1 Albert Schweitzer was born on this day
in 1865. He became a world-famous organist and author, and sacrificed a comfortable life in France and Germany to be a missionary doctor. In Africa he set up a hospital and leper-colony for the very poor. 2 He encouraged others to share his “reverence for life”, growing in compassion for life in all its forms. He wrote: “By having reverence for life, we enter into a spiritual relationship with the world.” He helped lead others to see that, with love and compassion and respect for all life, people would find a greater meaning in their lives. In 1952 Doctor Albert Schweitzer was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. 3 We can use a short prayer of his today - a prayer of offering. It’s the kind of prayer some people memorise and use from time to time: 4 “Here, Lord, is my life. I place it on the altar today. Use my life as you will." |
Let us pray:
Father, may our human family not become separated from you by building barriers of race or colour, of religion or class. Inspire us to recognise that we are all made in your image and likeness, so that we may grow in appreciation of all people, and encourage each other to grow in pride in who we are and who we are called to be. May we recognise your Son in our midst, and live truly as brothers and sisters. Amen. |
For our prayer today we will use words that
are based on an ancient Chinese blessing: May God guard us and keep us in safety and comfort and in health and strength, sending us nothing but good. May God send down so many blessings that the day is not long enough for them all. Amen. |
Let us pray:
Father, I ask you to help me to be generous when I think of the attitude and actions of others. Forgiving someone isn’t an easy option, and I know that forgiveness isn’t somehow pretending that something wrong hasn’t happened. For what I have done wrong, forgive me Father, to the extent that I am generous in forgiving - or hoping to forgive - those who have done wrong to me. Amen. |
1 Today sees the start of the Week of Prayer
for Christian Unity. 2 Pope John XXIII (the twenty-third) was Pope in the early 1960s and he did a lot for world peace at the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis that almost became World War III. He is also well-known for being very keen to bring closer together Christians of different churches. He said: “In essential things - unity; in unimportant things - freedom; in all things - charity.” 3 The end of Church Unity Week on the 25th is the anniversary (in 1959) of the announcement by Pope John that he would call together all the Catholic bishops across the world to look at bringing the Church up-to-date, “to let in some air and blow away the dust”. That meeting would be called “The Second Vatican Council” 4 Pope John wrote a prayer which we will make our own today: “Renew in our own days your miracles like a second Pentecost. Grant that the Church, re-united in prayer, may extend the kingdom of Jesus - a kingdom of truth and justice, of love and peace. Amen.” |
Let’s pray for our school community
that, students and teachers together, we may learn to recognise the face of God in others today. Father, teach us to recognise your face in the people you put into our lives today. Amen |
Let us pray:
God our Father, with the gifts you have given to us we have responsibilities and duties. Inspire us to take the initiative in treating others as we would like them to treat us. Amen |
Let us pray:
Lord, inspire me to live in such a way that I always give of my best and be welcoming and generous towards others. Amen. “If only I’d known, I’d have given my best.” |
Let us pray:
God our Father, you call each of us by name, and you treasure each of us individually as though no-one else exists. Inspire us to respect and value each person who comes into our lives this day. Amen. |
Let us pray:
Lord, whilst I pray for peace and goodwill in our world, I ask you to help me to change my own attitude for the better, so that peace and goodwill may start with the way I behave towards those who have hurt me. Inspire me to be as generous to others as I would like them to be with me. Amen. |
The regular prayer is not applicable.
