Bless us Lord as we come together as a community of faith and service:
Loving God, we turn to you in gratitude for the gifts you have poured into our hearts. Living God, we rejoice in your name, a people of joy, nourished by your word. Forgiving God, we pray for your compassion, that from our weakness may come great strength.
Guided by the Holy Spirit and inspired by the Gospel may we daily give witness to your love through our words and actions.
Emmaus Prayer Lord Jesus, we are disciples on the road to Emmaus, living our lives in the real world, walking along with You, the one who is always there accompanying us, whether we recognize You or not. You listen to us, and understand us, because you became like us, in "all things but sin" . Lord in the breaking of the bread, open our eyes to this invitation into communion with the one, true, Living God. Jesus Christ, Risen from the dead, walk with us on the road of life. Lead us to see who we are called to become as we grow in continual communion with You. Amen.
Father in Heaven, You give us Your love in so many ways. You have given us the earth, to sustain and nourish us. Help us to show love by sharing our plenty with those in need. Only through imaging Your love for us, can we show love for others. May we truly be people of love, in our families, at work and at play. Your love seeks nothing in return. It is freely given. You even gave us Your only Son, that we might be saved from our many weaknesses. Guide us away from those material temptations that take us away from You, Lord. Give us the strength to only seek out ways to love and serve You more, each and every day. Amen
Lord Jesus, bringer of light, show me the way to follow your commands. Help me to set aside my pride and humbly do as you will. Grant me the fortitude to serve you though times are hard. Let me not look for acknowledgement of my deeds but to offer them to you. You have revealed your plan for humankind, grant me the grace to follow its path that I may be your faithful servant, now and forever. Amen.
Is that you calling Lord? I can't quite hear. Just wait a while until I am not so busy. You know Lord, my days are so full. I have work, family, sport at the weekends, social media. When can I find the time for anything else? I really do not have a moment to myself. Do you really mean me to drop everything, right now, and follow you? What...you do! Right now. I am needed, by you.
Lord, make me your disciple, that I may follow you always. Amen.
Heavenly Father, may we share in the strength that can only be had by drawing close to you. You are our refuge when we face hardship, You are our comfort when we are sad. Your Gospel is our inspiration when we set foot in the world to do good on your behalf. We have received the gift of your Son, our saviour. We are blessed with the presence of your Spirit. We ask for the fortitude to continue your work in the face of a doubting world. Help us not to weaken but to remain fervent in our belief that through the saving act of the death and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, the gift of salvation is there for all who climb the mountain.
There are times, Lord Jesus, when I wander and am lost. It is then I look for your star to guide me on my journey. Help me to step back from the temptations of this world, instead, to seek the simplicity of the stable where you chose to be born. Help me not to seek the unnecessary distractions of this life, but to concentrate on the love and nourishment I find in knowing you. Lord Jesus, you are my guide and my saviour. Lord Jesus be with me, and all who are in need, throughout this day. I ask this in your name. Amen.
God of life, you breathed the universe into existence. God of wonder, you are awesome. God of time, you are eternal. God of love, you know me by name. Without you I am nothing.
Mother of the Christ child, by your faithfulness to God you undid the sin of Eve. You are the perfect woman. Pray for us. Holy Mary, immaculate lady, Queen of Heaven and earth, through your example of unwavering love we learn to serve your Son. You are the perfect woman. Pray for us.
God who creates all things, you endowed us with the gift and responsibility of caring for your world. We are charged with sharing the bounty it provides fairly, so that all may feast from the table you set. As the apex of your creation we have a duty to all living things, to protect their habitats and to save them from harm. God of power and might we thank you for your benevolence and pray that we may be worthy of your trust. Help us to be witnesses to your will and workers in your vineyard so that future generations may enjoy the richness and diversity of your creation.
God of light, be my guide in the darkness. Take my hand and lead me where you will, not as I fear to tread. Open my mind and heart to the needs of others and make me an instrument of justice and peace. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, you are the good shepherd, protector of the lost sheep. So many times have I wandered from the path, yet you are always there to guide me home. Your love is constant, comforting, consoling. Your forgiveness knows no bounds. I come before you a sinner, lost and adrift. Once more take me into your loving arms that I may stray no longer from your saving presence.
