Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king. When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard of it (for he was still in Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon), then Jeroboam returned from Egypt. And they sent and called him; and Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel came and said to Rehoboam, “Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke that he placed on us, and we will serve you.” He said to them, “Go away for three days, then come again to me.” So the people went away.

Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the older men who had attended his father Solomon while he was still alive, saying, “How do you advise me to answer this people?”
They answered him, “If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants forever.” But he disregarded the advice that the older men gave him, and consulted with the young men who had grown up with him and now attended him.

He said to them, “What do you advise that we answer this people who have said to me, ‘Lighten the yoke that your father put on us’?” The young men who had grown up with him said to him, “Thus you should say to this people who spoke to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you must lighten it for us’; thus you should say to them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father's loins. Now, whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’ ”

So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had said, “Come to me again the third day.” The king answered the people harshly. He disregarded the advice that the older men had given him and spoke to them according to the advice of the young men, “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke; my father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.” So the king did not listen to the people, because it was a turn of affairs brought about by the LORD that he might fulfill his word, which the LORD had spoken by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam son of Nebat.

When all Israel saw that the king would not listen to them, the people answered the king,

“What share do we have in David?
We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse.
To your tents, O Israel!
Look now to your own house, O David.”

So Israel went away to their tents. But Rehoboam reigned over the Israelites who were living in the towns of Judah. When King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was taskmaster over the forced labor, all Israel stoned him to death. King Rehoboam then hurriedly mounted his chariot to flee to Jerusalem. So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day.

When all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they sent and called him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. There was no one who followed the house of David, except the tribe of Judah alone.

 [ send green star]

Give peace, Lord, to those who wait for you and your prophets will proclaim you as you deserve.

Hear the prayers of your servant and of your people Israel.    (Ser.36)

Lord our God, you guide us and give us examples of ways which help us to serve you with all our hearts and experience your forgiveness.  May we always know your love for us and may we respond with an open heart to your presence in our lives.  We ask this in your name.

                                                                        Amen.

 [ send green star]

In the Name of Jesus, I am a Believer. I believe God's Word. I am what the Word says Iam. I have what the Word says I have. I can do what the word says I can do!
                                 In Jesus Name , I render ineffective every negative word I have spoken, every word that has been contrary to the Truth of God's Word. From this moment forward, I will acknowledge the good things that are in me in Christ Jesus. I am saying it now, out of good treasure of my heart, only good things will come to pass.
                                 I am the righteousness of God, a new creation, an heir of God, and a joint-heir with Jesus. I have been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the Kingdom of God's dear Son, I have been redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb; redeemed from the curse of the law; redeemed from sickness and disease, poverty, and death.
                                  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I am more than a conqueror. HE never leaves me nor forsakes me. Since the Greater One dwells within me, I can overcome every situation. The Faith of God resides within me, and through it I have Victory that overcomes the world.
                                   I Thank you Father, that I can have all these things. I believe it in my Heart. I have released it with my mouth. So be it. It will surely come to pass.
                                   In Jesus Mighty and Holy Name. Amen

 [ send green star]

 [ accepted]

Dear Jesus,

    Though there was no room for you in the inn, grant this day that I might make abundant room for you in my heart.  Though your own did not receive you, grant this hour that I may embrace you with open arms.  Though Bethlehem overlooked you in the shuffle of the census, grant me the grace, this quiet moment, to be still and know that you are God.  You, whose only palace was a stable, whose only throne was a feeding trough, whose only robes were swaddling clothes.

    On my knees I confess that I am too conditioned to this world's pomp and pagentry to recognize God cooing in a manger.

    Forgive me.  Please.  And help me understand at least some of what your birth has to teach ----- that divine power is not meditated through strength, but through weakness; that true greatness is not achieved through the assertion of rights, but through their release; and that even the most secular of things can be sacred when you are in their midsts.

    And for those times when you yearn for my fellowship and stand at the door and knock, grant me a special sensitivity to the sound of that knock so I may be quick to my feet.  Keep me from letting you stand out in the cold or from ever sending you away to some stable.  May my heart be warm and inviting, so that when you do knock, a worthy place will always be waiting.....

 [ send green star]

Let us shout out our joy and happiness, and give glory to God, the Lord of all, because he is our King, alleluia!  (Rev. 19 )

God our Father, may we look forward with hope to our resurrection, for you have made us your sons and daughters and restored the joy of our youth.  We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

                                                                        Amen.

 [ send green star]

God Our Father, giver of life and love, we celebrate today the feast of the Most Holy Trinity.  You sent your Word to bring us truth and your Spirit to make us holy.