You Never Gave Up On Me I often said you didn’t exist Because my eyes wouldn’t see I may have given up on you lord But you never gave up on me When troubles happened in my life I would hang my head and cry You let these happen to me And at times I wondered why I was quick to say if there was a God He wouldn’t let these happen to me I may have given up on you lord But you never gave up on me At many times during my life When the troubles were hard to bear I forgot the teachings of my youth And said you were not there I’ve heard your word again dear Lord And my eyes they finally see I thank you every day of my life That you never gave up on me - - by William A. Predeau |
A Candle
Sit down and light a candle Watch the flame, a story it will tell Bringing back the secrets Of memories you know so well The flame will waver up and down Reaching high and drifting low Its movement will vary slowly As the air begins gently to flow When the flame moves upward It depicts the highs in our life Then flickering low once again Tells of occasional strife A lighted candle brings back memories Of yesterday's peace and joy we felt Priceless memories live once again As we watch the candle melt Light a candle and watch it burn And reminisce as old memories return Give thanks to God in heaven above For all sweet memories of love - - Glenna M. Baugh I didn't know which one to post, so I posted both. |
Let us pray, using some words of blessing
that Paul wrote to the Christians in Corinth: May the life of the Lord Jesus, and the love of God the Father, and the companionship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen. |
1 Yesterday was the Feast of the Conversion
of Saint Paul. We’re going to listen to some words that Paul wrote to the Christians living in Rome, and we’ll use his words to reflect and pray today: 2 Do not let your love be a sham, but be sincere in choosing good rather than evil. Have warm affection for one another as Christian brothers and sisters. 3 Be committed and enthusiastic as you work for the Lord, being happy and cheerful as you place your trust in him. Live in God’s presence and keep on praying. When difficulties arise, be patient. Set out to welcome others and be generous with those in need. Don’t curse others; bless them, even when they have not been good to you. Do all you can to live in peace with everyone. Support and encourage others by rejoicing with those who are happy, and sharing the sadness of those who are in sorrow. Never look down on another person, but always be positive in your attitude to others. Be as concerned for those who can do nothing for you in return as for those who are very close to you. Break the cycle of evil - conquer it with goodness. (Romans 129-18,21) |
Let us pray:
Lord, we ask you to inspire us to encourage others by what we say and do today. Amen. |
1 On this day in 1986 the United States’
Space Shuttle “Challenger” roared into the sky from Cape Canaveral in Florida. The world’s TV cameras were focused on the rocket as it carried five men and two women. One of the women, Christa McAuliffe (a high school teacher), had won a contest to be the first “ordinary person” in space. 2 Millions of people watched live on television as, suddenly, a minute after blastoff, “Challenger” exploded 3 In a speech to the people of the United States, President Ronald Reagan quoted a few lines from a poem written by a 19- year old British Second World War pilot, John Magee, who was killed in an air-collision in 1941 just three months after writing the poem. John Magee captures something of the spirit and adventure of flying, and talks of having put out his hand and touched the face of God. We’ll use his poem to reflect and pray today: 4 Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air. Up, up the long, delirious burning blue I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace, Where never lark, or even eagle flew - And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand and touched the face of God. |
Let us pray:
God and Father of all people, never let me look down on others or make anyone feel inferior. Show me how to remove any prejudices so that I may appreciate individuals more for who they are. Inspire me to live in such a way that I may discover you in the people I will meet today. Amen. Gandhi said: “If you don’t find God in the very next person you meet, it is a waste of time looking for him further.” |
Let us pray:
Lord, this day and forever, may I have the courage never to be afraid of anyone. May I have the generosity to bear ill-feeling toward no-one. Lead me to live in such a way as to treat others in the same way as I would like to be treated. Inspire me never to be violent in thought, word or action, and lead me to conquer evil with goodness. Amen. “I shall not fear anyone. I shall not bear ill-feelings toward anyone.” |
John Bosco said:
“Young people should not only be loved but they must know that they are loved.” Let us pray: Lord, show me how to live today with genuine concern for others. In expressing my care, may I show people that they are valued, loved and appreciated for who they are. Amen. |
FEBRUARY
As art is a journey of discovery, Lord, so may I grow more aware this day of your life-giving presence. And so we pray: Lord, we come before you as we are. We ask you to take away from us all that makes us less than human. Strengthen us with the power of your Spirit that our attitude and outlook may develop, and our “way of looking” may become more like yours Help us to remain positive - encouraging and appreciating one another, looking upon people in the same way that you do. Amen. |
A candle may be lit.