Prayer does not always come easily, so many distractions. Let me be still, close my eyes, breathe slowly, concentrate. I pray… Lord Jesus, by your precious blood, spilled for us on the cross, may I be renewed. Lord Jesus, by your precious body given for us at your crucifixion, may I be nourished. Lord Jesus, fill my heart with love to serve this world in your name. Amen.
Loving those who annoy me is sometimes hard, Lord. I cannot help but think ill of them. Do I have to go out of my way to be their friend? To show them kindness?
Look, seriously Lord. I have nothing in common with them. How do I start? I don't even know how to talk to them!
What Lord? They are my brothers and sisters! They are my neighbours. The ones you talked about in the great commandment. The ones I need to love. I think I understand Lord Jesus. I am beginning to see them more clearly now.
Hey, you are right. They are just like me.
Help my Jesus, to have your commandment of love in my heart and to share it with everyone I meet, so we may become one, in and through you.
I am breathless Lord, gazing at the works of your hand. You have painted the sky with such amazing colours. The vibrant blues of day, the warm reds of sun rise and set are the background to your artistry. Against this you place the mountain peaks, reaching towards a Heaven they will never touch. I am in awe of you Lord, I wonder at your glory. I awake to breathe in the day you have blessed.
Holy Spirit, silently you move among us. You are the breeze brushing against our cheek. You are the warmth radiating from a naked flame. We are touched by your empowering love and enabled by your gift of grace. Spirit of truth, show us the way. Spirit of light, guide our steps. Spirit of hope, inspire us to do your will.
The poor cry out in anguish and the world does not hear. Their voice is silenced by the power of greed. The hungry stare with sunken eyes and the world does not see. Their despair is unnoticed by hearts of stone. The homeless shiver on cold streets and the world turns its back. Their plight is unnoticed while we pass them by. Lord Jesus, you came to proclaim the Good News to the poor. Open our hearts and eyes to the needs of those we have cast out. Make us your instrument to heal the wounds of this world.
I come to your table, Lord, unworthy yet welcome. When my faith is weak, your precious body sustains me. I come to serve at your altar. Send me out in to the world. Make me your disciple, frail yet willing. Help me to do good. Lead me to a life of helping others. Make me your instrument, so others may come to you, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Eternal Spirit, who has spread his wings across the waters since the beginning of creation, may your breath give me the strength to step out into the world at your bidding; the courage to go beyond myself as a child of God in the name of the Son; the fortitude to continue even when the world overwhelms me; the peace of mind and heart to trust in the never ending love of the Father. I ask this in the name of the Father, Son and Spirit. Amen.
Jesus, you are my saviour. You allowed yourself to be placed on the cross for the sins of the world, for the sins I have committed, for the sins I will commit. I am very sorry for having offended you so many times and in so many ways. Please, by the help of your grace, Help me to overcome my failings so that I may be worthy of your love. Forgive me my sins, Lord Jesus, that I might share in your everlasting glory. Amen.
How many times have I walked this path? Feet falling on familiar ground, each cracked paving stone familiar, smiling at me like an old friend. How many times have I stopped at the same intersection? Waiting for the light to beckon me across, walking head bowed against the crowd, looking neither right nor left to avoid vacant stares. How many times have I missed your call? Your light touch upon my shoulder, the opportunity to follow in your footsteps, to follow the path you have planned. How many times must I place another nail in your hands? Pierce your side with a spear of doubt, lock you away in a dark tomb. When will I step into your light?
All praise to God, creator and sustainer of life. Your very breath sent forth the stars, filling the sky with light. You sent your only Son into the world to show us the way. Your word was made flesh. All praise and thanks to God. Hear the voice of your faithful servant. All glory belongs to your name.
Lord Jesus, you invite me to the altar to share in your sacred meal. Help me be a worthy guest as I sit at the table waiting to receive your holy body, your precious blood, laid out as bread and wine. Sanctified by Your words of consecration, your gift to us. I come to your table Lord that I might receive the grace to serve you well, and gain everlasting life for my eternal soul. Accept me into your presence and grant me your redeeming love, that I may do your will, forever and ever. Amen.
