100 Prayers 3 6

from the prayer web-site of the Christ our Morning Star Prayer of St Columba
De La Salle Brothers:
O Christ, our Morning Star, Be, Lord Jesus, a bright flame before me,
www.prayingeachday.org Splendour of Light Eternal, a guiding star above me,
shining with the glory of the rainbow, a smooth path below me,

1 come and waken us

from the greyness of our apathy,
a kindly shepherd behind me:
today, tonight, and forever.
and renew in us your gift of hope. Amen.
Praying with others across the world (Bede the Venerable)
7
Lord, you said that when two or three
would gather together in your name, 4 I will be busy
then you would be present with them.
I am praying by myself (or ‘on the Internet’) Come, Holy Spirit O Lord,
but I am uniting myself
you know how busy I must be this day.
with many individual Christians Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, If I forget you,
throughout the world and enkindle in them the fire of your love. do not forget me.
who, though separate, Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created (Sir Jacob Astley, before the Battle of Edgehill, 1642)
are gathered together in another sense And you shall renew the face of the earth.
to pray to you,
8
O God, who has taught the hearts of the faithful
and I trust that you are with me now. by the light of the Holy Spirit,
(NH) grant that by the gift of the same Spirit
Prayer of a Breton fisherman
we may be always truly wise

2 and ever rejoice in his consolation.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord, the sea is so wide
When the thought of you wakens in us
and my boat is so small.

God our heavenly Father,

5 Be with me.

when the thought of you

wakes in our hearts,
At the rising of your sun 9
let its awakening
Close to me
Lord God, Creator of light,
not be like a startled bird
at the rising of your sun each morning,
that flies about in fear.
let the greatest of all lights - your love -
Instead, let it be like a child Lord, you are closer to me
rise, like the sun, within my heart.
waking from sleep than my own breathing,
with a heavenly smile. nearer than my hands and feet.
(Søren Kierkegaard) (St Teresa of Avila)
10
to join me in offering to our Father The word of God to give me speech,
not only the good things of this day His heavenly host to be my guard.
but also the suffering and sacrifices Christ be with me, Christ within me,
The Grail Prayer
that I want to offer cheerfully and lovingly, Christ behind me, Christ before me,
and in a quiet and hidden way. Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
And so may any difficulties Christ to comfort and restore me.
Lord Jesus, and frustration and pain of this day Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
I give you my hands to do your work. be transformed in your presence Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
I give you my feet to go your way. for the benefit of other people. Amen. Christ in hearts of all that love me,
I give you my eyes to see as you do. (NH) Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
I give you my tongue to speak your words.
I give you my mind that you may think in me.
I give you my spirit that you may pray in me.
Above all,
I give you my heart that you may love in me 14
12 Seeing and loving in others what you see
your Father and all mankind.
I give you my whole self that you may grow in me,
so that it is you, Lord Jesus,
Knowing me better and love in them
who live and work and pray in me.

I thank you, Lord, God our Father,

for knowing me better than I know myself, the qualities I see lived out so well in some people
and for letting me know myself are a reflection of your own goodness,
better than others know me.
11 Make me, I pray you,
better than they suppose,
and I know
that I have much to learn from other people
who reflect your image and likeness Gen 126
Praying the offering of self
and forgive me for what they do not know. in different ways.
(Abu Bekr)
Inspire me
Lord Jesus, to respect others fully as my equals,
you told your friends seeing and loving in them
not to worry about the future. what you see and love in them.

13
You showed them
(NH)
how to have the attitude of simple trust
that young children have,
from “St Patrick’s Breastplate”
so that they could place themselves
into the caring hands of your Father.
And so I ask for the power of your Spirit
that I may remain positive I bind unto myself today
throughout all that is ordinary in my daily life. The power of God to hold and lead,
I know that your touch His eye to watch, his might to stay,
can change people and situations, His ear to hearken to my need.
and so I ask you The wisdom of my God to teach,
His hand to guide, his shield to ward;
 17
who is your Word,

15
living amongst us. Amen.
(NH)

Ablaze with the fire of your Spirit

Prayer of St Anselm 19
O Lord,

The living heritage of our faith

O Lord my God. you have mercy on all,
Teach my heart this day take away from me my sins,
where and how to find you. and mercifully set me ablaze
You have made me and re-made me, with the fire of your Holy Spirit. God our Father,
and you have bestowed on me Take away from me the heart of stone, if I could trace back
all the good things I possess, and give me a human heart, through the last two thousand years,
and still I do not know you. a heart to love and adore you, marking out routes
I have not yet done a heart to delight in you, from Jesus himself
that for which I was made. to follow and enjoy you. Amen. and then through people
Teach me to seek you, whose faith has touched others
for I cannot seek you and so reached me,
unless you teach me,
or find you 18 I would be astounded
by the individuals I would encounter.
unless you show yourself to me.
That the Gospel may be “written” in me
Let me seek you in my desire; I give thanks, Father,
let me desire you in my seeking. for all those people
Let me find you by loving you; God our Father, over two thousand years
let me love you when I find you. until the time of the printing press, who have inspired others
people copied the Gospel, and played their part
in passing on
16
writing it by hand.
Slowly the Gospel took shape to generation after generation
- both on the page the living heritage of their faith.

