Spirit of Love: Prayers for Hopeful Hearts

Spirit of Love Prayers for Hopeful Hearts Margie Sherlock

Spirit of Love

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts

Margie Sherlock

Spirit of Love: Prayers for Hopeful Hearts Copyright © 2024 Margie Sherlock All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Printed Edition: ISBN: 978-0-9973167-7-3 Cover artwork by Nancy Marek Cote www.mareksaints.com Published by: The Church in the 21st Century Center Boston College, 110 College Road, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 www.bc.edu/c21 Printed in the United States of America

May this book inspire more loving prayers in our world.

A few years ago, The Church in the 21st Century Center at Boston College launched Pray It Forward, a virtual, weekly prayer program hosted on Wednesdays from 4-4:15 p.m. Participants join by Zoom for a brief time-out to pray as a community.

Hosted in partnership with the Boston College Alumni Association, each Pray It Forward session begins with an opening prayer, followed by that day’s Gospel.

A volunteer then offers a brief reflection on the Gospel, connecting it to daily life. Following the reflection, participants are given the opportunity to share their prayer intentions to the community. Pray It Forward concludes with a closing prayer, sending participants back to their daily lives with a reminder of God’s love.

Since its founding, the Pray It Forward community has gained hundreds and hundreds of members from across the country and worldwide. All are welcome— you do not need to be a Boston College alumnus to participate. To join the Pray It Forward community or launch a Pray It Forward online community of your own, learn more at: bc.edu/prayitforward

CONTENTS Introduction.....................................................................................7

One: Everyday/Ordinary Time Spirit of Love..................................................................................10 Unshakable Faith........................................................................... 11 Holy Humans................................................................................. 12 Holy Living..................................................................................... 13 Humble Hearts..............................................................................14 Living Fruitful Lives........................................................................ 15 Gift of Faith....................................................................................16 Good, Fertile Soil........................................................................... 17 Loving Hearts................................................................................ 18 God of Living.................................................................................19 Open, Loving Hearts..................................................................... 20 Bearing Fruit a Hundredfold.......................................................... 21 Holy Awareness.............................................................................22 Grace-filled Hearts.........................................................................23 United in Love...............................................................................24 Service Over Prestige.....................................................................25 God of Life.................................................................................... 26 Living the Beatitudes.....................................................................27 Grace of Wisdom...........................................................................28 Generosity of Spirit....................................................................... 29 Gracious Peace..............................................................................30 Blessed Awareness......................................................................... 31 Faithful Gratitude...........................................................................32 Gifts and Gratitude........................................................................ 33 Greater Things...............................................................................34 Healing Presence........................................................................... 35 Pathway to Healing........................................................................36 Called Forth...................................................................................37 A Group Blessing...........................................................................38

Holy Messengers...........................................................................39 All Saints’ Day............................................................................... 40 Grounded in Love..........................................................................41

Two: Advent and Christmas Advent Grace................................................................................ 44 Comfort and Rest...........................................................................45 Christmas Blessings..................................................................... 46 New Year Blessing..........................................................................47

Three: Lent Living Faith....................................................................................50 Holy Spring.................................................................................... 51 Eyes of Faith...................................................................................52 Living Service................................................................................. 53 Greater Works................................................................................54 True Disciples................................................................................ 55

Four: Easter Season Easter Promise...............................................................................58 Easter Hearts.................................................................................59 Light of the World......................................................................... 60 All Truth.........................................................................................61 Truth, Love, Joy............................................................................. 62 Unity, Protection, Truth..................................................................63 Visitation Blessings...................................................................... 64 Living in Light................................................................................65 The Living Bread........................................................................... 66 Fruitful Lives..................................................................................67 Called and Sent............................................................................. 68 Scripture Index.............................................................................. 69 Acknowledgments......................................................................... 70 About the Author........................................................................... 71 More Resources from the C21 Center.............................................72

INTRODUCTION While I have been writing and praying as long as I can remember, writing prayers never occurred to me. When I volunteered to read a prayer for Pray It Forward, I thought it might be fun to write one. A seemingly one-time event soon became an enriching spiritual practice. For more than two years, I have been honored to contribute a closing prayer to weekly Pray It Forward sessions.

This book is a collection of those prayers. It is an incredible collaboration of humans and the divine. Each prayer affirms the grace of the Holy Spirit of God in everyday human experiences of faith, friendship, and community.

Mother Teresa wrote, “We cannot love without prayer, so whatever religion we are, we must pray together. Let’s not pray long, drawn-out prayers, but let’s pray short ones full of love.”

My hope is that these short prayers full of love inspire more community prayer. Originally shared aloud in the virtual Pray It Forward, the prayers might be useful for parish faith formation, prayer groups, healing ministries, or OCIA teams and candidates. Individuals may find them helpful for personal prayer, meditation, or praying with Scripture.

