Daily Prayers for August 2011

[goforgoal]

Daily Prayer for August 1, 2011 - Finding Healing and Hope after a Loved One’s Death

Sooner or later we all must face the fact of our own mortality. We must recognize, too, that all those we love will die. But our faith tells us that at death, our loved ones are born into eternal life. Our faith can help heal the pain we feel when someone dies.

This is a humbling and awesome truth: that there was a time when we were not here and a time when we will no longer be here. Let it spur us on to action – we should savor this world, for we will leave it some day. We should preserve the good things of the earth for those who will come after us. We should know that our lives are immeasurably precious gifts, to be enjoyed to the fullest. We should love the people close to us, while they are still here.

Prayer

Loving God, I mourn and grieve the loss of loved ones who have died. I long to hear their voices again. I feel alone without them, but I believe that I will see them once again. Heal my grief, my sadness and my loneliness. Thank You for the times I have shared with my loved ones and the many ways my life has been enriched by them. Let me keep in mind the joy with which these loved ones filled my life. Help me find the strength to continue to live faithfully, and to love selflessly all Your children who share in my earthly journey. Amen.

Join us in prayer during the Annual Healing and Hope Novena through July.28 - August.5

snows.org/Events.aspx?path=root/english/Events/novenaschedule

oblatesusa.org

 

[goforgoal]

Daily Prayer for August 2, 2011 - Finding Healing and Hope within Spiritual Afflictions

As Christians we believe that reality is far more than what our senses perceive. We believe in another realm, in life after death. We believe that our actions have eternal consequences.

Still, we sometimes lose sight of what we believe in. We are familiar with the frustration felt by St. Paul, who wrote, “I do the very thing I hate.” (Romans 7:15)

Because we believe that we are all one Body, and because we know that each of us stumbles at one time or another, we pray for each other and for ourselves. We pray for the healing of spiritual afflictions, and for grace, that when we feel far from God, we find our way back.

Prayer

I pray to You, Lord, for those in search of You. I hunger and thirst for You; let me come
to know that You are with me. I am aware of You, but at times I feel distant. I feel an emptiness that nothing else can fill. Draw me to You. Let me hear Your messengers who bring me the Good News of salvation. Open my heart to accept Your love. Open my ears to hear Your word. Open my eyes to see You in the world. Let Your love fill my yearning. Let Your presence heal my wounds and give me hope. Amen.

Join us in prayer during the Annual Healing and Hope Novena, July 28 – August 5:

snows.org/Events.aspx?pat…novenaschedule

oblatesusa.org

 

[goforgoal]

Daily Prayer for August 3, 2011 - Finding Healing and Hope within Social Injustices

The poor, the outcast, the forgotten, the scorned are all over the world, both in distant places and close to home. Though the poor make up the largest part of the planet’s population, they often are ignored, unheard and oppressed.

Everything we know about the life of Jesus tells us this is wrong. Jesus walked with the poor. Jesus visited the most despised, calling them first in the Reign of God over many who would have been considered more worthy.

His parables caution us: if we concern ourselves with nothing greater than our own comfort, if we are indifferent to the world’s injustices, we deny ourselves the opportunity to live a complete life, a life that is as full of meaning as possible.

Prayer

Lord, in too many ways this world is far from the world You intended. The poor are victimized, discriminated against and ignored. I can know of injustices throughout the world, but often I choose not to know. In my heart I want to change what is wrong, but the task before me is monumental. Inspire us to fill the earth with Your love. Let us build a just world. Open our eyes to see that we must care for all as we would for ourselves. Amen.

Join us in prayer during the Annual Healing and Hope Novena through, July 28 - August 5:

snows.org/Events.aspx?pat…novenaschedule

oblatesusa.org

 

[goforgoal]

Daily Prayer for August 4, 2011 - Finding Healing and Hope withing Violence and Abuse

When we think of a person as an object in our way, when we see God’s gifts as mere tools to be manipulated to our own ends, we do violence to the People of God.

The greatest, most powerful gifts can be used to do abundant good. But they also can be abused, resulting in enormous evil, and impoverishing the world.

We are challenged to be ever mindful of the integrity of all creation, that we may be good stewards of what has been entrusted to us, and serve each other well. We also are called to work for the righting of wrongs, wherever violence has been done.

Prayer

Loving God, Creator of all life, help us bring to an end the violence that diminishes our world. Let us care for all people, so that no one may be hurt by violence or turn to it themselves. Open our eyes to see that people are aching, and give us the courage to help them heal. Guide us that we may choose wisely in using Your gifts. Help us all to follow Your commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves. Amen.

Join us in prayer during the Annual Healing and Hope Novena, July 28 – August 5:

snows.org/Events.aspx?pat…novenaschedule

oblatesusa.org

 

[nanacat]

This looks like a labor of love on your part, and I thank you for that. Keep posting, and I’ll keep reading…!

 

[goforgoal]

Daily Prayer for August 5, 2011 - Thanksgiving for Finding Healing and Hope in Our Lives

We bring our needs to the altar, offering them up to God. This is our act of humility, our acknowledgment that we are not the most powerful force in the world, that there is One who is greater.