Burn up the dross

and deep within themselves. Especially I give thanks
I ask that the Gospel for those who lived their faith
- the Good News of your love - through difficulties
O God, and hardship and persecution.
may be written in me
may the fire of the Holy Spirit I pray, Father, that I may grow
not with ink
burn up the dross in our hearts, in your faith and love
but with the Spirit of God. 2 Cor 3:3
warm them with love, through good times and bad. Amen.
Only then will I grow as a credible witness
and set them on fire
of the wealth of your love. (NH)
with zeal for your service. Amen.
Day by day,
as the pages of my own life turn over,
remind me
that you write my name
on the palm of your hand. Is 49:16
I ask this prayer through Jesus,
20
and remind us how inter-connected we are

22
as your sons and daughters.
Breathe your Spirit into us
Respecting one another
that we may live more truly
Open my eyes and ears
as brothers and sisters
of one another. Amen.
God our Father, (NH)
you call each of us by name, Lord Jesus,
and you treasure each of us individually I ask you to open my eyes
as though no-one else exists.
Inspire us
as you did with the blind man, Jn 9
so that I may really see.
25
Appreciating what we have in common
to respect and value Tune my ears
each person who comes into our lives this day. as you did with the man who was deaf and dumb,
Amen. (NH) Mk 7:31-37

with others
so that I may really hear
what you are saying to me.
21 May the many experiences of my senses
remind me to be aware of others Lord, we ask you to open our eyes

May our “way of looking” become more

and of all that is around me. that we may value and appreciate all people,
May all that I experience recognising what we have in common
lead me closer to you. rather than focusing

like yours
on what our differences might be.
Inspire us to distinguish

Lord, we come before you as we are.

We ask you to take away from us
23 between what is important
and what is not,
and open our minds and hearts
To recognise in others
all that makes us less than human. that we may always be people of good will
Strengthen us with the power of your Spirit who bring life and joy to others. Amen. (NH)
that our attitude and outlook may develop, Grant me to recognise in others, Lord God,
and our “way of looking”
may become more like yours.
Help us to remain positive -
the radiance of your own face.
(Teilhard de Chardin, SJ) 26
You are beside me
encouraging and appreciating one another,
looking upon people in the same way that you do.
Amen. (NH)
Lead me, Lord,

24
to recognise you
in the person beside me.
(NH)

Together as brothers and sisters

God our Father,

extend our horizons,
widen our vision,
27
as I ‘entrust the past to your mercy,

29
the present to your love,
and the future to your providence’. St Augustine
Sarum Prayer
(NH)

Judging or valuing others

God be in my head
and in my understanding. Lord, inspire me to give of my best
31
Breathing deeply in faith
God be in my eyes and make good use
and in my looking. of the talents you have given me.
God be in my mouth Show me how to be positive in attitude,
and in my speaking. appreciating and valuing others, O God,
God be in my heart always being ready to encourage teach me
and in my thinking. and give praise. to breathe deeply
God be at my end Sometimes I draw conclusions about people in faith.
and at my departing. (Søren Kierkegaard)
in terms of what I think
(Sarum Book of Hours, 1514) is meant by “success” and “failure”,
but the “failure” of one person
32
28 might count as a great “success”
of someone with other talents.
Lead me never to judge people The Jesus Prayer
God in my daily life but to accept others as they are,
knowing that it is together, Lord Jesus Christ,
God to enfold me, each with our differences, Son of God,
God to surround me, that we build up your Kingdom. Amen. (NH) have mercy on me,
God in my speaking, a sinner.
God in my thinking.
30
God in my sleeping,
God in my waking, 33
God in my watching, Christ be behind me
Healing our memories
God in my hoping.
God in my life, Lord, I commit my failures
God in my lips, as well as my successes Penetrate these murky corners
God in my soul, into your hands, where we hide our memories
God in my heart. and I bring for your healing and tendencies on which we do not care to look,
God in my sufficing, the people and the situations, but which we will not yield freely up to you,
God in my slumber, the wrongs and the hurts that you may purify and transmute them.
God in my ever-living soul, of the past. The persistent buried grudge,
God in mine eternity. Give me courage, strength and generosity the half-acknowledged enmity
(Carmina Gadelica)
to let go and move on, which is still smouldering,
leaving the past behind me, the bitterness of that loss
and living the present to the full. we have not turned into sacrifice,
Lead me always to be positive the private comfort we cling to,
the secret fear of failure the wrongs we have done, in meadows of green grass,
which saps our initiative and you delight in showing mercy. Mic 7:18 and you lead me to water
and is really inverted pride, where I gain new life and strength.
You bind up all our wounds Ps 14:73
the pessimism which is an insult to your joy. You guide me
and you renew us by your love. Zeph 3:17
Lord, we bring all these to you, along the way that is best for me.
Lord, you love all that you have made, Wis 11:24
and we review them Even when I walk in darkness
and it is your very nature
with shame and penitence and everything around seems like death,
to love and forgive.
in your steadfast light. you are there, walking with me,
(Evelyn Underhill) Lead us to be generous and the promise
in accepting and forgiving others of your love and faithfulness