Organized loosely by liturgical seasons, the book is designed to be paged through and savored—perhaps inspired by a phrase or image. The index lists Scripture references for each prayer.

Prayer is transformative and highly contagious. The blessings, hope, and consolation of praying in community unites us with God and with each other. May we all find more ways to share prayers in our own ways and communities. May the grace of prayer bring the light and peace of the Holy Spirit to all of us and to all we love.

Margie Sherlock Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 7

ONE Everyday/Ordinary Time

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 9

SPIRIT OF LOVE All-loving God—thank you for blessing us with community—and for the gift of companionship.

Grateful that love is our mission—we pray for the grace of inclusive hearts.

May we be agents of kindness and compassion —bringing your light and peace to our earthly world.

May the warmth of our love be a source of comfort and hope—especially where needed most.

Amen.

Inspired by Matthew 5:17–19

10 | Spirit of Love

UNSHAKABLE FAITH Ground us in your love, merciful God —and grant us unshakable faith.

Like the Canaanite woman, may we be inspired with persistent courage, devotion, and energy.

Help us care as deeply and warmly about other people, as you care for us.

Always inclusive in word and action —may our faith be great enough to bring your kingdom to our divided world.

Amen.

Inspired by Matthew 15:21-28

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 11

HOLY HUMANS Loving, forgiving God— thank you for knowing our hearts, better than we know ourselves.

As we pray for others today— we think of all of us, too.

Grant us the grace of self-awareness.

Help us to live out what Jesus taught.

With compassion, integrity, and courage, may we do what is good and right —with open, loving hearts.

In faith, we pray in your holy name.

Amen.

Inspired by Matthew 23:27–32

12 | Spirit of Love

HOLY LIVING Trusting in your light and love, holy God—may we always be true to our Gospel values.

Help us be our best selves in every circumstance and situation.

With the grace and strength of your Spirit, may we be authentic and trustworthy —in private and in public.

Let us be reliable examples of holy living in thought, word, and deed.

Amen.

Inspired by Matthew 23:27–32

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 13

HUMBLE HEARTS God of all grace—thank you for hearing our prayer requests —shared aloud, online, and held quiet in our hearts.

Grateful that you love the world through us —we seek insight and guidance.

Enrich us with understanding.

Lead us to pray more, share more, love more.

May we do what is good—and what is needed —with faithful, humble hearts.

Keep your light strong within us.

Amen.

Inspired by Matthew 6:1–6; 16–18

14 | Spirit of Love

LIVING FRUITFUL LIVES Thank you loving God for blessing all we hold in prayer—and for blessing all of us.

Like every good tree that bears good fruit, we seek full, fruitful lives.

Grant us wisdom and insight to discern the true and the good.

Help us flourish—strong in faith, rich in service, and rooted deeply in loving kindness.

Grateful for your abiding care —in Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen.

Inspired by Matthew 7:15–20

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 15

GIFT OF FAITH Grateful for our gift of faith— living God, we pray for insight, understanding, and grace.

Open our hearts to experience and share the mystery of divine love that is the Blessed Trinity.

Let your love flow through our lives —making us living examples of compassion, peace, and your gracious will.

May we all be one—united in Spirit.

Amen.

Inspired by Mathew 11:25–27

16 | Spirit of Love

GOOD, FERTILE SOIL Thankful for ears that hear—we pray to live out your Word, sower God. Make us good, fertile soil.

With the grace of your light— enrich our faith; nurture our spirits; warm our hearts; nourish our minds; sustain our souls; grow our resolve.

May our lives bear abundant fruits from your many gifts, bountiful blessings, and everlasting love.

Amen.

Inspired by Matthew 13:1–9

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 17

LOVING HEARTS God of loving kindness, bless all we hold in prayer.

Bless us, too.

Infuse us with your Spirit.

Soften and expand our hearts with compassion—and overflowing love.

May we love others as generously as you love us.

Amen.

Inspired by Mark 7:14–23

18 | Spirit of Love

GOD OF LIVING You give life to all, living God —blessing us with infinite love.

Lead us to understand and appreciate such abundant grace.

Expand our hearts.

Open our minds.

May we be big enough to accept— and enlightened enough to share— the joy of eternal life.

Gratefully blessed, we pray.

Amen.

Inspired by Mark 12:18–27

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 19

OPEN, LOVING HEARTS In a world that can be callous and uncaring —we pray to follow Jesus’ example.

May we be gracious and kind —putting our faith into action, with open hearts and hands.

May we have courage and strength —to do what is right and what is needed, in even the most difficult circumstances.

Blessed and grateful—may our lives reflect the loving Spirit of God. Amen.

Inspired by Mark 3:1–6

20 | Spirit of Love

BEARING FRUIT A HUNDREDFOLD God of growth and love— your Word is seed sown in us —full of life and potential.

