-Tasking
We all feel too busy. It has become a workplace axiom that multi-tasking is a good thing, but a growing body of research shows that it actually erodes productivity.
Instead of dividing our concentration among many tasks, do one thing at a time-prayerfully. Offer your work as a prayerful gift to God. Ask for the grace to do it meaningfully, and without anxiety.
7. Fast for One Minute
In times of stress, we are often tempted to reach for foods that aren't healthy for us.
Before you reach for the fried foods, sugar or chips- try this. Wait one minute. Offer the minute to God and ask for the grace you need to control your appetite. Chances are you'll no longer be tempted until the minute is up. If you do give in-just remember, God forgives you. Forgive yourself.
8. Touch the Earth
Native Americans have this saying: "Never let a day go by without touching the earth with your foot." If only a couple of times each week, take a five or ten minute break to walk in a meditative way. Give up your usual energized stride to pay attention to the movement of lifting your leg, bending your knee, and placing your foot. Observe your breathing and your body. Look around. Notice the squirrels, the trees, and the sounds of nature. Nature tunes us into God's presence.
9. Cook up a Memory
Next time you cook, pay attention to the memories that are sparked by the dishes you make. Perhaps you have old recipes lying around that you have forgotten about. Bless all those who sweeten your recollections, thanking God for the spiritual nourishment these people have brought to your life.
10. Pray a Peanut Butter Minute
This is a good one for moms of school kids. When making your child's lunch, whisper a prayer as though you are sending the prayer right into your child's meal. You might even tuck in a blessing on a post-it note.
Excerpted from "Grace on the Go: 101 Quick Ways to Pray"
by Barbara Bartocci
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Father Mychal's Prayer
Lord, take me where You want me to go;
Let me meet who You want me to meet;
Tell me what You want me to say, and
Keep me out of Your way.
- Father Mychal F. Judge, OFM
Let me meet who You want me to meet;
Tell me what You want me to say, and
Keep me out of Your way.
- Father Mychal F. Judge, OFM
Former chaplain to the New York City Fire Department, killed on September 11, 2001 in the World Trade Center disaster
Friday, June 1, 2007
Jesus Help Me!
One of my favorite prayer is this "Jesus Help Me" prayer. I first encountered this prayer sometime in the 80's when my mother joined a TV-mass-healer-devotee of St Peregrine, the late Bro. Frank Jimenez. This prayer is included in the St. Peregrine Septenary novena book. And in many instances of my life that this prayer has helped me even by just saying the words "Jesus Help Me"
In every need let me come to You with humble trust saying: Jesus, help me!
In all my doubts, perplexities and temptations: Jesus, help me!
In hours of loneliness, weariness and trials: Jesus, help me!
In the failure of my plans and hopes, in disappointments, troubles and sorrows: Jesus, help me!
When others fail me, and Your grace alone can assist me: Jesus, help me!
When I throw myself on Your tender Love as a Father and Savior: Jesus, help me!
When my heart is cast down by failure, at seeing no good come from my efforts: Jesus, help me!
When I feel impatient, and my cross irritates me: Jesus, help me!
When I am ill, and my head and hands cannot work and I am lonely: Jesus, help me!
Always, always, in spite of weakness, falls and shortcomings of every kind: Jesus, help me and never forsake me!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
"The fewer the words, the better the prayer." - Martin Luther King
Sometimes we would pray and yet nothing would come out from our mouth. Very true with me and happened many times. I even felt guilty trying to figure out how the whole day has ended and I still have nothing to say to God?
But I also forget that silence in itself is a prayer. That I don't always have to do the talking. For only in silence I can hear God talking to me. In fact, if prayer is a conversation with God, so just like any form of conversation - there is a talker and a listener. And both take turns to be one or the other. When we release ourselves in the presence of God and hear Him talk to us in silence we have completed the conversation.
But I also forget that silence in itself is a prayer. That I don't always have to do the talking. For only in silence I can hear God talking to me. In fact, if prayer is a conversation with God, so just like any form of conversation - there is a talker and a listener. And both take turns to be one or the other. When we release ourselves in the presence of God and hear Him talk to us in silence we have completed the conversation.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
What is prayer?