34 in the same way

as you accept and forgive us. Amen.
(NH)
helps to conquer my fear.
In the sight of those who do me down,
you invite me
Choosing life rather than death
to sit at table with you.

Lord, I acknowledge my sinfulness. 36 There you offer me

even more than I need,
and you remind me
Growing closer to you who are love
I ask you to empower me
with your Holy Spirit, that I am significant and special.
that I may resist temptation You call me to goodness and kindness
and “choose life Father, every day of my life,
rather than death”, Deut 30:19 perhaps you have best been described as “love” and your house will be my home
- good rather than evil - 1 Jn 4:8 my whole life long.
in the ordinary circumstances and, as “love keeps no record of wrongs”, 1 Cor 1:35
of my daily life. Amen.
(NH)
I rejoice in the completeness
of your personal love and acceptance
of each one of us.
38
35 Lead me each day to be faithful
and grow closer to Jesus
My choices and commitment
who calls me his friend. Jn 15:14
Acceptance and forgiveness in the
Lord, inspire me to live in such a way
It is through him and in him, Father,
that my choices each day
that I am enabled to see you most fully: Col 1:15
and my commitment to live in a positive way
scriptures
you who call me by name. Is 4:31
may transform
(NH) the negative into something positive,
and the ordinariness of daily life
Loving Lord,
you tell us in the Bible
that whatever wrong we have done
37 into something extraordinary. Amen.
(NH)

Psalm 23
you tread down our faults
to the bottom of the sea. Mic 7:19
We know there is no need
to keep thinking Lord, you are like a shepherd to me,
about what we have done in the past, Is 43:18 and so I have all that I need.
because you pardon You give me rest
 40
and is degraded,

39
all of humanity is belittled and abused.
May we grow in a sense of love and care
“Do not kill” - and attention to the small
for those less fortunate than ourselves,
Negativity, forgiveness, and resisting evil
and lead us to do something
about the troubles in our world.
things in life
Amen. (NH)
God our Father,
may no-one’s negative actions
ever overpower my determination
to choose to live in a positive way.
Loving Lord,
I often see on the TV news 42
examples of inhumanity to others
Psalm 139
I know that to forgive someone
can be far from being an easy option, - people being tortured, abused,
and I know that forgiveness injured or killed.
isn’t somehow pretending I need to remind myself Father and lover of life,
that something wrong hasn’t happened. that the commandment “do not kill” you know the depths of my innermost self,
Instead it is being generous, Father also refers to my attitude and you understand me.
- as your Son showed in his dying words - and what I do each day, You protect me on every side,
in being willing to release the other person because it is in smaller ways shielding me from all harm.
from what natural justice demands that I can destroy people When you put me together
should be ‘punishment’ for wrong-doing. if I ignore them in my mother’s womb,
Isn’t this, Father, or cut them off you knew all about me.
what is meant by “your mercy” or do them down. I thank you for the wonder of myself,
and what we are to do Loving Lord, inspire me and I stand in awe
in being called to take care of the smaller things of life at all that you have made.
to “be merciful” ourselves? Mt 5:7 as well as the bigger issues. Amen. As you know and love me,
For what I have done wrong, Father, (NH) so may I come to know and love you.
forgive me Guide me in your ways.
to the extent that I am generous and gracious
in forgiving - or truly hoping to forgive - 41 (NH: based on Ps 139)

