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.)

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A Prayer for Peace in the Middle East

God of peace, bearer of hope,  
we seek your help  
for the peoples of the Middle East. 

Quiet the clamour of war  
and guide us towards peace. 

Where there is hatred and division  
sow seeds of calm and openness. 

Where there is destruction  
help us to rebuild. 

Where children are crying  
bring an end to tears. 

Shelter your peoples and protect them  
Guide them and keep them from harm. 

Show us how to break down the barriers of history and fear  
and breathe whispers of hope. 

Amen.  
Linda Jones / CAFOD


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 homes
and those who have left all they know in search of safety.
 
We are seeing too the best of humanity
in 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 humanity
be expressed between nations.
 
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we place all our trust in you.
Amen.

Bishop Timothy Menezes


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.


Pray with the Pope - July 

Pray with the Pope: For respect for human life

Lord of life,
You created us in love and called us to live in fullness.
Each person is a sacred gift that reflects your face,
from the first instant of existence
to the final breath of their journey on earth.

Today we ask for the grace to recognize and protect
the unique and unrepeatable value of every human being.
May we learn to welcome life unconditionally,
to tenderly care for fragility,
to accompany each stage with respect,
and to bravely defend those who have no voice.

Forgive us, Lord,
when we fall into indifference or the culture of discard,
when we fail to see in others a being worthy of love.
Give us a new heart, always ready to choose life,
and generous hands that protect it through concrete actions.

Make your Church a living witness of the Gospel of life,
an open home where every life is celebrated,
where no one feels unwanted,
and where dignity is always honored and protected.

Lord Jesus,
may we love life as You love it:
with tenderness, fidelity, and self-giving.
May we proclaim, in words and actions,
that every human life is worth the total gift of ourselves.

Amen.




Pope Leo's Discernment Prayer

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Prayers for July

Ordinary Time Prayer for School

Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
Our first family of faith,
we come before you as a family of faith
in 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 struggle
may we give them our time and our care.

When things go well,
help us to remember
that you make us the people we are.
May we never forget to thank you.

Keep us in your care,
show us the right path
and lead us as pilgrims
to 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 people
who 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 over
and 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

Outside 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 tuum

Sub 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 dangers
O glorious and blessed Virgin.

This prayer, first found in c. 300, is the oldest known prayer to the Virgin.


Additionally:



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 and
the 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 name
in love of you in my prayer
and 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 always
to be a channel of grace
in all I say and do
and invite others into relationship with you.

Amen

Open prayer card

Pray with Archbishop Bernard




 

 

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