Opening Prayer
O Gracious and holy Father, give us wisdom to perceive You, intelligence to understand You, diligence to seek You, patience to wait for You, eyes to see You, a heart to meditate upon You, and a life to proclaim You; through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord -Benedict of Nursia (480-547) (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. -Daniel 2: 20-22 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin The heart is deceitful above all things and incurably sick. Who can understand it? You, Lord, search people’s hearts and test people’s minds. Lord in your mercy cleanse and restore our hearts. -Jeremiah 17:9-10 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, so that, “‘they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.’” -Mark 4:10-12 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others But I call to God, and the LORD saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. -Psalm 55:16-17 (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 |