Days of Prayer & Meditation

40 Days of Prayer & Meditation WEEK ONE February 10th - February 17th, 2016

Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting and praying in this campaign of Christian service, so that, as we take up the battle against spiritual evils, we may be armed with weapons of selfrestraint. Grant us that we may obtain the fullness of your Glory in this Lenten Season 2016 through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Joel 2:12-18 Daily Meditation: A very special day We begin our Lenten journey aware of where we are going. We want to enter into the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus for us more fully. That is the purpose of our journey. It is why we mark our heads with his cross. It is why we fast today and abstain from meat. Our Lenten program is not an effort to save ourselves. We have been saved by his sacrifice. Our self-denial helps us, in the darkness that surrounds us, to prepare ourselves to receive his light. For this is a journey to the Easter font, where we will renew the promises of our Baptism, remembering that in dying with him in the waters of Baptism, we are re-born with him to everlasting life. This year s journey begins today. Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God. For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment. - Joel 2:12-13 Prayer Over the Gifts Lord, help us to resist temptation by our Lenten works of charity and penance. By this sacrifice may we be prepared to celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ our Savior and be cleansed from sin and renewed in spirit. We ask this through Christ Our Lord.

Today God our Father brings us to the beginning of Lent. We pray that in this time of salvation he will fill us with the Holy Spirit, purify our hearts, and strengthen us in love. Let us humbly ask him: Lord, give us your Holy Spirit. May we be filled and satisfied, - by the word which you give us. Teach us to be loving not only in great and exceptional moments, - but above all in the ordinary events of daily life. May we abstain from what we do not really need, - and help our brothers and sisters in distress. May we bear the wounds of your Son in our bodies, - for through his body he gave us life. Lord, it feels like we are embarking on a Lenten journey together, you and I. Today we are invited to let the Holy Spirit purify our hearts, and strengthen us in love. That feels like what I am looking for - or what you are looking for in me. I want to remember how much I need you in my life and how much my life needs redemption. I want to remember it clearly and in the background of my day today and all through Lent. On this special day, Ash Wednesday, may my small sacrifices in fasting be a way to clear away the clutter in my life to see you more clearly. May my longing for meat and other food, help me to focus my life today more outside myself. Let me be aware of those who are in so much more suffering than I am and may I be aware of them as the brothers and sisters you have placed in my life. Lord, I know there is darkness within me and around me. Bless these days with your Word. Let your Light shine in the darkness. Help me long for that Light until we celebrate your son s resurrection six weeks from now. And most of all Lord, help me to honor this day with the ashes on my forehead. They help me remember where I have come from and where I am going. May I acknowledge to you my sins and my deep need for your loving forgiveness and grace. I pray that this Lenten season will make me so much more aware of how much I need your healing in my life.

Thursday, February 11, 2016 Prompt our actions with your inspiration, we pray, O Lord, and further them with your constant help, that all we do may always begin from you and by you be brought to completion. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Daily Meditation: The Journey Begins There are so many lessons for our journey in this prayer. It starts with God s inspiration. We are reminded of the breath of life that God breathed at the beginning of creation and the driving wind of the Holy Spirit s coming at Pentecost. The grace for all we are about to do comes from God. Today we pray to be open to it. Today we also acknowledge that for us to what we need to do these six weeks, we need God s continuing help. Each day, with every prayer, every sacrifice, every act of generosity we will need help which can only come from God. And, finally, we need God s guidance to persevere to the end. There will be tough choices, not only between good and evil, but choices about what is the greater good. We may even be called to do something quite heroic and self-sacrificing. Today s collect is a wonderful prayer. Easy to remember, even memorize. It is possible to say it every day.

God has revealed himself in Christ. Let us praise his goodness, and ask him from our hearts: Remember us, Lord, for we are your children. Teach us to enter more deeply into the mystery of the Church, that it may be more effective for ourselves and for the world as the sacrament of salvation. Lover of mankind, inspire us to work for human progress, seeking to spread your kingdom in all we do. May our hearts thirst for Christ, the fountain of living water. Forgive us our sins, and direct our steps into the ways of justice and sincerity. Lord, Let everything I do this day and in this season of Lent come from you, be inspired by you. I long to be closer to you. Help me to remember that nothing is important in my life unless it glorifies you in some way. It s so easy to get caught up in the day to day of my life and keep saying, Tomorrow, I will spend more time in prayer, but now my longing meets your love and I want to do it now. Help me to rely on you for help. The prayer asks you that I reach perfection. Please, Lord, remind me that perfection isn t the crazy, successful way I try to live my life, but a perfection of my most authentic, real self. My perfection might be holding my many flaws in my open hands, asking you to help me accept them. Heal me, Lord, and help me to find you in the darkness of my life. Let me reach out in this darkness and feel your hand and love there to guide me.