those who have done wrong to me. Lk 1:14

Empower me
to break the cycle
Respect for all life 43
Growing in wonder
of any hatred, resentment or bitterness, God our Father,
always resisting evil Rom 12:21 inspire us with a great respect
and conquering it with goodness. for all human life God our Father,
Bring your healing and peace and wholeness from the time of the child may the vastness of your creation
into the lives of those I pray for, growing in the womb that we can begin to see through a telescope,
and into mine. Amen. to the point of death. remind us of the abundance of your love.
(NH)
May that respect lead us May the lowliness
to grow in a sense of responsibility of the smallest creatures and cells
for all our brothers and sisters that we can see through a microscope,
throughout the world, remind us of how insignificant - yet special -
knowing that, where one person suffers
 46
we appear to be. fruits and vegetables of many kinds
May our vision each day and flowers of many colours.
of the world around us Be praised, my Lord,
Psalm 104
remind us that you so loved the world for those who forgive for love of you;
that you sent Jesus, your Son, and for those
to be one of us. who bear sickness and weakness
In all that we observe, in peace and patience Lord our God, how great you are,
open our eyes - you will grant them a crown. and I give thanks to you.
so that we may really see Be praised, my Lord, for our Sister Death, You stretch out the heavens like a tent,
and grow in wonder and appreciation. Amen. (NH) whom we must all face. with the sun to mark our days of work
I praise and bless you, Lord, and the moon for our nights of rest.
Your fingers created the earth
44
and I give thanks to you,
and I will serve you in all humility. and wrapped it with the ocean like a cloak.
(St Francis of Assisi) There the ships sail,

The Canticle of Creation

and beneath them glide the great sea creatures
that you made to play with.

O Most High, all-powerful, good Lord God,

45 You pour down rain
which the ground takes up.

Psalm 8
to you belong praise, glory, You set springs gushing forth in the valleys,
honour and all blessing. and streams that flow
Be praised, my Lord, for all your creation between the mountains,
and especially for our Brother Sun, Lord, our God and King, giving water to all that lives.
who brings us the day and the light; your greatness is seen You make grass grow for the cattle
he is strong and shines magnificently. throughout the earth. and crops in abundance for our needs.
O Lord, we think of you when we look at him. When I gaze at the heavens You bring goodness to the trees,
Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Moon, which your fingers have formed, and in their branches
and for the stars and look at the moon and the stars the birds build their nests.
which you have set shining and lovely which you have set there, Swarms of all living creatures
in the heavens. I realise how small we are are so many
Be praised, my Lord, in the magnificence of your creation. that they could never be counted.
for our Brothers Wind and Air Yet you treasure us What variety you have created, Lord,
and every kind of weather above all that you have made, arranging everything so wisely!
by which you, Lord, and you give us control You send your Spirit, and all things have life.
uphold life in all your creatures. over all the works of your hand Fill us with your Spirit, Lord,
Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Water, - animals both wild and tame, and give us new life,
who is very useful to us, birds in the air, and renew the earth that you love.
and humble and precious and pure. and the creatures of the sea. (NH)
Be praised, my Lord, for Brother Fire, Lord, our God and King,
through whom you give us light in the darkness: your greatness is seen
he is bright and lively and strong. throughout the earth. (NH)
Be praised, my Lord,
for Sister Earth, our Mother,
who nourishes us and sustains us,
bringing forth
47
as brothers and sisters, This day, may others respect me
building up your kingdom on earth. Amen. as much as I respect them.
(NH) Amen. (NH)
Justice and Peace and the care of creation

God our Father,

48 49
Injustice and my own attitude God’s love and our concern
we give you thanks
for the talents you have given to mankind,
and for the blessings received
through those who use their gifts well. Lord, it’s good Lord, we remember before you
We think of the beauty of the world to be actively concerned all our brothers and sisters
which you proclaimed to be good, about the abuses of human rights who are weighed down with suffering.
but we are also conscious of our misuse in other countries, Bless and guide us
of what you have given to us: but I must not lose sight that your love may be reflected
- from the ore in the ground of the mis-treatment of others closer to me. in our concern for the hungry,
we fashion bullets and weapons; Most particularly, Lord, the oppressed and the unloved.
- from the oil under the sea point out to me my own failings Help us to acknowledge
we derive explosives; in lacking respect and grow in appreciation
- we damage and pollute for those who come into my daily life. that all people are made
our own environment I readily condemn slavery, in your image and likeness. Amen. (NH)
for short-term gains; but help me to liberate those I know
who are overburdened.
50
- from the atoms of existence
we produce bombs of mass destruction. I condemn torture,
Our governments spend money in our name but lead me to discourage the use

A prayer of Pope Paul VI

maintaining “butter mountains” and “wine lakes”, of cruel words and actions.
and we subsidise farmers Remind me
to “set aside” land that those who degrade others
so that less food is produced, are themselves diminished. Make us worthy, Lord,
even though our brothers and sisters Enlighten me to serve our brothers and sisters
die each day from hunger. so that I do not throughout the world
On our paper money jump to conclusions about people, who live and die in poverty and hunger.
we print the images of famous people, or be judgmental. Give them by our hands
yet often do not treasure and uphold Lead me always to respect individuals this day their daily bread,
the dignity of all who are made for who they are, and by our understanding love
in your image and likeness. realising that their experiences give peace and joy. Amen.
Open our hearts may be different from my own,
to be influenced for good, as each follows paths in life
and inspire us that are individual to them.
to touch the hearts of others. May I grow in appreciation
Enable us to change that those who think differently from me
the things that contradict your love, can hold equally valid views.
and may all your people In these and other ways, Lord,
work and grow together may I grow in respect for all people.
51 52
give the hunger for justice.
(World Council of Churches)

