Dear Lord, as we step into a new year,
we ask for Your guidance and grace.
Help us set our hearts on the path of peace, purpose, and joy.
May this year be filled with Your love and the strength
to embrace every challenge.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
Father, we thank You for sending Your Son on this Christmas Day.
Help us to welcome Him with joy, follow Him with courage,
and share His mercy with all we meet.
We also thank You for the year we’ve had,
for the highs and the lows, for the lessons learned
and the growth we’ve experienced.
We trust that You have been with us every step of the way.
May the new year bring us closer to You.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
Lord, as the year comes to a close,
help us reflect on all You have done in our lives.
Thank You for Your faithfulness and love.
May we take time to reflect on the lessons learned
and the growth experienced.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
God, help us serve others with humility.
Teach us to act selflessly and to consider
others’ needs above our own.
May we follow your example
of sacrificial love and humility.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promises that never fail.
Help us to hold fast to Your word and trust in Your faithfulness,
even when circumstances are challenging.
May we stand firm in Your truth.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
Father, give us the strength to continue on our journey,
no matter how difficult it may seem.
Renew our spirits and help us keep our focus on you,
trusting that you will carry us through every season.
Amen.
Dear Saint Columban, you lived so long ago.
We do not know what you looked like
or how your voice sounded.
What we do know is that you led your band of monks
with care and courage.
You listened to the Holy Spirit and it was always your aim
to serve Christ's will and not just your own.
Inspire us by your courage so that we may
follow Jesus' path wherever it may lead.
And when we encounter obstacles or the suffering
of migrants and other people in need along the road,
help us to remain compassionate and undaunted.
Pray for us that, like you, our trust in Jesus
may never falter despite opposition.
Amen.
— By Columban Fr. John Burger
God of hope, when life feels difficult,
help us keep our eyes on You.
Let Your hope anchor our souls,
and may we trust that You are working
in the midst of our trials for our good.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
“How long, O Lord? I cry for help but you do not listen! I cry out to you, ‘Violence!’, but you do not intervene.” (Habakkuk 1: 2)
Why do You not intervene, Lord? Is it because many who profess Your name place more faith in guns than in You, the Prince of Peace? Are our thoughts and prayers empty gestures void of any action to protect all, especially the most vulnerable, our children?
Lord, I pray that all seek peaceful solutions to discord, disagreement, and differences so we can become what You proclaimed in the Gospel:
“Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5: 9)
Lord, I pray that our politicians courageously enact laws so our country can live the words of Your prophet:
“…They shall beat their swords into plowshares…nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” (Isaiah 2: 4)
Lord, make us true disciples of peace in word and deed.
Amen.
— By Columban Fr. Chris Saenz
Lord, help us be patient with ourselves.
When we fall short or struggle,
remind us that we are a work in progress.
Give us the grace to extend kindness
to ourselves and keep moving forward.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
God, fill our hearts with joy as we serve others.
May we find fulfillment in meeting the needs
of those around us and may our service reflect your love.
Help us to serve with a willing heart.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
Lord, help us overcome fear and walk in faith.
When we are afraid, remind us that you are with us
and that perfect love casts out fear.
May we trust in your protection and provision.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
God, grant us peace of mind.
Help us quiet our thoughts and rest in your presence.
May your peace fill our hearts and minds,
guiding us through any confusion or uncertainty.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
Lord, we release our desire to control everything.
Help us surrender to your will and trust
that your plans are greater than ours.
Teach us to live with open hands and hearts.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
