Lord, there is something in our nature
that constantly wants to explore what is around us.
For generations humans looked at the moon and the stars
and wondered if we could ever go there.
We pray that all that we learn from our exploration
of the universe may increase our sense of wonder
at all that is and help us to have a realistic sense
of our place in creation.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
Lord, so many people in our world have been displaced
and are seeking sanctuary.
We ask that you bless all migrants and refugees.
They often take hazardous journeys to escape conflict,
oppression, famine and poverty.
We remember the millions of people presently displaced
by the war in Ukraine and give thanks for those countries
who are providing a welcome for them.
May all refugees find a similar welcome.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
Lord, we recognize that our health is linked to the health of our planet.
Help us to see the extent of the damage we are doing
so that we may be motivated to take the urgent actions needed.
May the beauty and wonder of all that you have created
provide us with the desire and the energy to preserve and care
for the great gift of life you have given to us.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
Gracious God, the census called by Caesar Augustus
brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem.
It was there that Jesus was born.
Help us to cope when things that cause us
to change our plans, often without warning.
Help us realize that Your plans are carried out
in spite of what life may bring our way.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
Lord, we pray that all of creation be given
the kind of protection that is given
to our national parks and marine reserves.
Help us to realize how important it is
to maintain biodiversity and protect
the habitats that plants and animals
need to survive and thrive.
Help us to develop a deep reverence
for natural world which You have created.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
Dear Lord, when the scriptures are read
during mass, we acknowledge that it is Your word.
Guide us when we use the scriptures for our own prayer.
Help us to understand what it asks of us and empower us
to put into practice what we understand.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
Dear God, it has been said that “truth is the first causality of war”.
As we pray for the people of Ukraine, we ask that justice
and peace may prevail.
We are horrified by the daily destruction and death of civilians.
We pray that sanity may prevail and that a world, already struggling
with a climate crisis and a pandemic, will be saved from further war.
Grant a just and lasting peace to world weary of conflict.
Amen.
— By a Columban Missionary
Merciful God, Jesus calls us
to be as you are - full of compassion.
We ask that we be helped to let go of hatred
before it begins to warp our lives.
As we face and accept our own failings
may we grow in understanding for the failures of others,
especially when these have hurt us or people we love.
May we find it in our hearts to forgive
not just for the sake of the other but for ourselves.
Amen
— By a Columban Missionary
Lord we live in a time of rapid change.
It can be hard to keep up.
Be with those who struggle when change.
Ease the anxiety that such changes can create.
Grant that they may be assisted in receiving help
embracing change and open their mind and life
to new opportunities.
Amen
— By a Columban Missionary
God give strength and comfort to families and communities
around the world who are in mourning for loved ones
but carrying the extra burden of not knowing
what happened to them as their loved ones
have just disappeared without trace.
May they find peace.
Amen
— By a Columban Missionary
Lord, today I ask for your blessing on those who are living
in desperate times with little hope for the future.
Help us to be your ears to listen to their cries.
Help us to be your hands to clothe, feed and shelter them.
Help us to heal those broken in body and spirit,
and to turn their sorrow into joy and hope.
We ask you this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
— By a Columban Missionary
Almighty God, You alone can bring into order
the unruly wills and affections of sinners.
Grant Your people grace to love
what You command and desire what You promise;
that, among the swift and varied changes of the world,
our hearts may surely there be fixed
where true joys are to be found;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever.
Amen.
Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ
came down from heaven to be the true bread
which gives live to the world:
Evermore give us this bread,
that He may live in us, and we in Him;
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
God our Father,
You sent Saint Patrick
to preach Your glory to the people of Ireland.
By the help of his prayers,
may all Christians proclaim Your love to all men.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.