Hear my voice, Lord Giving praise because they do what they 55

- a Prayer of Pope John Paul II were created to do Deep compassion

for Justice and Peace

God our Father, Father,
you made the great lights in our sky: fill our hearts with deep compassion
the sun to rule in the day, for those who suffer,
To you, Creator of nature and humanity, and the moon and the stars in the night and may the day come quickly
of truth and beauty, I pray: - all because your great love lasts for ever. of your kingdom of justice and truth. Amen.
Hear my voice, Our sun and moon (Eugène Bersier)
for it is the voice and the stars that you call by name
of the victims of all wars and violence
among individuals and nations.
Hear my voice,
all give you praise,
because they do what they were created to do.
Lead me, Father,
56
My small sacrifice
for it is the voice to reflect the light of Christ your Son
of all children who suffer and who will suffer and so live fully
when people put their faith in weapons and war. as, in your love, you created me to do. Amen. Lord, as many human hands
Hear my voice (Psalms 136:7-9, 147:4, 148:3 - NH)
transform many grains of wheat
when I beg you to instil into a loaf of bread,
into the hearts of all human beings
the vision of peace,
the strength of justice
53 so may our small sacrifices
help towards the building up
of our human family.
Living simply
and the joy of fellowship. We ask this through Jesus,
Hear my voice, who is our brother,
for I speak for the multitudes and who fed the hungry. Amen.
Lord, may we who have plenty
in every country and in every period of history (NH)
live simply
who do not want war
so that others may simply live.
and are ready to walk the road of peace.
Hear my voice
and grant insight and strength
Amen.
(NH) 57
A prayer of St Augustine
so that we may always respond
to hatred with love,
to injustice with total dedication to justice,
54
Lord, you were rich
Hunger and justice
to need with the sharing of self,
to war with peace. yet, for our sakes, you became poor.
O God, hear my voice, You promised in your Gospel
and grant to the world your everlasting peace. O God, that whatever is done
(Pope John Paul II at Hiroshima, Japan, 1981) to those who have hunger, give bread, for the least of your brothers and sisters
and to us who have bread, is done for you.
Give us grace to be always willing and ready O Divine Master, for the difficult times
to provide for the needs grant that I may not so much seek that all of us face in our lives.
of those whose parents have died to be consoled as to console, Lead me now
or whose homes are broken, to be understood as to understand, to make positive choices
that your kingdom of service and love to be loved as to love, to value friendship and loyalty,
may extend throughout the world, for it is in giving that we receive, and develop attitudes and values,
to your unending glory. it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, treasuring all that is lasting and important.
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Throughout difficult times
(attributed to St Francis of Assisi) may I build on

58 the positive choices of my past,

61 looking outward in the service of others

and avoiding self-pity.
A prayer of St Thomas More May I grow in the faith
The Clown’s Prayer
that, whatever my circumstances,
The things that we pray for, I need have no regrets
good Lord, As I stumble through this life, but may entrust
give us your grace to work for. help me to create more laughter than tears, my past to your mercy,
dispense more happiness than gloom, my present to your love,
spread more cheer than despair. and my future to your Providence.
Amen.
59 Never let me become so indifferent
that I will fail to see the wonder
in the eyes of a child
(NH)

A prayer of Mother Teresa

or the twinkle in the eyes of the aged.
Never let me forget that my total effort 63
Doing the little and the great things
Lord, increase my faith, is to cheer people, make them happy
bless my efforts and work, and forget - at least momentarily -
now and for evermore. Amen. all the unpleasantness in their lives.
And, in my final moment, Teach us, Lord,
may I hear You whisper: to do the little things
‘When you made My people smile, as though they were great
60 you made Me smile’. because of the majesty of Christ
who does them in us
(Author unknown)
Prayer of Peace
and who lives our life.
Teach us to do the greatest things

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;

where there is hatred, let me sow love,
62 as though they were little and easy
because of his omnipotence.
(Blaise Pascal)

Choices in good times and in difficult times

where there is injury, pardon,
where there is doubt, faith,
where there is despair, hope, God our Father,
where there is darkness, light, in good times
and where there is sadness, joy. may I live in such a way
that I will be strengthened
64 66
you have experienced many hells of this world
but descended so that you can lift us up.
Be always near. (NH)
Balance in my life Amidst difficulties; breaking the cycle of
68
hatred and bitterness
God our Father,