We believe that no life goes untouched by God’s goodness. Even the smallest blessings are worthy of gratitude.

It is good to reflect on the ways God has blessed us – when we feel we need healing, it reminds us that God has eased our suffering before, and this too shall pass. When we feel that we have been blessed by healing, we thank God who is the Source of all healing and hope.

Prayer

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for the gift of my life and for Your presence. Sometimes I can see Your blessings flow abundantly, and I am filled with gratitude. Other times I feel more distant from You, as if You are hidden from me. Open my eyes to see Your goodness always. I pray today for those who do not know all the blessings I have. Be with them now, that they may know Your peace, that they may have hope for the future. Amen

Join us in prayer during the Annual Healing and Hope Novena through, July 28 – August 5:

snows.org/Events.aspx?pat…novenaschedule

oblatesusa.org

 

[goforgoal]

Daily Prayer for August 6, 2011 - The Transfiguration of the Lord

God our Father, in the transfigured glory of Christ Your Son You strengthen
our faith by confirming the witness of Your prophets and by showing to us
the splendor of Your beloved Son. Help us to become heirs to eternal life
with Him. Amen.

oblatesusa.org

 

[goforgoal]

Daily Prayer for August 7, 2011

Loving God, help me to share my gifts today, seeking out ways to make others happier. Guide me to those who most need my company, gifts or time and show me how best to help. Amen.

oblatesusa.org

 

[goforgoal]

Daily Prayer for August 8, 2011 - St. Dominic

Divine Creator, through the life and preaching of St. Dominic You gave Your Church a new light. This wise saint once said, “Arm yourself with prayer rather than a sword; wear humility rather than fine clothes.” Help me to live by his words, seeking peace and putting others before myself. Amen.

oblatesusa.org

 

[goforgoal]

Daily Prayer for August 9, 2011

I am pulled in so many different directions each day, Lord. My mind goes one way while my heart goes another. Help me to simplify my life, Lord, so that I can focus more readily on You. Amen.

oblatesusa.org

 

[goforgoal]

Daily Prayer for August 10, 2011

Lord, help me to take the time today to truly appreciate the people in my life. I often rush through the day, neglecting those who are such genuine blessings to me. I pray that I can appreciate their unique qualities and recognize what makes them so special to me. Amen.

oblatesusa.org

 

[goforgoal]

Daily Prayer for August 11, 2011 - St. Clare

God of Mercy, You inspired St. Clare with the love of poverty. By the help of her prayers, may we follow Christ in poverty of spirit and come to the joyful vision of Your glory in the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

oblatesusa.org

 

[goforgoal]

Daily Prayer for August 12, 2011

Heavenly Father, help me to realize that everything I do is a reflection of You. Be with me when I am faced with difficult decisions. Guide me to choose wisely and to always remember that my actions teach others about Your everlasting love. Amen.

oblatesusa.org

 

[goforgoal]

Daily Prayer for August 13, 2011

How busy my life is, Lord! I feel like I run all day long and never accomplish anything. Tedious tasks plague me and keep me from spending time in prayer or even enjoying my family. Help me to slow down and appreciate Your simple blessings. Teach me to be patient, to simplify my life and to relax. Amen.

oblatesusa.org

 

[goforgoal]

Daily Prayer for August 14, 2011

Caring Jesus, in order to love fully I must learn to break free of my self-centered ways and open myself fully to others. And when I pray, Lord, I must forget about myself and focus solely on You. Help me to let go of my selfishness so that I may give myself fully to You and Your people. Amen.

oblatesusa.org

 

[goforgoal]

Daily Prayer for August 15, 2011 - The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Loving Father, You have raised up the Blessed Virgin Mary to share in Your
communion of love. Accept us into that holy embrace through the sacrifice
of our prayers. Amen.

oblatesusa.org

 

[goforgoal]

Daily Prayer for August 16, 2011

Heavenly Father, walk with me as I go about my day. Give me gentle reminders to stay on the right path, and guide me back when I stray too far. I ask that You always walk by my side, giving me support when I most need it. You are my guiding light. Amen.

oblatesusa.org

 

[goforgoal]

Daily Prayer for August 17, 2011

Lord, my life is hectic when I tend to household chores, children or grandchildren, work, shopping and other odd jobs. Sometimes I grow resentful of everyday chores. Help me to manage this burden and to remember that You are always there to comfort me. Amen.

oblatesusa.org

 

[goforgoal]

Daily Prayer for August 18, 2011

It is so easy to forget Your silent presence, Lord. In such a loud and
demanding world, hearing Your whispers of love can seem impossible.
Help me to seek out the quiet corners of my life so that I may talk to You
in silence. Guide me away from distractions and commotion so that I can live
in greater simplicity. Amen.

oblatesusa.org

 

[goforgoal]

Daily Prayer for August 19, 2011

Today, Lord, I remember my loved ones who have passed away. It is hard for me to understand why some people prosper while others’ lives are cut short. Lord, help me to understand and accept Your mysterious will. Amen.

oblatesusa.org