For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy. - St. Therese of Lisieux
I thought it would be nice to begin this blog by trying to share what prayer is to me. St. Therese's quote is as profound as her life and a trying hard Christian like me tries so hard to understand. When i was a kid, I used to pray like as if I am making my wishlist to Santa. I still have my wish list, but prayer becomes more meaningful for me as I have struggled through life. Someone had told me before that prayer is your life itself. An offering of what you are, what you have and what you do to God for He, in return has given His all to us long time ago. Your every breath, every word uttered and every bit of you is a prayer, thus at the end of your day, all you need to do is say "Amen" to it. That is what prayer is to me. It is a way to nourish my relationship with God, and just like any relationship, communication is the key. I communicate to God, my thoughts, worries, fears, joy, gratitude, my hopes, my anger, my love, my failures. Everything and does not have to be in the church, does not have to be a Sunday or any event. It just happens. Everyday... A communion with God.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Origin
When I googled the "Fragrance Prayer" to get more information on its origin and author, the common results I got were:
A)Fragrance Prayer the song, popularized by Tom Booth and
B) Fragrance Prayer the prayer, which was adapted by Blessed Mother Teresa and her Daughters of Charity congregation
I went further to look on other results and that led me to the 3rd item, the Radiating Christ by Cardinal Newman. Yes, this was the original title of the Fragrance Prayer and just one of the many collection of prayers by Cardinal Newman. Of course, I have to check who is Cardinal Newman. His name sounds familiar, but not enough info to share it with everyone. So I googled further and here are my findings:
Known as Venerable John Henry Cardinal Newman and as the Father of the Vatican II, was an English convert to Catholism. He took delight in reading the Bible and other great novels and skeptical works of his time, which later on led to his conversion.
Cardinal John Henry Newman (1801- 1890) was an Oxford scholar and prominent Anglican preacher when he joined the Oxford Movement in the 1830s. By 1840 he had begun expressing doubts about the Church of England, and withdrew from Anglican ministry; in 1845 he was received into the Catholic Church. His Apologia Pro Vita Sua, explaining his spiritual journey, is among the classics of Catholic autobiography.
Newman was the leading Catholic intellectual and controversialist in England during the 19th century, writing influential works such as Grammar of Assent and The Idea of the University. Although he was never a bishop, in 1879 he was raised by Pope Leo XIII to the College of Cardinals. In 1991 he was declared "Venerable" by Pope John Paul II (bio - news), leaving the recognition of a miracle as the only remaining requirement for his beatification.
A)Fragrance Prayer the song, popularized by Tom Booth and
B) Fragrance Prayer the prayer, which was adapted by Blessed Mother Teresa and her Daughters of Charity congregation
I went further to look on other results and that led me to the 3rd item, the Radiating Christ by Cardinal Newman. Yes, this was the original title of the Fragrance Prayer and just one of the many collection of prayers by Cardinal Newman. Of course, I have to check who is Cardinal Newman. His name sounds familiar, but not enough info to share it with everyone. So I googled further and here are my findings:
Known as Venerable John Henry Cardinal Newman and as the Father of the Vatican II, was an English convert to Catholism. He took delight in reading the Bible and other great novels and skeptical works of his time, which later on led to his conversion.
Cardinal John Henry Newman (1801- 1890) was an Oxford scholar and prominent Anglican preacher when he joined the Oxford Movement in the 1830s. By 1840 he had begun expressing doubts about the Church of England, and withdrew from Anglican ministry; in 1845 he was received into the Catholic Church. His Apologia Pro Vita Sua, explaining his spiritual journey, is among the classics of Catholic autobiography.
Newman was the leading Catholic intellectual and controversialist in England during the 19th century, writing influential works such as Grammar of Assent and The Idea of the University. Although he was never a bishop, in 1879 he was raised by Pope Leo XIII to the College of Cardinals. In 1991 he was declared "Venerable" by Pope John Paul II (bio - news), leaving the recognition of a miracle as the only remaining requirement for his beatification.
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