Friday, February 12, 2016 Almighty ever-living God, look with compassion on our weakness and ensure us your protection by stretching forth the right hand of your majesty. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Isaiah 58:1-9a Daily Meditation: A Friday of Lent and an introduction to True Fasting. We are still in the first four days of Lent. Today and tomorrow we read the 58th Chapter of the book of the prophet Isaiah. These powerful words have such a contemporary message. True fasting will lead us to act justly and caring for those who are most in need. On every Friday of Lent we abstain from meat as a sign of our common penance. It represents our efforts to abstain from - do without - so many other patterns that get in the way of our happiness and wholeness. Let us pray to Christ our Savior, who redeemed us by his death and resurrection: Lord, have mercy on us. You went up to Jerusalem to suffer and so enter into your glory, bring your Church to the Passover feast of heaven. You were lifted high on the cross and pierced by the soldier s lance, heal our wounds. You made the cross the tree of life, give its fruit to those reborn in baptism. On the cross you forgave the repentant thief, forgive us our sins. Lord, I know how much you love me. It s hard for me to feel it sometimes, but I know your love is always with me. Help me to use your love as a way to persevere in my Lenten intentions. I am weak, but I know with your help, I can use these small sacrifices in my life to draw closer to you.

Saturday, February 13, 2016 Almighty ever-living God, l look with compassion on our weakness and ensure us your protection by stretching forth the right hand of your majesty. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Isaiah 58:9b-14 Daily Meditation: A Saturday of Lent and more on True Fasting. Our reading from Isaiah 58 continues, as does our self-examination regarding what true fasting is for us this Lent. Our repentance as a personal project is impossible, but the grace offered us by His relationship with us will allow for the possible. We walk with Jesus who reverences our humanity for what it is, a Gift from God and reverences our humanity for all it will be through His redemptive life, death and resurrection. What patterns will you ask God to help you change? Let us always and everywhere give thanks to Christ our Savior, and ask him with confidence: Lord, help us with your grace. May we keep our bodies pure, as temples of the Holy Spirit. May we offer ourselves this morning to the service of others, and do your will in all things throughout the day. Teach us to seek the bread of everlasting life, the bread that is your gift. May your Mother, the refuge of sinners, pray for us, and gain for us your loving forgiveness. Loving creator, I am not asking to overcome my weakness, but to use it in some way to glorify you. Let me be aware of the many ways you reach out to help me today and let me stand in awe of the power that you use in such loving ways.

Sunday, February 14, 2016 Grant, almighty God, through the yearly observances of holy Lent, that we may grow in understanding of the riches hidden in Christ and by worthy conduct pursue their effects. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Deuteronomy 26:4-10 Daily Meditation: Bring us back to you. This week we pray for a renewal of our lives. We are beginning to be more attentive and alert. We are trying new patterns. The difficulties we encounter keep us humble. Our desire is clear. We want the self-sacrificing love of Christ - which brings us mercy and healing - to be reproduced in our lives. In our journey, we seek to savor the meaning of Jesus self-less love, that we might reflect that love to others. At the end of our journey, we will renew our baptismal promises. Dying with Jesus in baptism, we have a new life in him. Today, we desire nothing less than God s re-creating us - breathing new life into us. Let us praise our loving Redeemer, who gained for us this season of grace, and pray to him, saying: Lord, create a new spirit in us. Christ, through baptism we were buried with you and rose to life with you, may we walk today in newness of life. Lord, you have brought blessings to all mankind, bring us to share your concern for the good of all. May we work together to build up the earthly city, with our eyes fixed on the city that lasts forever. Healer of body and soul, cure the sickness of our spirit, so that we may grow in holiness through your constant care. Lord God, you who breathed the spirit of life within me. Draw out of me the light and life you created. Help me to find my way back to you. Help me to use my life to reflect your glory and to serve others as your son Jesus did.