Through your Word and your Spirit we come to know the mystery of your life.  Help and guide us to worship you one God in three persons, by the proclaiming, witnessing and living our faith in you.  We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

 [ send green star]

Lord, hear my voice when I call to you.  You are my help; do not cast me off, do not desert me, my Savior God.  (Ps.26)

Lord Jesus, we come before you confident that you hear our voices and will respond to our cry for help.  We realize that without you we are in great danger in falling into unhealthy situations in our lives that will put us away from you.  We ask for the grace to grow in our trust, confidence, and belief in your unconditional love for us in our lives.

We ask thin in your name.                       Amen.

 [ send green star]

The Lord led his people to freedom and they shouted with joy and gladness. (Ps.104)

Lord Jesus, we come before you in prayer this day shouting with joy and gladness in our hearts for all that you have done for us.   May we be mindful of the many ways that you bless us each day with your love.

We ask this in your name. Amen.

 [ send green star]

The holy martyrs shed their blood on earth for Christ; therefore they received an everlasting reward.

God our Father, we remember in prayer Servant Good Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C. who was known by many as the "Rosary Priest."

May all families experience the power of gathering together to pray, especially the praying of the Rosary.  Through the presence of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit may we always be reminded of your living presence among us as we strive to remain faithful to your teachings.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

 [ send green star]

I will not leave you orphans, says the Lord.  I will come back to you, and your hearts will rejoice.   (Jn.14)

Lord Jesus, in the scriptures we hear that you will not leave us orphans and that you will come back and our hearts will rejoice.  By your gift of grace, may we feel the warmth of your Spirit in our lives, so that we can truly know that you will not leave us as orphans. We ask this in your name.                                                                    Amen.

 [ send green star]

Dearest Lord Jesus,

  Thank you for being such a good teacher.  For giving me simple illustrations of profound truths.  Thank you fo being so direct, for not skirtting the hard questions.  An thank you for answers, even though at times I am slow to grasp them.

  Thank you for being such a willing teacher.  Willing to go anywhere  -- the  Samaritan well or to a Damascus road.  Willing to met anyone -- Pharisee or prostitute.  Willing to go anytime -- at noon or at night.

  Thank you so that I can come and bring my doubts, as did Thomas; my fears, as did Joseph of Artimathea; my shame, as did the woman caught in adultery; my questions, as did Nicodemus.

  Thank you for the time you met with me at night, when you told me the bad news that I stood outside the gates of your kingdon.  And the good news, that all I would have to do to enter would be to take a step of faith out of the darkness and into your light.

  I confess, there are times when I have loved the darkness more than the light.  Even as your child.  An even now, there are times I walk along gray borders, flirting with the enticing shadows cast by the world not a brighter place but a darker one.  By my thoughts.  By my words.  By my deeds,  For all these shameful times I have been an unworth subject, forgive me, I pray, O most worthy King.

  Help me to walk in the light as you yourself are in the light.  Where there is darkness, let me be a beacon of light. And if not a beacon, a torch.  an if not a torch, a candle.  An if not a candle, then at least a spark to ignite others.

  O Lord, May I never be ashamed of you or of being seen with you or of being associatd with you in any way.  "Sooner far, let evening blush to own a star.  But may this my glory be, that you are not ashamed of me......"

 [ send green star]

I will not leave you as orphans, says the Lord;

I will come back to you, and your hearts will rejoice.  (Jn.14)

Almighty and ever-living Lord, you restored us to life by raising Christ from the dead.  Today we celebrate your Ascension into Heaven.  May we, like the apostles, continue to follow your examples even when the darkness seems to be all around us.

We ask this in your name.   Amen.

 [ send green star]

The Lord That Heals Me!

I come before you and praise you this day and every day, because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, Lord.  It was You that carefully designed every system, organ and gland in my body, and gave each one their tasks.  I ask that you remind each one of the task it is given, and help them all to perform them perfectly.

Father God, you have said that I have the keys to the kingdom of heaven,  and that whatever I bind on earth is bound and whatever I loose on earth is loosed!  So, with that power, this day, in the mighty name of Jesus, I declare that my body is Your temple and I choose to glorify You with it. I bind any sickness or disease that has been trying to attack my body.  I command it to flee in the name of Jesus so that I can present a healthy body to my Lord as a living sacrifice unto Him.  

Lord, you have said that, through Jesus Christ, I am redeemed from the curse of the law.  So, I receive that redemption right now in Jesus name.  No weapon of sickness or disease formed against me shall prosper any longer! 

In Your Word, you have promised that You will restore me to health and heal my wounds.  Because I serve You, You said You would bless my food and take sickness away from me.  Because I listen closely to every Word that You speak, and I keep them in my heart, You promised that they would be life and health to my whole body.

