Opening Prayer God my Father, help me to imitate You, as a beloved child, and walk always in love, just as Jesus loves me and gave Himself up for me as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to You. -Ephesians 5:1-2 (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt his name together! -Psalm 34: 1-3 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin Lord God, come quickly and reign on Your throne within me! For something rises and tries to take possession of your throne; pride, greed, uncleanness and laziness want to be my kings. And then evil-words, anger, hatred, and a whole band of evil join the war trying to rule me. I resist them, I cry out against them. I say “I have no other King than Christ”. Christ, King Of Peace, come and reign on the throne of my heart. I will have no other King than You! Amen. -Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” -John 17: 24-26 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. -Psalm 141:2 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer Lord, hear the prayers of your people and bring the hearts of believers together in your praise and in common sorrow for their sins. Heal all divisions among Christians that we may rejoice in the perfect unity of your Church and move together as one to eternal life in your kingdom. -Liturgy of the Hours |