My own difficulties to lead me to be

lead me to grow in faith
and keep a healthy balance in my life.
Remind me that I need to We know, Lord,

sensitive to others
give time and space for myself that throughout our lives
as well as for others. each of us will experience
Inspire me problems and difficulties.
to remaining committed in my work, Give us courage and strength at those times Lord our God,
sharing quality time with my family, and prevent us then you have made me in your own likeness
and enjoying from looking only at ourselves. and you love all that you have made.
sufficient rest and recreation. Amen. Keep our vision wide I thank you
so that, even in times of difficulty, for all that has been positive in my life.
(NH) we may still be of help to others. I ask that I may live in such a way
Help us not to be bitter that I may learn

65 towards people or situations,

but empower us to take the initiative
from whatever I may find
is negative or hurtful in my life.
and break the cycle May my disabilities and weaknesses
In busy days of noise and action of hatred, bitterness, and evil actions. teach me how to be sensitive to individuals,
Help us to transform that I may grow more caring and compassionate
We read in the Gospel, Lord, the difficulties that come our way for others who experience difficulties.
that you went away to lonely places to pray. into opportunities for personal growth May I grow in strength of character
In my busy days of noise and action, and service of others. Amen. through all that happens to me,
(NH) living fully each day. Amen. (NH)
remind me of my need
for time alone
and for peace and quiet
and silence within. 67 69
Be with me now
as I pause for a few moments in quietness. Christ be below me A prayer of William Penn
(NH)
Lord, I rejoice Lord,
that nothing help me not to despise or oppose
can come between me and your love, what I do not understand.
even when I feel alone or in difficulty,
when in sickness or am troubled. Rom 8:31-39
Even if attacked or afraid,
‘no abyss of mine is so deep
that your love is not deeper still’. Corrie Ten Boom
Lord,
70 73 75
The Serenity Prayer The Way, the Truth and the Life Signing with the cross

God grant me Lord Jesus Christ, Lord Jesus,

the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, you have said I sign my heart with the sign of the cross,
the courage to change the things I can, that you are the Way, the Truth and the Life. reminding myself
and the wisdom Do not allow us to stray from you, of your love for each person.
to distinguish the one from the other. who are the Way, I ask that I may grow in faithfulness
(Reinhold Niebuhr) not to distrust you, who are the Truth, as your friend.
nor to rest in anything other than you, I sign my lips with the sign of the cross,

71 who are the Life.

(Erasmus)
that I may speak as you would speak.
I sign my hands with the sign of the cross
asking that you enable me
To give and not to count the cost
to do your work,
and be your hands
Teach us, good Lord,
to serve you as you deserve,
74 in our world which you love so much.
I sign my eyes with the sign of your cross
that I may really see, Lord,
Courage to accompany you, Lord
to give and not to count the cost,
to fight and not to heed the wounds, and be aware
to toil and not to seek for rest, of all that is around me.
to labour and not to ask for any reward, Lord, give us all the courage we need I sign my ears with the sign of your cross
save that of knowing that we do your will. Amen. to go the way you shepherd us, that I may listen and really hear
(St Ignatius Loyola) that when you call the communication that comes to me
we may go unfrightened. in different ways
- from you
72
If you bid us come to you across the waters,
that we may not be frightened as we go. and from the people
And if you bid us climb the hill, you place into my life.

A prayer of the Kikuyu, Kenya

may we not notice that it is a hill, I sign my shoulders, Lord, with your cross,
mindful only of the happiness of your company. knowing that you call me
You made us for yourself, to carry my own cross each day
O Father, that we should travel with you and support others
your power is greater than all powers. and see you at last in your unveiled beauty in the burdens and difficulties
O Son, in the abiding city, that they have.
under your leadership we cannot fear anything. where you are light and happiness All that I do today
O Spirit, and endless home. I set out to do
under your protection there is nothing we cannot (Bede Jarrett, OP - adapted) in the name of the Father (+)
overcome. and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (NH)
76 78 80
Day by day Transform, Lord, my weakness and poverty Christ in my sleeping

Thanks be to you, my Lord Jesus Christ, Look, Lord, Lord, you mark when I walk or lie down;
for all the benefits which you have given me, on an empty vessel that needs to be filled. all my ways lie open to you. Ps 139:1-3
for all the pains and insults In faith I am weak - strengthen me. When I cease activity,
which you have borne for me. In love I am cold - warm me and make me fervent calm my mind.
O most merciful Redeemer, Friend and Brother, so that my love may go out to my neighbour. When I am by myself,
may I know you more clearly, I doubt and am unable to trust you completely. be my companion and friend.
love you more dearly, Lord, strengthen my faith and trust in you. When I am weary and heavily laden,
and follow you more nearly, You are all the treasure I possess. may your Spirit renew me.
day by day. I am poor, you are rich, When I lie down, may it be in peace
(St Richard of Chichester) and you came to have mercy on the poor. for sleep to heal and refresh me,
I am a sinner, you are goodness. for you alone, Lord,

77 From you I can receive goodness,

but I can give you nothing.
Therefore I shall stay with you.
make me dwell in safety. Ps 49
Watch my sleeping,
guard my waking,
Prayer of Charles de Foucauld
(Martin Luther) be always near.