And—like good, fertile soil yields abundant fruit —we pray to live faith-rich, fruitful lives.

Nourish us with the grace of your Spirit.

Teach us to listen deeply, with “ears that hear” —truly understanding your Word— growing strong in faith, hope, and love.

Blessed, enriched, transformed—may we “bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold” with our thoughts, words, and deeds.

Amen.

Inspired by Mark 4:1–20

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 21

HOLY AWARENESS God of heaven and earth— you speak to us in many ways —through all kinds of people, experiences, or situations.

Quick to judge—or relying on familiar habits —we often miss your gentle calls of grace.

Bless us with holy awareness.

Grant us insight to see, wisdom to know, and understanding to appreciate your loving presence in all things.

Grateful for the amazing gift of faith, we pray with steadfast hearts.

Amen.

Inspired by Mark 6:1–6

22 | Spirit of Love

GRACE-FILLED HEARTS Grateful for your abiding presence, we pray for all those facing challenges of heart —physical, emotional, or spiritual.

God of all grace—bless them, comfort them, protect them —holding them in your loving care.

We also pray for our own hearts.

Bless us, support us, guide us —inspiring us to be peaceful and kind.

Help us live with grace-filled hearts, full of love, full of compassion, full of faith.

Amen.

Inspired by Mark 7:14–23

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 23

UNITED IN LOVE Mindful that “whoever is not against us is for us” —we pray in Jesus’ name.

May we recognize and appreciate all those committed to goodness, faith, truth, and justice in the world.

May we know them by their fruits —not their labels.

May we seek common good and values —not division and differences.

God of all grace and peace, unite us all.

Keep us in your loving care.

Amen.

Inspired by Mark 9:38–40

24 | Spirit of Love

SERVICE OVER PRESTIGE Trusting always in the strength of God’s grace —we pray to follow Jesus’ example of serving rather than being served.

With faith, compassion, and courage —may we be beacons of hope and love.

Committed to service over prestige —may we bring goodness and kindness to every situation.

Loving God, bless, guide, and protect us—and all those we are called to serve.

Amen.

Inspired by Mark 10:32–45

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 25

GOD OF LIFE Thank you, living God, for giving us life in abundance —blessing, guiding, and sustaining us.

Open our minds and hearts—to embrace the mystery of your everlasting love.

Inspire us to see and appreciate your loving presence in all things.

May we live full earthly lives—trusting always in the light of eternal life.

With faith and hope—we pray in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

Inspired by Mark 12:18–27

26 | Spirit of Love

LIVING THE BEATITUDES Trusting in your promise of eternal life —merciful God, we pray to live blessed lives.

Give us humble, grateful hearts.

Free us from words and actions that divide or harm.

Help us bring truth and compassion to our encounters.

Grant us strength and courage to lead with loving kindness.

May we bring your peace to our world.

Amen.

Inspired by Luke 6:20–26

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 27

GRACE OF WISDOM Holy Spirit of God—guide us to live for you—rather than for approval from others.

Steadfast—may we stand always for kindness, compassion, openness, and truth.

Secure in your love, faithful to your calling —may the fruit of our lives reflect your wisdom and grace.

Bless us. Be with us—in everything we do.

Amen.

Inspired by Luke 7:31–35

28 | Spirit of Love

GENEROSITY OF SPIRIT Ever grateful for your abundant mercy, gracious God—we pray for perspective and generosity of spirit.

May we be free of envy, greed, and distrust.

Grant us wisdom and a positive resolve to make decisions grounded in love —and holy discernment.

Help us do what is right and just —with care and compassion.

May our actions always bring glory to you.

Amen.

Inspired by Matthew 20:1–16

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 29

GRACIOUS PEACE Embracing Jesus’ mission, to bring peace wherever we go, we pray: May we do good works, with love and compassion —in all circumstances.

May we be gracious and kind— grateful always that prayer and service bring the kingdom near in word and deed.

Amen.

Inspired by Luke 10:1–9

30 | Spirit of Love

BLESSED AWARENESS Thank you, merciful God— for blessing us with many gifts.

Mindful of the responsibilities they bring, we pray to respond in loving, committed ways.

Help us be awake, alert, and ready— fully present in each moment.

May we live as meaningfully as possible, —seeing your presence in all things.

May we serve others with the generosity of spirit you have for each of us.

Now and always.

Amen.

Inspired by Luke 12:39–48

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 31

FAITHFUL GRATITUDE For our gift of faith—and for all the ways you bless us —thank you, merciful God. Heal us and make us whole.

May we live every day in deep appreciation and gratitude.

May we live with joyful hearts— ever mindful that your grace is a gift without strings—open to all.

Blessed beyond measure, in Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen.