I heard a tui singing in my garden and my heart lifted. There he was in the middle branches of the tree, head held high, wattle quivering, wings flashing shades of blue in the dappled sunlight. This simple pleasure filled me with joy Lord. It reminded me of the gifts you have given me. To the tui you give the gift of song to share with those with ears to listen. To me you give the gift of faith to carry with me into the world each day to share with those who refuse to listen. This is the challenge you have set before me. To ‘Go and make disciples of all nations’. Thank you for the trust you place in me, Lord, Give me the strength to fulfill your will. Amen.
Holy Mary, virgin most pure, mother of the Christ child. By your faithfulness to God you undid the sin of Eve. You are the perfect woman. Pray for us. Holy Mary, immaculate lady, Queen of Heaven and Earth. Through your example of unwavering love we learn to serve your Son. You are the perfect woman. Pray for us.
We praise you, God of all seasons. We thank you for the time of autumn and the myriad colours it brings. We witness at this time of the year the many fruits You shower upon the earth as forests and fields prepare for winter’s rest. We pray we might show to others, though our lives, the same love you give to us. And share our blessings with those less fortunate, now and forever in Your name. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, by your death and resurrection you brought light into the world. I stand before you with hands outstretched ready to do your will. Send your Spirit to guide me. Help me to be your servant, to work for the good of others, and spread the message of your love. Amen.
My heart sings for joy. You are the Lord of hosts, my hope and my salvation. My voice cries out to you. You are my light in the darkness, my solace and consolation. My feet follow your path. You are the King of Creation, my strength and protection. Teach me your ways Lord, that I may serve you.
Thank you Lord Jesus Christ for giving us your saving grace, won by your death on Calvary. Through your suffering you showed us the way to salvation. Help us to accept our times of trial as small steps on the road to Heaven. We praise and honour you always. Amen.
God of light wrap me in the warmth of your love. You are my shield when I am battered by the storms of life, my shelter when I seek a place for quiet meditation on those things that are really important. Loving God, today and every day I trust my life to you.
Father of mercy, let my hands be your hands as I travel through the day. Father of the lost sheep, let me be their guide. Father of the unheard, let me be their voice. Father of the rejected, let me stand by their side. Loving father give me the courage to faithfully serve you.
Spirit of the Lord who spreads the love of God to all people, take me, your humble servant, beneath your wings. Shelter me from harm and distress this day. Spirit of the Lord who guides the hearts of all the faithful, lead me, your sinful servant, by the hand. Draw me closer to the person I seek to be. Spirit of the Lord who inspires those who trust the Lord Jesus, place me, your unworthy servant, where I am most needed. Grant me the opportunity to love, guide and inspire others. Amen.
God in Heaven, the angels sing of your glory. They praise your very name. God of power, the mountains bow down before you giving honour to your majesty. God of gentleness, the warm breeze whispers your love, singing songs of your splendour. Almighty God forever and ever. Amen.
Come Spirit come, inspire me with your love. Fill me with the desire to seek that which is good. Open my eyes to opportunities. Close my eyes to temptation. Give me the voice of righteousness and the courage of commitment. Grant me the gift of discernment that I may choose right from wrong. Guide me as I try to walk in Christ’s footsteps and seek to do the Father’s will.
This is an amazing world you have given us, Lord. From the highest mountain to the deepest depths it is teeming with your gift of life. I feel your presence in the wind, the fresh rain. I see your presence in the intricacy of creation, the myriad stars in the night sky, the single sun which gives us warmth. This universe is in perfect balance beyond our comprehension. No matter how hard we seek we will never unravel your mystery. We fill ourselves with thoughts of our own importance yet all we need is faith in your goodness. Loving God, you have given us so much. All we have and are, we owe to you.
Lord Jesus, I greet this day with open heart and open mind. I place myself at your command and put my trust in you. Just as you care for the birds of the air and the flowers of the fields I know you will care for me. Lord Jesus, you fill my life with hope, you fill my heart with joy. To you, Lord Jesus, all praise and glory. Amen.
Lord God, you made today for me to serve you. Forgive me the failings of yesterday and give me the strength to make today yours. So many possibilities are before me. The chance to do good, The opportunity to do your will. Lord God, I want to take your light into the world. Help me to be a beacon of your love.