Monday, February 15, 2016 Convert us, O God our Savior, and instruct our minds by heavenly teaching, that we may benefit from the works of Lent. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18 Daily Meditation: Bring us back to you. We repeat our desire that God bring us home from our wandering. We know that in the confusion that surrounds us and can fill us, we need the gift of Wisdom. It is fitting that our very first lesson in our faith, is the last judgment scene that Jesus paints for us. We will be judged on whether we: fed the hungry, welcomed the stranger, clothed the naked, comforted the sick, visited the imprisoned. It is powerful to re-learn this wisdom - Jesus identifies with each of these least cared for. Who might we feed, welcome, clothe, comfort or visit this week? As my heart might resist this mission, I might beg to be brought back, with all my heart. Praise to Jesus, our Savior; by his death he has opened for us the way of salvation. Let us ask him: Lord, guide your people to walk in your ways. God of mercy, you gave us new life through baptism, make us grow day by day in your likeness. May our generosity today bring joy to those in need, in helping them may we find you. Help us to do what is good, right and true in your sight, and to seek you always with undivided hearts. Forgive our sins against the unity of your family, make us one in heart and spirit. Loving God, you call us back to you with all of our hearts. I feel your call for me deep in my heart and I know you want me back as much as I want to return. Please, Lord, give me the wisdom to know how to return. Make my journey back to you this Lent one of grace, forgiveness and gentle love.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016 Look upon your family, Lord, that, through the chastening effects of bodily discipline, our minds may be radiant in your presence with the strength of our yearning for you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Isaiah 55:10-11 Daily Meditation: Help us grow in our desire for you. We are learning the intimate connection between the discipline we choose these days, and the growth of our desire. If our desire for our Lord is weak, if it has to compete with so many other desires that choke it out, then we need to re-form our desiring. We want to be disciples - those who love Jesus, are with Jesus in our desires, and choose to follow Jesus. In Isaiah 55:10-11 it is a prophetic promise by God that when his word goes forth, like rain or snow upon the earth, it does not come back empty, but transforms all that it touches, and brings forth fruit. We can ask God to make good on that promise by reminding Him that other creatures accomplish what they are for, but we need the rain of God s Spirit to make it possible for us to be fruitful. Praise to Christ, who has given us himself as the bread from heaven. Let us pray, saying: Jesus, you feed and heal our souls; come strengthen us. Lord, feed us at the banquet of the Eucharist, with all the gifts of your paschal sacrifice. Give us a perfect heart to receive your word, that we may bring forth fruit in patience. Make us eager to work with you in building a better world, so that it may listen to your Church and its gospel of peace. We confess, Lord, that we have sinned, wash us clean by your gift of salvation. Father of my soul, Mother of my heart, I know your love for me is limitless beyond imagining. You care for me as a loving parent. Through my smallest Lenten sacrifices, help me to become less selfish and more aware of your ways. Fan the flame of my desire to draw ever closer to you. Guide me to seek your love.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Look kindly, Lord, we pray, on the devotion of your people, that those who by self-denial are restrained in body and may the fruit of good works be renewed in mind. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Jonah 3:1-10 Daily Meditation: Hear our prayer. The Wednesdays and Fridays of Lent take on a more penitential tone. Our longing intensifies. We know we have to work hard to resist temptation and to change some of our bad habits. We know that spiritual renewal won t come easy. But we know that all we will ultimately be able to do will come from God s inspiration - as a gift. So we ask from a deeper and deeper place in our hearts. My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn. - Psalm 51 Blessed be God, the giver of salvation, who decreed that mankind should become a new creation in himself, when all would be made new. With great confidence let us ask him: Lord, renew us in your Spirit. Lord, you promised a new heaven and a new earth; renew us daily through your Spirit, that we may enjoy your presence for ever in the heavenly Jerusalem. Help us to work with you to make this world alive with your Spirit, and to build on earth a city of justice, love and peace. Free us from all negligence and sloth, and give us joy in your gifts of grace. Deliver us from evil, and from slavery to the senses, which blinds us to goodness. Dear Lord, I know you receive what is in my heart. Let me be inspired by your words and by the actions of your son, Jesus. Guide me to make sacrifices this Lent in the spirit of self-denial and with greater attention to you and to those around me. Help me to believe that you will grant me this because of the sacrifice Jesus made for me.

