Morning Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of another day. When I am tempted to take the blessings of my life for granted, remind me that you have provided all that I need—not just for today but for my eternal salvation. There are no accidents in your loving plans, but we don’t always understand how everything works for our benefit. May I be grateful to you for everything this day, for the little things and for the gift of life itself. Amen.
(From Living Faith Prayers for Catholics)
Lord of Light
Lord of light, shine on us; Lord of peace, dwell in us; Lord of might, protect us; Lord of love, enfold us; Lord of wisdom, enlighten us. Then, Lord, let us go out as your witnesses, in obedience to your command; to share the good news of your mighty love for us in the gift of your son, our savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
11th century Latin hymn
Sometimes a Wanderer
Lord, I sometimes wander away from you, not because I am deliberately turning my back on you, but because of the inconstancy of my mind. I weaken in my intention to give my whole self to you. I fall back into thinking of myself as my own master. When I wander from you, my life becomes a burden and within me I find nothing but darkness, fear, and anxiety. So I come back to you and confess that I have sinned. Forgive me, Lord. Amen.
Aelred of Rievaulx
Out of the Way
Lord, take me where you want me to go; Let me meet who you want me to meet; Tell me what you want me to say; and Keep me out of your way.
Fr. Mychal Judge, FDNY (died 9/11/01)
Big and Small
Lord, when I hear how others praise and pray to you, giving themselves to you without reserve, I am ashamed of my own misgivings and half-heartedness. Fill me with such love for you that I may long to give myself to you too. Let the lesser loves of everyday life take their proper place in my affections, leaving you first. Here I am, Lord, body, heart, and soul. Grant that with your love I may be big enough to reach the world and small enough to be at one with you. Amen.
St. Teresa of Calcutta
A Prayer for Advent
Light of the World, enter the darkness of our
hearts and renew us in faith, hope and love. As we
prepare to celebrate the great mystery of the Incarnation,
help us to see your presence in our world,
especially in the needs of the poor. Strengthen
us to become true peacemakers able to love our
enemies and forgive those who have offended us.
Lead us to acknowledge our own sinfulness, accept
your mercy and extend your healing love to those
around us. Amen.
(From Living Faith Prayers for Catholics)
All Day with the Lord:
May the Lord support us all the day long till the shades lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over and our work is done. Then, in his mercy, may he give us a safe lodging and a holy rest and peace at the last.
St. John Henry Cardinal
