O Lord, as I prepare for the upcoming Christmas celebration, help me to remember the true meaning of the season…Jesus. I often get overwhelmed with shopping lists and decorating, forgetting to slow down and appreciate the gift of the Christ Child to the world. Help me to remember that this is not about finding the perfect gift, but about finding time to share with my loved ones. Amen.
Heavenly Father, You bless me every day. Help me to take the time to appreciate my gifts and share them with others. I praise You and thank You for my many blessings. Amen.
Daily Prayer for December 3, 2011 - St. Francis Xavier
Heavenly Father, today is the feast of St. Francis Xavier, patron of foreign missions. Help us to learn from his example, reaching out to strangers in God’s name. Guide us to wherever or whoever most needs our help. Keep our hearts open always. Amen.
I rejoice, O Lord, in the magnificence of each day! I see Your beauty in the falling snow. I feel You when the sun’s warmth touches my face. Open my eyes to Your creation every day. Amen.
Comfort me, Lord. When I am feeling down, I pray that You help me to see past the situation to the dawning of a new day. When I have trouble feeling Your presence in my life, stay by my side. Amen.
O Lord, we pray that through the intercession of St. Nicholas You will protect the children of our world. Keep them safe from harm and guide them to Your loving, trustworthy embrace. Give the children strength to keep their faith in You; and to keep alive their joy in Your creation. Amen.
Lord, You made St. Ambrose an outstanding teacher of the Catholic faith and gave him the courage of an apostle. Raise up in Your Church more leaders after Your own heart, to guide us with courage and wisdom. Amen.
Daily Prayer for December 8, 2011 - The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Father, You prepared the Virgin Mary to be the worthy mother of Your Son. You let her share beforehand in the salvation Christ would bring by His death, and kept her sinless from the moment of her conception. Help us to live in Your presence at all times, as she did. Amen.
Lord help me to accept new things. Too often I turn away from new ideas, new people and new opportunities. Be with me when I venture into the unknown and help me to realize that change can make a positive impact on my life. Amen.
Lord, I ask You to guide me when I feel as if I should do more to better Your world. Show me the way. I know there are many ways that I can share Your Word and the gifts You have given me, but I need guidance. Where do I begin? Lord, help me to find my way. Amen.
Heavenly Lord, we often overlook the fact that to be human is a great blessing. To be human is to love, to forgive, to share, to make peace. Help me, Lord, to embrace the nobility of the human condition, remembering that I am good because You are my Creator, and I am wonderfully made in Your image. Amen.
Daily Prayer for December 12, 2011- Our Lady of Guadalupe
Our Lady of Guadalupe, today we pray for your intercession. Protect us and keep us close to God our Father. Since you are the Virgin Mary and Mother of God, obtain for us from your most holy Son the grace of a firm faith and sure hope amid life’s uncertainties. Amen.
When someone asks me for a Christmas donation, help me to dig into my pockets and not look back. When the opportunity arises for me to volunteer to help others, I pray that I accept without hesitation. Lord, help me to also remember that poor and needy people need help throughout the entire year – not just at Christmastime. Amen.
Daily Prayer for December 14, 2011 - St. John of the Cross
Heavenly Father, when St. John of the Cross was alone and persecuted – during the darkest of times – he found You. Help me to share that same faith that You are always there – especially in the times when You seem absent or far away. Amen.
Help me to preach Your Word, Lord, without speaking. Today I will try to keep a smile on my face so that I might touch the hearts of those I pass. I will try to perform small acts of kindness for strangers. I will go out of my way to make someone else’s day easier. Help me to remember that one small, kind gesture today can impact someone’s life forever. Amen.
Bless my family, Lord. I cannot be with them every minute of the day, but my thoughts never stray from them. Watch over them while they commute from place to place. I pray that they remain happy and well in Your guiding light. Amen.
Pick me up, Lord, when I’m feeling overburdened. Christmas parties, shopping, holiday plans…it can be overwhelming. I pray that my Christmas spirit is not lost in the hustle and bustle. Help me to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Help me to enjoy a more fulfilling Christmas experience in the middle of my hectic schedule. Amen.
Heavenly Father, I know that You are always by my side. From time to time, though, I doubt Your presence. When things don’t make sense or don’t seem fair, my faith falters. Help me to believe in Your divine plan and trust in You always. Amen.
Today I pray for the missions and ministries of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. While I cannot be physically present to assist the Oblates in their lifesaving work, I can remember them in my daily prayers. May the Oblates – and those they serve – be filled with Christmas joy. Amen.
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