I choose to believe those promises Father.  Help me to believe them more than I believe the doctors that I visit or the symptoms I feel. Help me to stand on Your holy Word today and everyday.

Right now, today, I confess that Jesus Himself bore my pains and carried my sicknesses. He was pierced for my transgressions and crushed for my iniquities. The punishment for my well-being fell on Him, and by His stripes I am healed and made whole!

Anything that was out of balance in my body, through Jesus' sacrifice, is now put back into balance.  Anything trying to work death in my body is itself withering and dying, because You Father have promised that I will live and not die!

Thank You, Father, that my light breaks forth as the morning and that my health springs forth speedily!

 [ send green star]

Dear Master,

  Help me to be faithful in little things like cleaning nets, knowning that they could be your way of preparing me for greater things ----- like fishing for men.

  Help me to obey simply and solely "because you say so."  And Keep me from thinking that since I have fished a few waters that somehow I know better than you the course my life should take and the place my nets should be dropped.

  Call me, Lord, out from a shallow faith near the shore, which requires no risks and offers no rewards.  Call me to a deeper commitment to you.

  And when you call, grant that I would be quick in my boat, swift to my oars, and fast with my nets.  And I pray, grant me the eyes to see who it is who labors by my side ------ an awesome and almighty God.

  Take me to a place where I have worked hard by my own strength and yet ended up with empty nets.  Take me there to show me the depths of your dominion and the net-breaking fullness of your power.

  Keep me ever aware that you are Lord.  And ever aware that I am a sinful person.  And in that knowledge keep me ever on my knees before you.

  At your bidding, O Master, I will let down my nets, And at your bidding I will leave them forever behind.  For what you have to offer is infinitely more than all the seas of this world ever could......

 [ send green star]

The Lord takes delight in his people.(Ps. 149)

God of mercy, as we continue to celebrate the resurrection of your Son, may we experience the effects this event has in our lives.  May we share this encounter of the Risen Lord with all those whom we meet this day.  We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.     Amen.

 [ send green star]

Lord, help me live from day to day in such a self-forgetful way, that even when I kneel to pray, My prayer shall be for others.

Help me in all the work I do, To ever be sincere and true, and know that all I'd do for you, Must needs be done for others.

And when my work on earth is done, and my new work in Heaven's begun, May I forget the crown I've won, while thinking still of others.

 [ send green star]

I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.  (Jn. 15 )

Lord God, today we celebrate the feast of  St. Matthias, who was chosen to replace Judas.  Peter told the people gathered to choose a new member and that it needed to be someone who was baptized and believed in the Resurrection.  May we, like St. Matthias, be ready when God calls us to give witness to the Resurrection.

We ask this in your name.   Amen.

 [ send green star]

Morning Prayer

 [ send green star]

Lord, your mercy is my hope, my heart rejoices in your saving power.  (Ps. 12)

Lord our God, today we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Fatima and recall how your Mother appeared to three children in the fields of Fatima in Portugal.  Mary stressed the importance of repentance, conversion of Heart and dedication to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, especially through the praying of the Rosary.

May we, this day, take a few minutes to remember the importance of praying the Rosary and commit ourselves to praying the Rosary each day.

We ask this in your name.  Amen.

 [ send green star]

Dear Lord Jesus,

      Thank you that no mater how miserably I have let you down, you are always there to pick me up.  No matter how many times I have failed you, you are always there to forgive me.  No matter how far I have drifted, you are always there on the shore, waiting for me to return ------ waiting with a comforting fire, warm food, and an affirmating arm to put around my shoulder.

      I thank you, too, Lord, for how you arrange the circumstances in my life to restore me.  How you bring back the precious memories of a time when my love for you was so pure and intense.  And how you gently recall to my mind the painful memories that need to be brought to the surface and healed.

      I love you for so many reasons, Jesus.  I love you for calling me to follow you.  I love you for the honor you have bestowed on me to labor with you in building your kingdom.  I love you for teaching me so much.  I love you for being so patient when I am so slow to learn.  I love you for the great friend you are to me.

      I love you for all that I am because of you. I love you because with your tender hands you lift the crushed pile Satan leaves behind when he winnows, and you blow away the chaff.  I love you that you don't focus on those husked failures but rather on the kernal,  however small, of genuine love left in your palm.  And seeing it, you take great delight.

      Thank you for all the intimate moments we spend together.  I know they mean as much to you as they do to me, and if the whole truth were known, probably more.  It thrills me to know that I have contributed, even in a small way, to your divine pleasure.  And that I can bring a smile to the face of God.

