Dear Jesus,
We hope for many things - success, adequate resources,
health for ourselves and for those dear to us,
and other genuinely good desires.
Yet in the long run, what we really need
is to grow in friendship with You.
May this day provide the opportunity to take some time out
to be with You and share our thanks and hopes.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah,
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I dedicated you…”
We can say the same is true for us.
The Lord has chosen each one of us
for a special purpose.
At times we feel at a loss.
We think the Lord is absent.
Does the Lord really care?
Then we remember that the Lord has delivered us
and preserves us for that special calling.
Even when things are not going well
I wait for you, Lord.
I am confident that your kindness
will follow me wherever I go
and that with you I can accomplish
what you dedicated me for.
— By a Columban Missionary
Lord help me to forgive as I have been forgiven.
Sometimes I glide over the words
of your prayer the Our Father.
“Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive
those who trespass against us”.
But often I don’t forgive.
I harbor grudges.
I want revenge.
Maybe I even think I can never forgive
such an insult or injustice.
Lord you died that I might be forgiven.
Help me to offer that forgiveness to others.
And, surprise, it brings a peace that I thought not possible.
— By a Columban Missionary
Lord there are so many reasons
to be fearful in our world today.
Help me to realize that you are always with me.
You created me and sustain me.
You are my refuge.
Guide me and help me to do what I can
to live in full confidence that you areat my right hand.
Let me live with deep trust in your constant care for me.
— By a Columban Missionary
If God wants to place me in vulnerable situations
I accept that God is leading me - whatever happens, happens.
Jesus tells us not to be afraid though bad things
may happen to us in following him.
With God’s gracious presence in our lives,
our fears are under God’s guiding hand
and there is nothing to be afraid of.
— By a Columban Missionary
Sometimes I am amazed, Lord, at the people
you have chosen to do your work.
But you see beyond the superficial to the hidden goodness
and abilities of the people you have made in your image.
Help me to accept the gifts you have bestowed on me
and to offer them to others.
It would be a shame if out of a false sense of humility
I did not offer to others what you have so generously given me.
Lord give me the courage to give of myself to others today.
Lord your words are spirit and life.
They give me the strength and wisdom I need
to be open to all the possibilities
that I will encounter today.
Help me to witness to your goodness
and kindness to those I meet today.
You have given me and them the grace we need
to bring our families and communities closer to you.
May we be open to hearing your word and allowing
your Spirit to guide and nourish us today.
As we read in Scripture God’s call may not come
in an earthquake or a fire or some other spectacular event.
God’s call most often comes in the gentle breeze.
God whispers.
God most often does not shout.
Lord, give me the patience to be silent and peaceful and listen.
Allow me to repeat the words of the prophet,
“Speak Lord for your servant is listening.”
You have a special thought and message for me today.
— By a Columban Missionary
Dear Lord much of what is going on
in my life seems to be of no use.
One day is the same as the day before and on and on.
Sometimes I wonder where it is all going.
But then I realize that if I simply place it all
in your hands you will make sense of it all.
You have placed me here and now
for some specific purpose.
Doing what you want will bring happiness
beyond what I would have thought possible.
— By a Columban Missionary
While we endure this time of the virus
we might forget the gift of life You have given us.
Trials test but strengthen our faith.
You have promised that if we ask we shall receive.
We ask that we might do Your will.
We are confident that this crisis will bring
a deeper appreciation of the fullness of life
that you have promised to those who place
their trust in You.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
At a time like this, the prayer, “hearken to our prayer
and attend to the sound of our pleading”, is most appropriate.
We are praying that we be relieved of the effects
of the pandemic and the stress it has caused.
We are pleading for Your healing presence in the lives
of all of us especially those who have sacrificed
so much by their service to the suffering.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
I admit, Lord, that often I wonder "why the pandemic".
But I believe in you and your fidelity.
Comfort me with the hope that gives me
the strength to know that you are with me
during the times of crisis in my life.
I know that even in the direst of times
you will rise up and save me.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
Fires and floods and climate disasters are all around us.
And then there is the virus.
I can’t help but wonder if you, Lord, have not abandoned us.
I know you haven’t but still I wonder.
But You are our shelter and our home.
We pray that you will heal us and help us to protect
the wonderful home that you have given us.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
Sometimes I wonder, Lord, why you allow so much evil in our world.
I wonder now why in this pandemic there is so much suffering.
But, of course, I remember how you suffered to forgive us
so that we might share in the life you promised.
Enable me to imitate your patience,
and accept with confidence, that you promised life
to the full even in the midst of suffering.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary