O Lord, We pray today for peace
in Ukraine and around the world.
We pray to keep the people safe
and that no more destruction will come
to people’s homes and lives. I
During this season of peace,
we pray for resolution to all wars
and an end to the death and destruction
that accompany them.
— By a Columban Missionary
Lord God, thank you for gracious mercy.
Help us look to you for grace and forgiveness
and support one another in faith
with the promise of your word.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
Gracious God, we confess that
we cannot come to You by our own strength.
Thank You for coming to us through Jesus Christ.
Continue to draw us to Your word
and enlighten us with Your Spirit.
Lead us to trust in Your grace alone.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
Dear Jesus, Advent begins
on the last Sunday of November.
We prepare ourselves for Your coming
among us – for Your first coming
at Bethlehem – for Your coming again
at the end of time, and more immediately
Your coming to us in our day-to-day lives.
We meet You in the Bible,
in celebrating the Mass and in prayer,
in our meeting with others, especially the poor
and all those who have less in life.
Free us from the distractions
that separate us from You.
Open our eyes and ears and hearts.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
Dear Jesus, in reflecting on All Saints
and All Souls Feast Days,
I recall St. Thomas More's prayer,
"Pray for me, as I for thee,
that we may merrily meet in heaven."
Such a joyous desire springs from a trust
in Your love and reminds me that we come
to fulfillment together with others.
Inflame that desire within my heart
and continue to open my spirit to all of Your creation.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
Lord, bless us in the yearnings of your hearts:
No matter how subtle,
they are energy urging us forward
in our quest for God and for others.
May the lord bless us in our vision:
No matter the climb, it is a mountain peak
calling us to experience God.
You have blessed me with good things and plenty,
and surrounded my table with friends.
Their love and their laughter enrich me.
Together we sing Your praise.
Your sun and Your moon give me light,
and Your stars show the way through the night.
Your rivers and streams have refreshed me.
I will sing Your praise.
'Til the end of my days, O Lord
I will bless Your name,
sing Your praise, give You thanks,
all my days.
You have made me little less than a god
and have lavished my heart with Your love
with dignity and honor You have clothed me
Given me rule over all.
Lord, bless us in our searching and our questions:
The way to wisdom, enlightenment
and peace, the way to our hearts.
May the Lord bless us in our gifts:
These are God's providence to the world
to ennoble it, to enrich it, to bring it love.
Lord, you created a beautiful world for us to dwell.
Thank you for coming to us through earthly,
natural means to confirm your word
and accomplish your will.
Help us appreciate and honor the Sacraments
as tangible evidence of your promise
through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
Lord God, you alone deserve our worship and praise.
Thank you for the opportunities you provide for us
to hear your Word and for bringing people
into our lives who give voice to your promise in Christ.
Help us look to you as the source of grace
and strength to live each day.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
Father you have provided the means
by which the life of your Son has come to us.
Thank you for the Gospel and keep our ears open
to hear it new each day.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
God you send us to be lights in a dark world.
With the power of your Spirit and your Word,
we have the courage to confess our faith
in your Son, Jesus Christ,
in whose name we pray.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
Dear Jesus, You are our brother.
You have taken us by the hand
and lead us to join with You
in the work of justice, mercy and healing.
Life can sometimes be a difficult
journey – like Your journey to the cross.
Accompany us, open our eyes
and awaken our hearts to see,
to know and to live the life
of the servant that You invite us to be.
We are reminded of Your never-ending love
and that You will always be by our side.
Amen.
- By a Columban Missionary