      Help me to understand that only a few things really are necessary in life.  And when you get right down to it, only one: to sit at your feet . . . listening . . . looking into your eyes . . . and loving you.

      Thank you for the priviledge of sitting at those nail-scarred feet.  Grant me the grace never to regard that privildege casually, not to neglect it, but to come there humbly, and to come there often . . . because you are worth to be adored, O beautiful Saviour . . . because you are worthy to be adored . .

 [ send green star]

On the morrow their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family.

And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, "By what power or by what name did you do this?"  Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a cripple, by what means this man has been healed, be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him this man is standing before you well.  This is the stone that was rejected by you builders, but which has become the head of the corner.  And there is salvation for no-one else, for there  is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

Acts 4:5-12

 [ send green star]

Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth. (Ps. 68)

Lord Jesus, we come before you with praise and thanksgiving in our hearts.  There is so much we desire to share with you about your families, friends and co-workers yet today we simply ask that you bless us with your grace and heal us of all divisions that prevent us from truly bringing  your presence to all whom we encounter in life.  We ask this in your name.    Amen.

 [ send green star]

Save us Lord our God, and gather us together from the nations, that we may proclaim your holy name and glory in your praise.   (Ps. 105)

Lord our God, help us to love you with all our hearts and to love those who have hurt us, done wrong to us and have brought injury to our lives.

Help us to be forgiving, accepting and welcoming of them in our lives.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

                                    Amen.

Source:- Holy Cross Family Ministries.

 [ send green star]

Dear Master who rules with such a calm hand, I pray that you would give me eyes to see that the true battle is spirtual not physical.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Help me to realize that no matter how violent their opposition, people are not the enemy.  They are prisoners of the enemy.  Help me to realize that you died to free those prisoners.  And in that knowledge give me the courage, I pray, to penetrate their shores so they might be dressed in their right mind, and given the privilege to sit at your feet.

Help me to boldy take a beachhead of Satan for the kingdom of God.  To banish his forces.  And to be brave in the knowledge that though they are legion, you are Lord.

Help me realize that the true battleground is the human heart.  It is over this territory that the forces of good and evil draw their swords.

Knowing that, Lord, on this day, this hour, I surrender my heart to you - my hopes, my fears, my dreams, my desires, my ambitions, my anxieties, my love, and my loyalty.

May it be one more victory for the kingdom of God.  And one less battle you have to fight.........

 [ send green star]

God mounts his throne to shouts of joy. (Ps.47)

Lord Jesus, we are reminded this day of the care you have for all who follow you with an open heart.  As we journey in this life, may we always find time to give you praise and bring your message to the ends of the earth.

We ask this in your name. Amen.

 [ send green star]

None of us lives for himself only,  none of us dies for himself only; if we live, it is for the Lord that we live, and if we die, then, it is for the Lord we die.  Whether we live or die, then, we belong to the Lord.  For Christ died and rose to life in order to be the Lord of the living and  of the dead.

 [ send green star]

Lord, help me to be fully alive to your holy  presence.  Enfold me in your love.  Let my heart become one with yours  "I am free."  When I look at these words in writing they seem to create in me a feeling of awe.

Yes, a wonderful feeling of freedom.

Thank You, God.

Source:- Sacred Heart Messenger.

Pray As You Go Org.

 [ send green star]

Dear God, as I begin this day let me turn my thoughts to you, and ask your help in guiding me in everthing I say and do.

Give me the Patience that I need to keep my peace of mind, And with life's cares, I hope, Dear God, some happiness to find.

Let me live but for today, not worring what's ahead.  For I have trust that you will see I get my "Daily Bread".

 [ send green star]

Philippians 2:1-11 ¹If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ²then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. ³Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. ⁴Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

 ⁵Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
 ⁶Who, being in very nature^[a] God,
      did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
 ⁷but made himself nothing,
      taking the very nature^[b] of a servant,
      being made in human likeness.
 ⁸And being found in appearance as a man,
      he humbled himself
      and became obedient to death—
         even death on a cross!
 ⁹Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
      and gave him the name that is above every name,
 ¹⁰that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
      in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
 ¹¹and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
      to the glory of God the Father.

 [ send green star]

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life.  (Jn.6)

God our Father, in baptisme we are given new life and are annointed with oil to strengthen us for the journey.

May we not succumb to unhealthy and evil behaviours that surround us and influence our lives.

May we strive to remain faithful to your grace and to rely on your words to keep us in line with your spirit.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.        Amen.                          

 [ send green star]

God be in my head, and in my understanding;

God be in my eyes, and in my looking;

God be in my mouth, and in my Speaking;

God be in my heart, and in my thinking. 