1. Today is 40 days after Christmas Day. The feast is called “Candlemas” or “The Presentation of the Lord”. 2 It was 40 days after the birth of Jesus that his parents presented him to God the Father in the Temple in Jerusalem. At his Presentation in the Temple, Jesus was recognised for who he was by two people - Simeon and Anna. They were elderly and had spent their lives growing closer to God. Now they meet him face to face and recognise him in their midst. 3 Simeon prays: “Now, Master, you can let your servant die in peace because my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared for all nations to see. He will be a light to enlighten all people.” 4. Because Simeon referred to Jesus as the one who brings light to all nations, candles are lit this day, and the feastday is often called “Candlemas”. 5 The response to our prayers will be: May your light be reflected in us. May your light be reflected in us. 6 Lord Jesus, 40 days after your birth you were taken to the Temple and presented by your parents to God our Father. Make us aware that we are the Temple of your Holy Spirit who lives in us. May your light be reflected in us 7 Simeon’s eyesight grew dim, but he recognised who you were. Open our eyes that we may always recognise you in our midst. May your light be reflected in us 8 Simeon prophesied that Mary would be pierced to the heart. As Mary stayed with Jesus in his suffering, we pray that we may help those who are part of our lives. May your light be reflected in us. 9 You said that you are the light of the world. May your light be reflected in us. |
Let’s pray for the gift
of being able to see what is needed: Lord, there are times when we are so concerned about ourselves that we don’t think of others. We ask for the gift of your Spirit that we may grow in awareness of others: - noticing when someone is unhappy, - sensing when there’s something wrong for somebody, - seeing when someone feels cut off or isolated, - knowing when to say the right word, - expressing thanks and compliments, - being thoughtful when someone is ill, - giving words of encouragement, - helping someone to feel welcome, - realising when someone needs the opportunity to talk. May we grow in sensitivity towards others. Amen |
February 4
“Lord God, give me such love for you and for others that it will blot out all hatred and bitterness.” |
February 5
Let us pray in the words of Saint Ignatius: Teach us, good Lord, 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 labour and to ask for no reward, save that of knowing that we do your will. Amen. |
As it is traditional to have a moment’s
silence at football matches whenever there has been a disaster, let us pray in silence for a moment - for ourselves and for those we know who have suffered tragedies in their lives. We pray for those who are hurt and wounded because of the splitting up of their family, a death, difficulties with someone, failure, betrayal, the loss of friends, or a serious illness. Let us pray in silence, then, for all who suffer in their lives… ( pause …) |
Let us pray:
God our Father, teach us to distinguish clearly between right and wrong, that we may grow in character and develop a true sense of values through following Jesus, your Son and our Brother. We pray, too, for all who are in positions of leadership in our country that they may be inspired by the values of the gospel. We pray that they may live as people of integrity and honesty, growing in a sense of duty and responsibility, always being aware of the needy, and ready to be of service to others. Amen. “I die the King’s good servant, but God’s first.” |
Let us pray:
Lord, we ask you to open our eyes that we may value and appreciate all people, recognising what we have in common rather than focusing on what our differences might be. Inspire us to distinguish between what is important and what is not, and open our minds and hearts that we may always be people of good will who bring life and joy to others. Amen. |
Let’s pray that each of us makes good
use of our talents, and that we set out to work well with others: Lord, you have enriched our lives in many ways, and we remember with thanksgiving all who have loved, cared for, and supported us over the years. Show us how best to use the time and talents you have given each of us, and lead us to grow in appreciation of the contribution that others make. May your Spirit empower us to work well with others and bring out the best in those with whom we share our lives. Amen. |
Let us pray:
Lord, lover of life, you know the depths of my innermost self, and you understand me. You protect me on every side, shielding me from all harm. When you put me together carefully in my mother’s womb, you knew all about me. I thank you for the wonder of myself and I stand in awe at all that you have made. Guide me in your ways. (from Psalm 138/9) |
Let us pray:
Father, we pray that we may live cheerfully and patiently and positively both in sickness and in health. We bring before you all who are sick and all who care for them… Bring healing of one kind or another to those we know who are ill, afraid or worried. We think of those who suffer from constant sickness or weakness and those who never get well. Father, be with them all, and be with us. Amen. |