Father,
I abandon myself into your hands; 79 81
An evening prayer
do with me what you will.

Till the shades lengthen

Whatever you may do, I thank you:
I am ready for all, I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me O Lord my God,
and in all your creatures. thank you for bringing this day to a close. May the Lord support us all the day long
I wish no more than this, O Lord. Thank you for giving me rest till the shades lengthen
Into your hands I commend my soul: in body and soul. and the evening comes,
I offer it to you Your hand has been over me and the busy world is hushed,
with all the love of my heart, and has guarded and preserved me. and the fever of life is over
for I love you, Lord, Forgive my lack of faith and our work is done.
and so need to give myself, and any wrong that I have done today, Then, in his mercy,
to surrender myself into your hands and help me to forgive all who have wronged us. may he give us a safe lodging and a holy rest
without reserve, Let me sleep in peace under your protection, and peace at the last.
(John Henry Newman)
and with boundless confidence, and keep me from all the temptations of darkness.
for you are my Father. Into your hands I commend my loved ones.
I commend to you my body and soul.
O God, your holy name be praised.
(Dietrich Bonhoeffer)
82 87
give me the grace of love,
give me yourself,
so that all my days may finally empty
The constancy of your faithfulness Reflecting on growing older as a new
into the one day of your eternal life.
(Karl Rahner)

year begins
Lord, the day is far gone
and the night is at hand. Lk 24:29
May the constancy
85
Take, Lord
of the setting of the sun, Almighty God,
and its rising by whose mercy
on those who need it elsewhere, my life has continued for another year,
remind me of your faithfulness and your promise Take, Lord, all my liberty. I pray that, as my years increase,
to be with us always: Receive my memory, my understanding, my sins may not increase.
ready to help us to transform and my whole will. As age advances,
darkness into light, Whatever I have and possess, let me become more open,
hatred into love, you have given to me; more faithful and more trusting in you.
and bitterness into joy. Amen. to you I will restore it wholly, Let me not be distracted by lesser things
and to your will from what is truly important.
I utterly surrender it for my direction. And if I become infirm as I grow old,

83 Give me the love of you only, with your grace,

and I shall be rich enough;
nor do I ask anything besides,
may I not be overwhelmed
by self-pity or bitterness.
Continue and increase
Knowing, loving and serving you
(St Ignatius Loyola) your loving kindness towards me
so that, when you finally call me to yourself,
Eternal God,
who are the light of the minds that know you, 86 I may enter into eternal happiness with you,
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The grasp of your hand in my failure
the joy of the hearts that love you,
(Dr Samuel Johnson, 1709-1784)
and the strength of the wills that serve you;
grant us so to know you
that we may truly love you,
and so to love you
Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers
but to be fearless in facing them. 88
that we may fully serve you, Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain,
whom to serve is perfect freedom, but for the heart to conquer it. Those who are sick, afraid, worried
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Let me not crave in anxious fear to be saved,
(St Augustine) but hope for the patience to win my freedom. Lord Jesus,
Grant me that I may not be a coward, we ask you to bring your healing touch

84 feeling your mercy in my success alone,

but let me find the grasp of your hand
in my failure.
to those whom we know
to be sick, afraid, or worried.
Bring them your peace and healing. Amen.
Emptying into eternal life
(Rabindranath Tagore)

You who are love itself,

89
either lighten my burden and that, living in your love,
or strengthen my back. they will bear your fruit in plenty. Jn 15:5,9
Make me May all of us
The one you love is ill
(who so often in my health - whatever our circumstances -
have discovered my weakness, never be so taken up with our own concerns
presuming on my own strength) that we do not see or respond to
Lord, as your friend Lazarus lay ill, be strong in my sickness the needs of others.
others remarked to you when I solely rely on your assistance. May we live with courage
that "the one you love is ill." (Thomas Fuller) the different challenges
People said: "See his love for him." that each of us faces.
Today, Lord Jesus,
we pray for ______
because he - the one you love - is ill.
92 Amen.
(NH)

Those very ill

We ask you to bring
your healing and peace
to him and his family. Amen.
93
Watch, Lord, with those in need
(re ‘Lazarus’, see John 11) God our Father,
(NH) we bring before you today
those who suffer

90 from chronic illness or disability

- those for whom sickness or disability
profoundly affects their lives.
Watch, dear Lord,
with those who cannot sleep
and those who weep this night.
Sick, hungry, thirsty and needy When they feel diminished, Tend the sick,
remind them that you call them by name give rest to the weary
Trusting in your goodness and hold them and bless the dying.
and great mercy, Lord, I come: in the palm of your hand. Is 4:31 Relieve those who are suffering,
sick - I come to my Saviour; When they feel fragile and broken, have pity on those in great distress,
hungry and thirsty - to the well of Life; mould them and heal them, and shield those who are happy.
needy - to the King of Heaven. that they may more closely resemble Amen.
(Thomas à Kempis) the image of Jesus, (St Augustine)
your Son and our Brother.