 [ send green star]

Reading Taken From:- Heb 8: 1b-3a

This high priest of ours is one who has taken his seat in heaven, on the right hand of that throne where God sits in majesty, ministering now in the sanctuary, in that true tabernacle which the Lord, not man, has set up.  After all, it is the very function of a priest to offer gift and sacrifice.

 [ send green star]

Almighty Father, your Son Jesus Christ revealed fo us your presence in the world.

May we always recognize your presence in all that we do and may we share the gift of your presence with all whom we encounter.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.                Amen.

 [ send green star]

Proverbs 3:6  (Go to this verse :: Verse pop-up)

Consider this scenario: A person spends the entire day walking from Point A to Point B with his best friend. However, he speaks to his friend only a little in the morning and mumbles a few words at night before falling to sleep, ignoring him for the rest of the day. What would be his friend's likely assessment of the state of their friendship? Even two extremely introverted friends would share interests and converse on them to some extent.

Is there a better friend than God? We have a great deal to discuss with Him every day, for every day is filled with decisions: what to eat or not to eat, what to purchase or not purchase, what to spend time doing or thinking about. We must also decide how to respond to other people and how to respond to our own emotions and attitudes.

Every significant choice should be brought to God. If we do not, we are making decisions based on human nature and declaring ourselves to be Laodiceans, self-sufficient and needing nothing, directly contrary to the teaching of Jesus Christ (John 15:5). These do not have to be on-your-knees prayers, but we should at least silently ask God to bring His light to bear on the situation and to supply our needs, whether we need wisdom, discernment, strength, courage, understanding, patience, etc.

Notice the command in Galatians 5:16, 25: "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. . . . If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." If we are walking in the Spirit, made possible by praying always, we cannot be sinning (verse 16). They are mutually exclusive.

Praying always is a major component of walking with God and one of the two tickets to avoiding tribulation and gaining entrance to God's Kingdom. As such, Enoch's life contains a point worthy of note that may apply to those living at the end time. God says of Enoch in Genesis 5:24: "And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him." If we walk with God as Enoch did, will God, true to His patterns, likewise take us away from the trouble on the horizon? Luke 21:36 indicates the answer could be, "Yes."

 [ accepted]

Look with favour on your family, Lord,

and as at this time we restrain the desire of the body

may our hearts burn with love for you.

(We make our prayer ) through our Lord.

 [ send green star]

How to Pray for Barack Obama

By Max Lucado

I am a pastor, not a politician, so I can only speculate as to what awaits President-elect Barack Obama. The times are turbulent: economy in jeopardy, nations in conflict. How can leaders lead during these days of bailouts and bombings? 

Only with God's help.

On Inauguration Day, ask God to bless Barack Obama and his family. He needs our prayers. And it's our privilege to pray for him.

The Bible says, "Pray for rulers and for all who have authority so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God" (1 Timothy 2:2). I'm inviting you to do just that on January 20, Inauguration Day. Set aside a few minutes and pray for our new President, his family, and his administration.

What should you pray? Click ahead for Max Lucado's four simple prayers for President-elect Obama.

 [ send green star]

Intercessions :-

R= Response:= Christ, bread of life, strengthen us.

Let us bless Christ, who is our bread from heaven. R: Christ, bread of life, strengthen us.

Lord, give us a share in the bread of the Eucharist, ---fill us with the blessings of your paschal sacrifice. R: Christ, bread of life, strengthen us.

May we take your word to our hearts in faith and obedience;--yield a harvest in us through our perseverance. R:Christ, bread of life, strengthen us.

Make us eager to fulfil your plan for the world ---that the Church may spread the great message of peace. R: Christ, bread of life strengthen us.

We have sinned, Lord, we have sinned;---take away our guilt by your saving grace. R: Christ bread of life strengthen us.

*The bold parts :R: is for when sharing this prayer with more than one person. If saying this prayer alone then its quite o.k. to say the bold parts at the beginning and the end of this prayer.

 [ send green star]

My prayerS are with all of you out there, whether it iS for Strength for everyday or juSt for today. Father I aSk pleaSe be with all theSe wonderful people and their hungure to learn more of you. Teach them of your word to Seek your guidence for each and every Situation. Touch them Father and fill them with your wiSdom So they can paSS your love on to otherS.

 [ send green star]

Hail to you, our King; you alone are

compassionate with our faults.

God our Father, as we approach the events of Holy Week, we are reminded of your everlasting mercy.  May we be strengthened and protected in our weakness and return to you with our whole heart.

We ask this in your name.  Amen.

Source:- Holy Cross Family Ministries.