February 12
Let us pray: God our Father, open our eyes that we may sense the wonder and awe in the splendour of all your creation - from the stars that are large and far away, to people and the tiniest creatures near us each day. Help us to become more aware of how every living thing is special and to be treated well. Lead us to respect and value every person as unique and important, made in your image and likeness. We ask this prayer through Jesus, who became a human being because you love our world so much. Amen. |
Let us pray:
God our Father, the Bible reminds us that your love for each of us is great and that you are faithful for ever, never letting us down or forgetting your promises to us. Inspire us to value friendship and loyalty, that we may be faithful to those who love and trust us. We pray that we may live in such a way that we may make others feel welcome and secure. Show us how to look upon other people in the same generous way that you look upon each of us. Extend our horizons that we may understand better those who are far from us. Amen. |
Let us pray:
Father, we read in the Bible that the best way to describe you is to use the word “Love”. Your love for mankind is so great that you sent Jesus, your Son, to live as one of us. We pray that we may appreciate and value one another. God of love, lead us to grow in love. Amen |
Let us pray:
God our Father, there are many difficulties and challenges in life, and we see or experience more of them each day we live. Give us the power of your Holy Spirit that we may have courage and determination, and may live in such a way that we encourage one another. Enable us to transform whatever is negative, and remain positive in attitude throughout our lives. Lighten our darkness and keep us safe. Amen. |
Let us pray:
Lord Jesus, as you touched the eyes of the blind man, touch us so that our eyes may be opened so that we can “really see” the many wonderful things around us and in our own lives. Amen. |
Let us pray:
Inspire us, Lord, to take the gospel more seriously, that we may be credible witnesses of your love. Amen. |
Let us pray:
God our Father, give us the power of your Spirit that we may see and love in others what you see and love in them. We want to see the positive in people and bring out the best in each other. It’s easy to say that, but not always easy to live it out, and so we ask you to help and inspire us to live as you would like us to live this day. Amen. |
Let us pray to be appreciative
of all who influence our lives, including many whom we will never meet: God our Father, I thank you today for those people whom I will never know who make my life better for what they offer - those far away, and those very near. More and more may I come to appreciate and respect everyone who is a part of my life. Amen. |
Let us pray:
God our Father, we pray that we may grow in such a way as to be welcoming to other people, and generous in every way to those people we don’t agree with. Lead us to appreciate others in the same way that we would like to be appreciated. Never let us look down on others, or consider anyone to be less than ourselves. Show us how to be open-minded and able to learn from each other so that, together, we may grow as the people you invite us to be. Amen. Voltaire’s words were: “I do not agree with what you say, but I would be prepared to die to defend your right to say it.” |
Let us pray:
Dear God, I am powerless and my life is unmanageable without your help and guidance. I come to you today because I believe that You can restore and anew me to meet my needs today. Since I cannot manage my life and affairs, I have decided to give them to You. I put my life, my will, my thoughts, my desires and ambitions in Your hands. I give You all of me: the good and the bad, the character defects and shortcomings, my selfishness, resentments and problems. I know that You will work them out in accordance with Your plan. Such as I am, take and use me in Your service. Guide and direct my ways and show me what to do for You. I cannot control or change my friends or loved ones, so I release them into Your care for Your loving hands to do with as You will. Just keep me loving and free from judging them. If they need changing, God You'll have to do it; I can't. Just make me willing and ready to be of service to You, to have my shortcomings removed, and to do my best. Help me to see how I have harmed others and make me willing to make amends to them all. Keep me ever mindful of thoughts and actions that harm myself and others, and which separate me from Your light, love and spirit. And when I commit these errors, make me aware of them and help me to admit each one promptly. I am seeking to know You better, to love You more. I am seeking the knowledge of Your will for me and the power to carry it out. Lord, teach me patience, and remind me that it is hard work, but well worth the labor. Guide me in all I do to remember that waiting is the answer to some of my prayers, and that when I need You, You will be there to help me. Amen ~ Amen |
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