Living as a Catholic Prayer 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. Thérèse of Lisieux, Manuscrits autobiographiques, C 25r.) The Year of Prayer In preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year 'Pilgrims of Hope', 2024 has been designated a Year of Prayer by Pope Francis. It started in Advent 2023. There is a particular focus on the Our Father, and this presents us with a great opportunity to go back to the basics of prayer. Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. If the Gospel is a message of Joy, then it is one we should be eager to share with others, and this can be done especially by inviting people to a deeper, prayerful encounter with Jesus Christ this year. Find out more about the Year of Prayer. Year of Prayer Go to: Monthly Prayer Intentions Vision Prayer A Prayer for Ukraine Lord Jesus Christ,Prince of Peace and Saviour of the World: Our world is in need of your peace at this time,as we see the effects of evil deeds. We hold before you our brothers and sisters in Ukraine:those who are living through the trauma of staying, under threat of their lives and homesand those who have left all they know in search of safety. We are seeing too the best of humanityin those who are welcoming others into their countries and communities:new friendships which are emerging from the ashes of destruction;death leading to resurrection. As the Season of Lent began with prayer for the people of Ukraine,may it continue to be our prayer each day,that darkness will be transformed into light,hatred into love,and a deep respect for common humanitybe expressed between nations. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we place all our trust in you.Amen. Mgr Timothy MenezesCathedral Dean Praying for Peace in the Holy Land The charity Friends of the Holy Land have compiled reflections and prayers to use during this time of war. Prayers for July The Pope Video Let us pray that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick grant the Lord’s strength to those who receive it and to their loved ones, and that it may become for everyone an ever more visible sign of compassion and hope. Pope Francis – July 2024 This month, let us pray for the pastoral care of the sick.The Anointing of the Sick is not a sacrament only for those who are at the point of death. No. It is important that this is clear.When the priest draws near a person to perform the Anointing of the Sick, it is not necessarily to help them say goodbye to life. Thinking this way means giving up every hope.It means taking for granted that after the priest the undertaker will arrive.Let us remember that the Anointing of the Sick is one of the “sacraments of healing,” of “restoration,” that heals the spirit.And when a person is very ill, it’s advisable to give them the Anointing of the Sick. And when someone is elderly, it’s good that they receive the Anointing of the Sick.Let us pray that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick grant the Lord’s strength to those who receive it and to their loved ones, and that it may become for everyone an ever more visible sign of compassion and hope. General Election, Thursday 4 July Ordinary Time Prayer for School Father, Son and Holy Spirit:Our first family of faith,we come before you as a family of faithin this school, this community, our neighbourhood. In all that you ask us to do,give us generous hearts. When we find things difficult,give us compassion,and when others strugglemay we give them our time and our care. When things go well,help us to rememberthat you make us the people we are.May we never forget to thank you. Keep us in your care,show us the right pathand lead us as pilgrimsto the Joy of your Kingdom. Amen. A prayer for those preparing for exams this summer Lord God,You give us life,you bestow many gifts upon us,in our uniqueness. We pray especially during these days for young peoplewho are preparing to take exams this summer. Give to them a spirit of peace and the knowledge of your love for them.Do not let them be overwhelmed, but give them the courage to do their best,and the reassurance that you are with them,and that they have no need of fear. Help us all to know that we co-operate with you to shape our life.Give us true vision to see the purpose of these days,that we may come to rejoice when exams are overand the next chapter of our life begins. But let us not wish time away.May every day be known in its sacredness.May we live in your presence always. You believe in us.May we believe in you and trust in your goodness. Through Christ our Lord.Amen. Prayer of Thanksgiving for Staff at the end of a school year From the rising of the sun to its setting, you reveal your purpose in us, Lord God. As we reflect on the year that has passed and the young lives that we have been privileged to shape, we recognise the development and change that has taken place: in those we have served and in ourselves. Now, you give us rest from our labours and the opportunity to look back on the blessings of the past year, and to be grateful for our calling. Protect with your care all the families of our school community in the weeks ahead. Keep safe in your care especially those most in need. May we know the difference we have made this year, the challenges we have faced, the obstacles overcome and the seemingly impossible situations which you made possible. Inspire us with new vision so that we may return to our tasks refreshed, with a thirst for learning and a passion to share that thirst with the next generation. Amen A Reflection before the Blessed Sacrament A reflection before the Blessed SacramentOutside the church the noisy traffic flows past. People rush hither and thither. But I have left that world behind and I am here before you, Lord. I do not exclude my brothers and sisters. I bring them with me, for I know that they are equally dear to you. I have nothing. Yet I know that because I have you, I have everything. I close my mind and open my heart, and so I am at peace. Here I experience my true worth, which consists, not in my possessions or achievements, but in knowing that I am loved by you. Sub tuumSub tuum praesidium confugimus, Sancta Dei Genetrix. Nostras deprecationes ne despicias in necessitatibus, sed a periculis cunctis libera nos semper, Virgo gloriosa et benedicta. Amen. We fly to thy protection, O holy Mother of God.Despise not our petitions in our necessities,but deliver us always from all dangersO glorious and blessed Virgin. This prayer, first found in c. 300, is the oldest known prayer to the Virgin. A selection of Prayers for Schools Weekly Intercessions from CAFOD Prayer for the Diocesan Vision Written by the Liturgy and Worship group: Spirit of God,descend on me this day.Grant me the Spirit of joy, to lift me,the Spirit of hope to inspire me,the Spirit of love to surround me andthe Spirit of truth to enlighten my path. Holy Spirit,I pray for a new outpouring of your grace,so that I may grow in worship of your namein love of you in my prayerand in my actions towards others. Come Holy Spirit into my life to guide me.Strengthen and defend me,so that I may be drawn ever closer to you.Help me this day and alwaysto be a channel of gracein all I say and doand invite others into relationship with you. Amen Open prayer card Pray with Archbishop Bernard Manage Cookie Preferences