 [ send green star]

A Concluding Evening Prayer:-

Turn our hearts back to you, God our Saviour :

form us by your heavenly teaching,

so that we may truly profit by our Lenten observance.

(We make our prayer ) through our Lord.

*The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to

everlasting life.  Amen.

*This conclusion may be recited when no Clergy is in attendance, or if one is reciting prayers on their own.

 [ send green star]

Scripture Reading:-

My brothers, I implore you by God's Mercy to offer your very selves to him: a living sacrifice, dedicated and fit for his acceptance, the worship offered by mind and heart.  Adapt yourselves no longer to the pattern of this present world, but let your minds be remade and your whole nature thus transformed.  Then you will be able to discern the will of God, and to know what is good, acceptable, and perfect.  (Rom12:1-2 )

 [ send green star]

THE FIRST READING:  Isaiah 50:4-7

A reading from the prophet Isaiah:

The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him that is weary.  Morning by morning he wakens, he wakens my ear to hear those who are taught.

The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious.  I turned not backward.  I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I hid not my face from shame and spitting.  For the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been confounded; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.

The Second Reading:- Philippians 2:6-11

A Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Philippians.

Have this mind among yourselves, which you have in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven, and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the Glory of God the Father.

God of mercy, we celebrate today the feast of St. Isidore, who lived in Spain was declared a Doctor of the Church.  He was a great writer and historian who stated that when we pray we talk to God, when we read, God talks to us.  May we take time this day to pray for the people of Spain that they will speak to God and will listen to His words.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.   Amen.   

 [ send green star]

Father, I thank you for all theze wonderful people and their faith in me to azk me to co-hozt thiz group. Uze me to do your will and help in each and every zituation here. There are many prayer requeztz here and I azk you to deal with each and every zituation here according to your will. Blezz each and everyone here Lord, guide them in the way you need them to go. Amen

 [ send green star]

Lighten our darkness, Lord, we pray: and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.   Amen.

Lord, be the guest at this house,

keep far from it all the deceits of the evil one.

May your holy angels watch over us as guardian of our peace.

And may your blessing be, always upon us,

through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

 [ send green star]

Have mercy on me Lord, for I am in distress, rescue me from the hands of my enemies. Lord keep me from shame, for I have called to you.

Lord, grant us your forgiveness and help us to recognise those moments when we are in need of your mercy.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.   Amen.

 [ send green star]

Jesus Saviour of the world

come to us in your mercy:

we look to you to save and help us.

By your cross and your life laid down

you set your people free;

we look to you to save and help us.

When they were ready to perish -

you saved your disciples:

we look to you to come to our help.

In the greatness of your mercy-

loose us from our chains :

forgive the sins of all your people.

Make yourself known as our Saviour -

and mighty - Deliverer:

save and help us - that we may praise you.

Come now and dwell with us Lord Christ Jesus :

hear our prayer - and be with us always.

And when you come in - your glory :

make us be one with you

and to share the life of -your kingdom.

Author: Unknown.

*As this is a Canticle which is either recited or Sung in Church and has been copied verbatim from a Prayer Book, please note that the change in coloured print indicates the beginning of each new verse.

 [ send green star]

Do not use harmful words in talking. Use only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you.  And do not make God's Holy Spirit sad; for the Spirit is God's mark of ownership on you, a guarantee that the Day will come when God will set you free.  Get rid of all bitterness, passion and anger.  No more shouting or insults.  No more hateful feelings of any sort.  Instead, be kind and tender hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you in Christ.

 [ send green star]

Lord, you rescue me from raging enemies, you lift me up above my attackers, you deliver me from violent men. (Ps. 17 )

Lord Jesus, as we continue this Lenten journey we are called to continue to prepare ourselves to enter into the holy mysteries of your death and resurrection. May we strive to live holy lives worthy to live with you forever.  We ask this in your name.   Amen.

 [ send green star]

I really enjoyed it

John 14:6
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

 [ send green star]

Your Word O Lord, is truth;

make us holy in the truth.     (John 17)

Lord, we come before you as humble followers seeking the truth in life.

Often times, our human weakness cause us to fall and lose sight of your truth.   Help us to know your reconciling presence in our lives and keep your deep desire for us to live in your truth.

We ask this in Your name.       Amen.

 [ send green star]

" May your troubles be less,

Your Blessings more,

and may nothing but happiness,

Come through your door

Have A Great Day!"

(I have no idea where this prayer came from, but it is powerful, and I felt that by sharing it others may benefit)

 [ send green star]

Lord make me me an instrument of Your Peace,

Where there is hatred, let me sow love,

Where there is injury,  pardon,

Where there is doubt,  faith,

Where there is despair, hope,

Where there is darkness, light, and

Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,  grant that I may not

so much seek to be consoled, as to console;

To be understood,  as to understand,

To be loved,  as to love;

For it is in giving that we receive

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

This Prayer is said by Franciscans World Wide, and I thought that even though its a Very Well known Prayer, I would like to share this Special Prayer with those who try to live in the Way of Christ.