40 Days of Prayer & Meditation WEEK TWO February 18th - February 24th, 2016

Thursday, February 18, 2016 Bestow on us, we pray, O Lord, a spirit of always pondering on what is right and of hastening to carry it out, and, since without you we cannot exist, may we be enabled to live according to your will. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Esther Chapters 12, 14-16, 23-25 Daily Meditation: Help us to be eager in doing your will. In today s scripture reading we learn more about prayer. We are touched by the bold, fullhearted prayer of Esther. We hear with a freshness how sincerely Jesus invites us to: ask and receive, seek and find, knock and find the door opened. Dependence is not a virtue we ordinarily admire. Today we grow in our sense that we need God s grace very much - even to know what is right - but certainly to fan our desires into a flame. Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me. - Psalm 138 Christ our Lord came among us as the light of the world, that we might walk in his light, and not in the darkness of death. Let us praise him and cry out to him: Let your word be a lamp to guide us. God of mercy, help us today to grow in your likeness, that we who sinned in Adam may rise again in Christ. Let your word be a lamp to guide us, that we may live the truth and grow always in your love. Teach us to be faithful in seeking the common good for your sake, that your light may shine on the

whole human family by means of your Church. Touch our hearts to seek your friendship more and more, - and to make amends for our sins against your wisdom and goodness. Lord, I m not always eager to do your will. I d often much rather do my own will. Please be with me on this Lenten journey and help me to remember that your own spirit can guide me in the right direction. I want to fix my weaknesses but the task seems overwhelming. But I know that with your help, anything can be done. With a grateful heart, I acknowledge your love and know that without you, I can do nothing.

Friday, February 19, 2016 Grant that your faithful, O Lord, we pray, may be so conformed to the observance of Easter, that the bodily discipline now solemnly begun may bear fruit in the souls of all. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Ezekiel 18:21-28 Daily Meditation: Renew us and prepare us. Our lesson today is about reconciliation Our Lord forgives us all our sins - nothing can separate us from the love of God for those of us who are in Jesus. And, we are called to forgive others with the same compassion, mercy, patience, and love given to us. Our Lenten practices help us to experience the renewing love of God, and they prepare us for our journey to Easter to celebrate the mystery of our death to self and rebirth in the new life Jesus won for us. I do not wish the sinner to die, says the Lord, but to turn to me and live. - Ezekiel 33 Thanks be to Christ the Lord, who brought us life by his death on the cross. With our whole heart let us ask him: By your death raise us to life. Teacher and savior, you have shown us your fidelity and made us a new creation by your passion, keep us from falling again into sin Help us to deny ourselves today, and not deny those in need. May we receive this day of penance as your gift, and give it back to you through works of mercy. Master our rebellious hearts, and teach us generosity.

Creator of my life, renew me: bring me to new life in you. Touch me and make me feel whole again. Help me to see your love in the passion, death and resurrection of your son. Help me to observe Lent in a way that allows me to celebrate that love. Prepare me for these weeks of Lent as I feel both deep sorrows for my sins and your undying love for me.

Saturday, February 20, 2016 Turn our hearts to you, eternal Father, and grant that, seeking always the one thing necessary and carrying out works of charity, we may be dedicated to your worship. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Deuteronomy 26:16-19 Daily Meditation: Turn our hearts to you. Our scripture reading today reminds us of the covenant God made long ago: you be my people and I will be your God. In the new covenant, without condition, God is faithful to us, even if we are not. Jesus calls us to a new way of being loving others as we have been loved, which includes loving those who do not love us. We are to be as pure in our love, as God is pure in loving us. God loved the world so much, he gave us his only Son, that all who believe in him might have eternal life. - John 3:16 To make us his new creation, Christ the Lord gave us the waters of rebirth and spread the table of his body and his word. Let us call upon him and say: Lord, renew us in your grace. Jesus, meek and humble of heart, clothe us with compassion, kindness and humility, make us want to be patient with everyone. Teach us to be true neighbors to all in trouble and distress, and so imitate you, the Good Samaritan. Grant us the gift of your mercy, forgive our sins. Loving God, Sometimes my heart turns in every direction except towards you. Please help me to turn my heart toward you, to gaze upon you in trust and to seek your kingdom with all of my heart. Soften my hardened heart so that I might love others as a way to glorify and worship you. Grant me this with the ever-present guidance of your spirit.