91
When they are reminded
of different times in the past,
lead them to grow in the faith
94
Patience and strength in sickness and in The Last Words of St Teresa of Avila
that you love them today, as they are,
in the reality of their lives this day.
When they feel uncertain about the future, My Lord, it is time to move on.
health
lead them to that perfect love Well then, may your will be done.
which casts out all fear. 1 John 4:18 O my Lord and my Spouse,
When situations remind them the hour that I have longed for has come.
Lord, - not of what they can do,
teach me the art of patience whilst I am well, It is time for us to meet one another.
but of what they cannot do -
and give m the use of it when I am sick. remind them
In that day, that “love never fails”, 1 Cor 13:8
95 97
You will find rest
in Christ, the Good Shepherd,
who carries you and says: “Do not be afraid.”
A Song of Farewell Lord, welcome those who have died
His peace will be yours
in a place where pain and sorrow will be no more.
(for accompanying the dying, or for one who has just There in God’s kingdom Lord,
died) of light, happiness and peace welcome into your calm and peaceful kingdom
Go forth, DEAR BROTHER, (or ‘sister’, or the person’s those who have departed out of this present life
the Holy Spirit will heal and renew
name) to be with you.
and strengthen you.
upon your final journey. Grant them rest
The end of your pilgrimage
Go from this world and rest in peace and a place with the spirits of the just;
will be a new beginning
in the presence of God the Father, and give them the life that knows no age,
in the bright dawn of eternal day.
who created you; the reward that passes not away,
in the love of Jesus our Lord, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Go forth, DEAR BROTHER,
who calls you his friend, (St Ignatius Loyola)
upon your final journey.
and in the warmth of the Holy Spirit,
Go from this world, and be with God.
who has made his home in you.

In death
(NH)
98
For the deceased and those who mourn
your life is now changed, not ended,
and we give you back to our faithful God
who first gave you to us.
96 Father,
For someone who has died
On our common pilgrimage your Son declared "blessed"
we have accompanied you all those who mourn,
as far as we can go together. knowing that no-one can mourn
Our ways part for now Loving Father,
to you the dead do not die unless they love very much.
but, beyond our horizon, Bring courage and strength
you will be met by Jesus and, in death, our life is changed - not ended.
We believe that all that binds us together to those who now mourn
who is himself the Way. because they have loved greatly.
May the angels lead you into paradise, in love and friendship
does not end with death. In your loving kindness
and the saints take you by the hand bring them healing and inner peace,
and walk with you Hear our prayers for _____
who has died. and lead the one they mourn
into the presence of God. into your kingdom
As you have made each of us
in your image and likeness of light, happiness, and peace. Amen.
There, face-to-face, (NH)
you will meet our loving Father. and have called us by name,
His hands will be swift to welcome, hold him/her safely in your love
and he will hold you close: in your kingdom
his tender love is that of a mother for her child, of light, happiness and peace. Amen.
and he has written your name
on the palm of his hands.
99 100 Most of these prayers appear in ‘Walk In My
For those who mourn The Angelus
Presence’,
a book of prayer services of themed readings and
prayers,
Lord Jesus, you tell us The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary
by Nicholas Hutchinson FSC
that those who mourn are “blessed”, And she conceived by the Holy Spirit.
- Matthew James Publishing (Autumn 2000):
knowing that only those who love greatly Hail Mary, full of grace,
http://www.matthew-james.co.uk/
can mourn. the Lord is with thee.
We know, too, Blessed art thou among women,
The remaining prayers are to be found in
that it is better and blessed is the fruit of they womb, Jesus.
‘Lord, Teach us to Pray’
to have loved and lost someone Holy Mary, Mother of God,
by the same author and publisher.
than never to have loved at all. pray for us sinners,
Be with ______ now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
and may the members of his/her family Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
be strengthened, Be it done to me according to your word.
knowing that others care for them Hail Mary....
and hold them in prayer. Amen. And the Word was made flesh
(NH) And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary....
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God
That we may be made worthy
of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
Pour forth, we ask you, O Lord,
your grace into our hearts,
that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ,
your Son, was made known by the message
of an angel
may, by his passion and cross,
be brought to the glory of his resurrection,
through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.