Category: Prayer
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Prayers for the New Year
While the civil calendar marks January 1 as New Year’s Day, the Church celebrates January 1 as the Feast of the Holy Name, Jesus. Although the two might be celebrated in different ways, they are not necessarily in opposition. Behind the celebrations, resolutions, and good wishes associated with the New Year I suspect there are, Read more
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Praying for Beirut and Paris
Dear People of God, our world has again been shaken by violence, gunfire, and explosions. Hear then the words of the psalmist who said, “For God alone my soul in silence waits; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold, so that I shall not be greatly shaken.” Read more
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A Litany of Prayer for Persecuted Peoples and Religions
O God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth, Have mercy upon us. O God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy upon us. O God the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of the faithful, Have mercy upon us. O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, one God, Have mercy upon us. Lord, Jesus Christ, receive our Read more
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The Only Way to Pray
The only way to pray is to pray; and the way to pray well is to pray much. If one has no time for this, then one must at least pray regularly. But the less one prays the worse it goes. – Abbot Chapman of Downside quoted by Michael Casey in Sacred Reading, The Art Read more
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Independence Day Prayers for America
A Thanksgiving for America Almighty God, giver of all good gifts; we thank you For this nation, our heritage, and for calling us to be the United States of America; For the founders of this country, the liberty they won for themselves and us, and for the torch of freedom they lit for nations then Read more
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Lift Me Up and I Shall Live Again
From Blessed Paul Giustiniani as quoted by Dom Jean Leclerq in Alone with God (p. 113); ‘The Lord lifts up those who fall’ [Ps. 145:15]. I never tire of repeating this word, which is the foundation of all my hope. I have fallen, Lord, but You are my God and my king: According to your Read more
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Blessing of a Labyrinth
Last evening, May 1, our parish celebrated its feast day, the Feast of St. Philip. The evening included Holy Eucharist and a dedication and blessing of the newly completed labyrinth and prayer garden using the liturgy below. + + + Through the ages, Almighty God has moved his people to set apart holy places for Read more
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“Prayer is a Matter of Love”
Consequently, prayer is a matter of love. Man expresses love through prayer, and if we pray, it is an indication that we love God. If we do not pray this indicates we do not love God, for the measure of our prayer is the measure of our love for God. – Archimandrite Zacharias, The Hidden Read more