Risen Lord, you bring peace to those who trust you. We know you are our sanctuary in times of need. Sometimes I feel like a rudderless ship Thrown and tossed on troubled waters. It is then I turn to you to be my compass, Steering me to safe harbour where I may rest. You are the Lord who calmed the storm, You are my haven, my light, my guide.
I praise you Lord with a loud voice and sing you songs of thanks with open heart. In Your name give me the strength to stretch out my hands… to open the eyes of those who will not see… the ears of those who will not hear. I look upon Your cross of perfect love And place myself at Your service.
God of eternity, who made the heavens and earth by your very word, create within us a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty and complexity of your design. I feel so insignificant when I gaze at the immensity of the universe. And yet we are the most treasured of your handiwork. Made in your image and likeness, granted the gift of your saving grace and the promise of eternal life. God of power and might, God of unconditional love, I give to you this day my every breath.
Creator God, you are the artist who with delicate brush strokes paints the sky with the ambient colours of dawn and dusk. Creator God, you are the potter who with loving hands moulds the face of the earth. Creator God, you are the weaver who with threads of hope images us in your own likeness. We praise you We adore you We glorify you.
God of hope, you are my light when the day is dark, my strength when I can’t go on, my guide when I can’t find my way. Spirit of hope, you are my guide when I am lost, my inspiration when I doubt, my direction when I seek the truth. Christ of hope, you are my friend when I am lonely, my rock when I falter, my saviour now and forever. Father, Spirit, Son, three in one, I bow down before you And seek to do your will this day.
Loving God, help me see the world through your eyes. To recognise the pain in others and the help that I could give. So often I am caught up in my own world, my own needs, that I am blind to the injustice that surrounds me. Call my name that I may follow your will, walk the path you would have me tread. I know I take the easy route, the one without risk. Pardon my failings, ready me for the challenges you place before me. Loving God, in my unworthiness, I offer myself to you.
Thank you Lord Jesus for granting us this day to see the good in others. You have given us this day to use on your behalf. You gave your life that we might live in the certainty of your love. You sent your Spirit that we might follow the teachings you gave us. You established your Church that we might receive the gift of grace through the sacraments you left us. We thank you Lord Jesus, our saviour, our redeemer.
I need to find quiet. There is too much noise in the world. My life is so busy. You have heard it all before . All these excuses. Lord, help me find the peace I need to discover your wonder. I fill my head with things of no consequence. Empty me of the selfishness that keeps me away from you. Give me the tranquility to rediscover the sense of awe I had as a child when I looked at simple things. A butterfly emerging from its chrysalis. A leaf twirling as it fell to ground. Father of humankind grant me peace in my heart so I can learn how to know you better.
Morning Prayer As I begin my day I pray: Eternal Spirit, who is the breath of life. moving silently with the wind. Restless Spirit, who crosses the oceans and land revealing the Father’s truth. Guiding Spirit, who is the beacon in the dark lighting the way to Christ. Confirming Spirit Be my strength As I step in to the world.
Rejoice in the Lord. Let your heart sing with gladness for he can do all things. His blessings are many, his love without limit. Let us raise our voices to the Son of Man, raised high by the Father to sit by His right hand. Cry out with joy to the paraclete who dwells within us. Give praise for the gift of life, for we are made in His image, to go in peace to love and serve the Lord, Father, Son and Spirit. Amen.
Where was I when you needed me most? Was I at my desk, head down, too busy to look? Maybe I was at lunch, switched off, unable to hear. Was it the sound of traffic distracting me when you called my name? Or the earphones tightly pressed and turned up loud that blocked you out? Was I being assailed by 6pm news of tragedy and triviality? Did I throw my hands in the air and despair at my inability to make a difference? Where was I when you placed opportunity in my path? Were my eyes open or blocked by tunnel vision as I walked, head down, oblivious along the footpath? Where was I Lord? Help me open my eyes and ears Lord, this I most ardently pray. Amen.
God of love, Help me to treasure your word, placed gently within my heart so that I might know what is right. Let your word be my strength and consolation when I am tempted by the attractions of this world. May your word lead me to seek justice and mercy for those who are hurting, to do what is right at all times, to be the servant of others. May I always humbly honour you, Father in Heaven, through the integrity of my actions. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Spirit of God, I hear you sighing in the wind tonight. Is that for me? How I did disappoint you,let you down today, as I succumbed to my weakness. Spirit of God, Forgive my frailty, strengthen my heart, inspire my commitment, that I may serve you faithfully each new day.