For me Saint Francis & Saint Clare of Assisi have served Our Lord Jesus, setting an example of Spiritual Poverty, humility,  and Love ;  that is the example which all Franciscans aim to follow.

May You always be Blessed as you too journey with Our Lord each day and Honour him in the way that represents your Faith.

 [ send green star]

Bless me, heavenly father,

        forgive my erring ways,

Grant me strenght to serve Thee,

        put purpose in my days.....

Give me understanding

        enough to make me kind

So I may judge all people

         with my heart and not my mind.....

And teach me to be patient

         in everything I do,

Content to trust Your Wisdom

         and to follow after You....

And help me when I falter

         and hear me when I pray

And receive me in Thy Kingdon

         To Dwell with thee some day.

 [ send green star]

Dear Lord may we always know that apart from you we can do nothing yet we can do anything through you who strength us. Let us do our ministries for your benefit, not for men .and not for our own glory. For if we do the work for men we sorrow when we see no change and grow weary. And if we do it of us woe unto us for we have all together become corrupt abandoning our puorpse in you. May we worship as if we are in the secret place and harvest souls into your barn as if there is no tomarrow. Teach us these skills and more that we may become the spotless bride you have desired and longed for. In Jesus name I pray amen... 

 [ send green star]

On Your Knees will Raise Them Up

"O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure".
Psalm 7:9

In a world of organized crime, gangs, and predators, we have some real work cut out for us if we are going to influence the violent part of contemporary culture to change its ways. Maybe the place to start is down on our knees before the Father, asking Him to use us to make a difference in our violent world!

Loving Lord and Father of all people, please forgive us for anything we have done to condone or accept the violence that is entrenched in many parts of our world today. Please bring the evil and hostile trend towards violence to an end. Frustrate and defeat those who use violence. May Your people be an example of productive, compassionate, and non-violent living. Please give strength and protection to all who face the threat of violence because of their faith. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 [ accepted]

Living Righteous

"I am about to pour out my wrath on you and spend my anger against you; I will judge you according to your conduct and repay you for all your detestable practices." Ezekiel 7:8

Because God's people had repeatedly rebelled and chosen to turn an unhearing ear toward His will, God is about to let them face the consequences of their own sinfulness. He is ready to judge them using the harshest of standards because of their entrenched rebellion. We must remember that He wants us to be a holy people just as much as He did His Old Testament people. Let's be faithful to Him, no matter the values of our culture.

O God, please do not rebuke me in Your wrath, but encourage me to live for You no matter my circumstances or my culture. I want to be faithful to You in all I do, say, and think. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

 [ accepted]

Seeking After Him

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8

God made us to seek after Him and find Him (Acts 17:27-28). Try to imagine the astounding reality of this truth: the God of the Universe is thrilled to see us when we come home to Him! Is it any wonder that He longs for us to seek Him so he can welcome us with the same joy as the father welcomed the son back again (Luke 15:11-31)?

Father, while there are many things that my selfish heart seeks after, deep inside I know that what I need most, and what I seek most right now, is to know You in a more holy and majestic way. In Jesus' Name I seek You with a whole and loving heart. Amen.

 [ accepted]

Redeemed from the Law

"But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code".
Romans 7:6

We are free from Law! Does that mean anarchy and lawlessness? Absolutely not! No, because the grace that freed us also brought God's HOLY Spirit to live within. He can empower us to do what we could not do on our own. He can help us in our weakness to pray with confidence and boldness to the Father. With his help, we are brought into a circle of accountable friends, tied by the grace of God and the Spirit of Christ. Thank God for the "new way"!

Father God, Thank You for redeeming and delivering me from the requirements of law and placing Your Spirit in my heart to help me be more than I could ever be trying to obey the Law. In Jesus' Name I praise You. Amen.

 [ accepted]

Character of Christ

"If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your forefathers for ever and ever". Jeremiah 7:5-7

What is the true measure of our character? Certainly it is not merely how we act "at church." The real test of our character, our godliness, is our partnership with Him in His work of redeeming the lost, forgotten, downtrodden, and broken. When we live only for ourselves, when the "have-nots" are left so far behind, a culture collapses upon itself because it lacks the heart of God, and people become jealous and resentful of one another.

