Weekly Prayers
Monday 18 March 2019.
Hopefully, we are making good efforts in the traditional practices of Lent : Prayer, Almsgiving and Fasting. Today we are thinking about fasting and sacrifice when we give up something we like or do something extra. In this way we build up our self-control which helps us resist the temptation of sin.
Dear Lord, give me the strength and will-power to fight sin and not fall victim to temptation. Give me the courage to forgive others who do wrong to me. Help me to cope with the challenges of life in faith and trust of you. Show me what it means to love so I may best spread your word.
Our Father…..
Tuesday 19 March 2019.
Today is the feast of St Joseph, husband of Mary and foster-father to Jesus. St Joseph is the patron saint of fathers and families. When Joseph discovered Mary was pregnant, he intended to divorce her secretly. However, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, telling him that Mary was pregnant by the Holy Spirit, and that Joseph was to take Mary as his wife. The angel also instructed Joseph to name the child Jesus. Joseph, being a humble man, obeyed the angel and took Mary as his wife.
St. Joseph is a model of humility and holiness, and is a model for fathers everywhere. On this day we pray for our fathers and their duties in family life, that by fulfilling their responsibilities, may each of them reflect God’s faithful love.
Our Father……….
Wednesday 20 March 2019.
On 24th March we have an heroic example of someone committed to their faith. On that day in 1980 Archbishop Oscar Romero was assassinated while celebrating Mass in San Salvador. Archbishop Romero was an unlikely hero, a quiet reserved person who found himself faced with a stark choice: answer God’s call to work for justice and put himself at risk or refuse to stand up for his beliefs.
While we may never have to face the dangers which Archbishop Romero faced, there will certainly be times when we will need courage to do what is good and right. We will finish asking for the strength to always do God’s will in our lives.
Our Father……….
Thursday 21 March 2019.
Around this time in March the Sun passes directly across the middle of the Earth. This is known as the Equinox and brings spring to the Northern Hemisphere. Throughout the World, there is a balance of light and darkness. This brings a natural balance to our World.
Today’s reading talks of a balance for our lives:
‘A teacher of the Law asked Jesus “Teacher,
what must I do to have eternal life?”
Jesus answered ‘What is written in the Scriptures?
How do you understand them?’
The man replied, “The Scriptures say ‘Love
the Lord Your God with all your heart, soul,
strength and mind.’ They also say ‘Love your
neighbours as you love yourself.
Jesus said, “You have given the right answer.
If you do this you will have eternal life.”
This gives us the key to a good balance of life. We know that our love of God must be shown in our love for our neighbours. Today is a good day to consider how we treat other people and to commit ourselves to a deeper love of God and our neighbours.
Our Father……….
Friday 22 March 2019.
This weekend we celebrate Mother’s Day remembering the love that our mothers have for us. Our prayer today is for our families. In particular, we pray that our families will be places where we experience the love of God and are inspired to respond to his call in a positive way.
Loving God, each member of our family is a special gift from You. You have given each of us gifts and talents so that we may enjoy life but also so we can share with others. Generous and loving people are needed for service and leadership in our Church.
Help us to know how to encourage and support each other so that we can respond generously to this need. We know that You will be with us, invite us to become the kind of people You desire us to be. Help us to trust in You and in each other.
Hail Mary……