Sunday, February 21, 2016 O God, who have commanded us to listen to your beloved Son, be pleased, we pray, to nourish us inwardly by your word, that, with spiritual sight made pure, we may rejoice to behold your glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Genesis 15: 5-12 Daily Meditation: Listen to him. It is wonderful to begin this week acknowledging that we need God s help in listening and hearing. It is so powerful to ask for the gift of integrity - to express our desire for wholeness. And, we humbly ask for light in the midst of whatever might shadow our vision. This is the God who allows Jesus to be transfigured before his disciples, to prepare them for what they were about to face. This is our God, who can give each of us the change of heart we ask for. O LORD, I am your servant; I am your servant; - Psalm 116:16a Let us praise our loving Redeemer, who gained for us this season of grace, and pray to him, saying: Lord, create a new spirit in us. Christ, our life, through baptism we were buried with you and rose to life with you, - may we walk today in newness of life. Lord, you have brought blessings to all mankind, - bring us to share your concern for the good of all. May we work together to build up the earthly city, - with our eyes fixed on the city that lasts for ever. Healer of body and soul, cure the sickness of our spirit, - so that we may grow in holiness through your constant care. Loving God, there is so much darkness in my life and I hide from you. Take my hand and lead me out of the shadows of my fear. Help me to change my heart. Bring me to your truth and help me to respond to your generous love. Let me recognize the fullness of your love which will fill my life. Free me from the darkness in my heart.

Monday, February 22, 2016 Oh God, who have taught us to chasten our bodies for the healing of our souls, enable us, we pray, to abstain from all sins, and strengthen our hearts to carry out your loving commands. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Daniel 9:4-10 Daily Meditation: Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate. Today s scripture reading is about mercy - God s mercy for us first, and our mercy toward others. We renew our penance - all the ways we are trying to change the patterns of our life that need healing. Lord, do not deal with us as our sins deserve. Remember not against us the iniquities of the past; may your compassion quickly come to us, for we are brought very low. Lord, do not deal with us as our sins deserve. Help us, O God our savior, because of the glory of your name; Deliver us and pardon our sins for your name s sake. Lord, do not deal with us as our sins deserve. - Psalm 79 Blessed be God the Father for his gift of this sacrifice of praise. In the spirit of this Lenten season, let us pray: Instruct us, Lord, in the ways of your kingdom. God of power and mercy, give us the spirit of prayer and repentance, with burning love for you and all mankind. Help us to work with you in making all things new in Christ, and in spreading justice and peace throughout the world. Teach us the meaning and value of creation, so that we may join its voice to ours as we sing your praise. Forgive us for failing to see Christ in the poor, the distressed and the troublesome, and for our failure to reverence your Son in their persons. Lord, your commandment of love is so simple and so challenging. Help me to let go of my pride, to be humble in my penance. I want only to live the way you ask me to love, to love the way you ask me to live. I ask this through your son, Jesus, who stands at my side today and always.

Tuesday, February 23, 2016 Guard your Church, we pray, O Lord, in your unceasing mercy, and, since without you moral humanity is sure to fall, may we be kept by our constant helps from all harm and directed to all that bring salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 Daily Meditation: Protect us from what could harm us. Today s scripture reading is about being on guard against religious hypocrisy - always a potential trap, as we grow in our desire. Again, we turn to our God for help, our God whose love is unfailing. God the Father has given us his only Son, the Word made man, to be our food and our life. Let us thank him and pray: May the word of Christ dwell among us in all its richness. Help us in this Lenten season to listen more frequently to your word, that we may celebrate the solemnity of Easter with greater love for Christ, our paschal teacher, that we may encourage those in doubt and error to follow what is true and good. Enable us to enter more deeply into the mystery of the Anointed One, that our lives may reveal him more effectively. Purify and renew your Church in this time of salvation, that it may give an even greater witness to you. God in heaven and in my life, guide me and protect me. I so often believe I can save myself and I always end in failure. Lead me with your love away from harm and guide me on the right path. May your Spirit inspire the Church and make us an instrument of your love and guidance. Thank you for your care for me.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016 Keep your family, O Lord, schooled always in good works, and so comfort them with your protection here as to lead them graciously to gifts on high. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Jeremiah 18:18-20 Daily Meditation: Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant. Jesus is telling us about his Passion, Death and Resurrection - for us. Too often we are fighting over which of us is the greatest. To take this journey with him, is to take a journey that draws us to be with him in it and like him: a servant of love for others. The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. Let us give thanks to God, our Father: through the power of the Spirit he purifies our heart and strengthens us in love. Let us humbly ask him: Lord, give us your Holy Spirit. Help us to receive good things from your bounty with a deep sense of gratitude; - and to accept with patience the evil that comes to us. Teach us to be loving not only in great and exceptional moments, but above all in the ordinary events of daily life. May we abstain from what we do not really need, and help our brothers and sisters in distress. May we bear the wounds of your Son, for through his body he gave us life. God of Love, through this Lenten journey, purify my desires to serve you. Free me from any temptations to judge others, to place myself above others. Please let me surrender even my impatience with others, that with your love and your grace, I might be less and less absorbed with myself, and more and more full of the desire to follow you, in laying down my life according to your example.