Loving God, Almighty and Sovereign Lord, please forgive us and use Your children to heal our land. Father, I especially pray that You will use me to be a blessing to someone who has no one to whom he or she can turn in times of crisis. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

 [ accepted]

We are Not Our Own

"The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband's body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control".
1 Corinthians 7:4-5

In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul told us that our bodies were not our own, but that we had been bought at a price. Once again in chapter 7, he reminds each of us that when we marry, our body is not our own, it belongs to our spouse. We are to use our bodies to bless, please, and bring fulfillment to our marriage partner. This is crucial to our marriage relationship and also to please God!

Holy and loving God, Abba Father, please forgive me when I have cheapened myself by not treating my body as a gift to You. Whether it is in marriage or whether it is as a single, I want to use my body in a way that is holy and pleasing to You (and to my marriage partner). In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

 [ accepted]

A Gracious Way of Life

"For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you". Matthew 7:2

Jesus is concerned that we not have a critical spirit toward others, especially about their motives as to why they did something. We can't assume to know another person's heart; only God can. When we are unfairly critical, overly harsh, or unduly judgmental, we need to remember that God will use that same standard on us. I don't know about you, but I need grace. So do those I love. I'm going to try very hard to be as gracious toward others as I'm trusting that God is going to be gracious with me.

Forgive me, Abba Father, for the times that I've been far more critical of others than I should be. Arouse within me a passion to be gracious toward others so that they can see Your graciousness shining through me. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

 [ accepted]

Shield Me O Lord

"O LORD my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me..." Psalm 7:1

Who or what is pursuing you? Is it a past mistake? Is it an old enemy? Is it your conscience? Is it a nagging sense of guilt? Is it someone who wants to do you physical harm? Is it a physical illness? In the middle of all the storms and struggles of life, where do you go to find peace and security? There is only One who can be a true and lasting refuge. Just One!

Father God, You alone are my refuge and source of strength when my courage is gone and my soul is weary. Please, dearest Father, shield me from all the forces and powers that pursue me and seek to take me captive and draw me away from You. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

 [ accepted]

A Mouth Made for Praise

"But Moses said to the LORD, "Since I speak with faltering lips, why would Pharaoh listen to me?"
Exodus 6:30

If the truth be known, most of us can't say much of anything very well; no matter how articulate or eloquent our speech is. At some point we will all open our mouths and stupid will fall right out of it (and usually at the worst possible time) But, when we offer ourselves to the Lord, He truly works through us and uses us in mighty ways. Moses is the great testimony that God can take a shepherd with faltering speech (he stuttered) and turn him into the greatest leader of his time. Don't you think we had better ask what God wants to do with us, and get to doing it!

Loving Father, please use me in Your service. I recognize that all the gifts, abilities, and experiences that I have came from You. All my capabilities are given to me so I can bring You Praise and Glory. So please enable me to use my abilities for Your glory. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

 [ accepted]

Suck it Up & Love Them Anyway

"Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you". Luke 6:28

Outside the example of Jesus, this command makes no sense at all. But, Jesus shows us the importance of leaving our destiny in the hands of our Creator and Father. Suddenly, this makes perfect sense. What is the best way to defeat an enemy? Certainly it's not to beat or kill that person. No, the way we defeat our enemies is by having Jesus' grace capture their hearts and having their character conform to that of our King!

Loving and Gracious God, please soften my heart and toughen my resolve so that I can love as Jesus loved. Make my life redemptive, even to those who oppose, abhor, ridicule, and hate me. Use me, dear Father, to bring others to the Grace of Jesus. In His Name I pray. Amen.

 [ accepted]

Days of Joy and Grace

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life"?
Matthew 6:27

In our busy world, we often let ourselves get preoccupied with worrisome and inconsequential things. What does this get us? Far from making our lives more productive or adding to our longevity, we know for a fact that worry hastens our demise and robs our days of joy and grace.

Father, Thank You. Thank You for making the earth hold its orbit and my heart have its beat. Thank You for giving me a future beyond the boundary markers of my mortality. Thank You for pouring Your grace and numerous blessings into my life. Forgive me, Lord, when I do not count these blessings enough and begin to worry how I might acquire more or fear losing those things that I have. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

 [ accepted]

How Grand and Glorious is our God!

"I [Darius King of Persia] issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions." Daniel 6:26-27

If a foreign King in the days of the Old Testament can recognize how grand and glorious our God is, surely those of us who have received His grace through Jesus can rejoice in Him and give Him praise!

Father God, You are so very glorious and awesome. Your rule is true, righteous, and eternal. You keep Your promises and generously send forth Your blessings. You alone are truly holy, awesome in Your splendor and might. I praise You and thank You in the Name of Jesus my Lord. Amen.

 [ accepted]