I awake to the sound of bird song and give praise to God for his gift of creation. I pull back the curtains and as light floods into the room I greet God's day with a 'good to be alive' smile. O great and loving God, creator of all, I thank You for the gift of life, for the opportunity to make this day Yours. To be of service to others in their time of need. To bring hope to those who are downhearted. To lighten the burden of those who struggle day after day. To carry the joy of Your message of love in my mind, in my heart and on my lips this day and every day of my life. Amen.
Lord Jesus, I pray you be the song in my heart. May your name be on my lips as I go about this day. I want to move to the beat of your Gospel. To dance to the rhythm of your love.
Prayer does not always come easily, so many distractions. Let me be still, close my eyes, breathe slowly, concentrate. I pray… Lord Jesus, by your precious blood, spilled for us on the cross, may I be renewed. Lord Jesus, by your precious body given for us at your crucifixion, may I be nourished. Lord Jesus, fill my heart with love to serve this world in your name. Amen.
Prince of peace, You humbled yourself to be born in a stable. I place myself before you and kneel in adoration as did lowly shepherds on that starlit night. I pray that my ears be opened, that I too may hear the angels’ song, “Peace and goodwill to all.” Amen.
Mother Mary, First to kiss the face of God. You held the Christ child to your breast As Joseph watched. Shepherds gathered, Wise men followed a star Carrying gifts, three. Allow me Mother Mary, To offer myself in prayer, That through you, Who does magnify the Lord, I may come to know Jesus better. That I may come to understand How I am to serve others in his name. That I may be as He wants me to be. Now and forever. Amen.
Lord Jesus, when I look in my heart I am so like Thomas. I am full of doubt and often fail to live what I claim to believe. My trust in you is incomplete and my weakness is there for all to see. The world assails me and I buckle under the pressure to conform to its desires, to fit in. My comfort is your unconditional forgiveness and love as I turn back to you time and time again. You accept my weakness Lord Jesus and constantly place before me the challenge to be who you would have me be. Give me the strength and courage to resist the temptations of this world that I might gain a place at the banquet you have prepared for the faithful. Lord Jesus, I offer my life to you.
Jesus, our shepherd, protector of your flock, You gave your life that we might be saved. Your love for us knows no bounds. You humbled yourself upon the cross, Obedient to the father. Guide me as I step into the world. Keep me safe from those who revile you. Give me the strength to be true to your word, To humble myself in your name, Obedient to the Gospel.
I breathe in, I breathe out, Slowly, carefully, In time with nature, Clearing my mind, Opening my heart. Come Spirit, take hold, Come Spirit, whisper to me, Gently at first, Lest I panic, lest I run. Slowly raise your voice Until I hear your call And understand How I must love My neighbour According to your will, Not mine.
Spirit of life, renew the face of the earth. Help us to be a people of action, Caring for the world placed in our charge. Guide us to be a people of love, Caring for those who are disadvantaged. Inspire us to be a people of peace, Caring for those who would revile us. Strengthen us to be a people of faith, Caring for those who have no belief. We ask these things through Father, Son and Spirit. Amen
Lord Jesus, humbly I kneel before you, Unworthy to stand in your presence. With heart and mind I seek to do your will And yet find myself constantly failing. I fear I do not have the strength I need. I fear I do not have the faith I need. Lord Jesus, humbly I kneel before you Seeking the strength and faith to be truly yours, To be as you would have me, A true and faithful servant. Amen
Thank you Lord Jesus: For opening my heart to the needs of others. For granting me the intellect to begin to understand the immensity of the Gospel message. For gifting me with the strength of heart to love when times are tough. For lifting me on to your shoulders when life begins to weigh me down. For the invitation to come to your table to nourish my weakened spirit. For your forgiveness when things go wrong. For the sacrifice you made on the cross, on behalf of all humankind. For the hope of eternal life gained through your resurrection. May I be ever faithful to your name and, through my actions, worthy of your love. I ask this in the name of the Father, Son and Spirit. Amen