Inspired by Luke 17:11–19

32 | Spirit of Love

GIFTS AND GRATITUDE Deeply thankful for all your life-giving gifts, God of blessings— we pray with faith and love.

Bless us, our families, our friends.

Bless our homes, our communities, our world.

Bless those beset by war and strife.

Bless those who suffer or are alone.

Bless those who are here with us.

Bless those who are in our hearts.

Now and always.

Amen.

Inspired by Luke 19:11–28

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 33

GREATER THINGS Thank you, gracious God, for being with us—and for hearing all our prayers.

Like Nathanael, we sometimes make hasty judgments about people or situations.

May your Spirit inspire us instead to “come and see.”

Grant us wisdom to see you in every person.

Give us grace to see your glory in everything around us.

With grateful hearts, in Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen.

Inspired by John 1:45–51

34 | Spirit of Love

HEALING PRESENCE You sent us your son, loving God —to save and heal the world.

As disciples sharing in that work, we pray: Grant us all the grace, wisdom, confidence, and courage we need.

Guide us to reflect your healing presence —in our thoughts, words, and deeds.

In Jesus’ name, may we do our part— helping our world be a better place, every day.

Amen.

Inspired by Luke 4:38–44

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 35

PATHWAY TO HEALING So much in our world needs healing —that we sometimes become overwhelmed or disheartened.

God of all grace—keep us ever mindful of your constant love and support.

Bless us. Comfort us. Strengthen our hope.

With eyes of faith—may we see your loving presence in places, people, and events.

Help us to recognize pathways to healing.

May we find the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Amen.

Inspired by Luke 4:38–44 and Philippians 4:7

36 | Spirit of Love

CALLED FORTH Called like Jesus’ Twelve, we pray to live our gift of faith.

God of love—bless us. Guide us.

Inspire us to share the good news in our everyday lives and circumstances.

May we be sources of peace and healing —for our families, friends, communities, and world.

May we always be your disciples —in all ways.

Amen.

Inspired by Luke 9:1–6

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 37

A GROUP BLESSING God of our journey— thank you for our time together as we pray to know you better.

Mindful that you love the world through each of us— we seek your presence in all things.

Walk with us, inspire us, guide us.

Bless us with deeper faith— renewing us with your love.

Gratefully, we pray in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

Inspired by Matthew 18:20

38 | Spirit of Love

HOLY MESSENGERS Trusting in your loving care, merciful God —we pray for humble hearts.

Grant us courage to be childlike in our contemporary, complex lives.

Fill us with wonder, hope, and joy.

May we be nonjudgmental, loving, open-hearted, and kind.

As messengers of light and peace, may we share your goodness and grace in our world.

Amen.

Inspired by Matthew 18:1–5,10

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 39

ALL SAINTS’ DAY On today’s great feast of All Saints, we’re inspired by the faithful disciples who have lived before us, those with us now, and those yet to come.

Gracious God, we pray—for grace and resolve —to live the vision and spirit of the Beatitudes in all we do.

Strengthen us. Guide us. Support us.

May we be merciful.

May we be pure of heart.

May we be peacemakers.

Blessed and grateful —we trust in your light and love.

Amen.

Inspired by Matthew 5:1-12a

40 | Spirit of Love

GROUNDED IN LOVE God of loving justice—thank you for hearing our prayers—and for knowing our hearts.

In our competitive material world, which values visibility and status—we sometimes lose sight of Gospel values.

Ground us in your love and mercy.

Make us bearers of goodness and truth —helping us choose service over status.

Strengthen our efforts to live with understanding, care, and compassion.

Keep us in your everlasting light.

Amen.

Inspired by Luke 11:42–46

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 41

42 | Spirit of Love

TWO Advent and Christmas

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 43

ADVENT GRACE Generous, compassionate God— grateful for the abundant ways you heal, nourish, and sustain us —we begin our Advent journey.

Bless us. Guide us. Walk with us.

Lead us into the light of grace and hope.

Help us find comfort in prayer —and joy in patient waiting.

With deep faith and great confidence —we pray: “come, Jesus, come!”

Amen.

Inspired by Matthew 15:29–37

44 | Spirit of Love

COMFORT AND REST You offer us comfort and rest, gentle God —calling us to learn from you.

As we journey through Advent— preparing our hearts and homes for Christmas —your promise reminds us to pause, to reflect, to pray.

Help us embrace your way.

Guide us with grace —that we may rest in you, filled with the peace— that surpasses human understanding.

Amen.

Inspired by Matthew 11:28–30

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 45

CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS God of surprises and of possibility— in our final days of Advent, we pray to place our trust in you.

Like Mary, may we say “Yes” to your call, with faith and courage—confident that “nothing will be impossible for God.” We pray also for true peace: peace in our hearts, minds, and lives; peace in our homes and families; peace in our communities—and our world.

May the blessings of Christmas—and the peace of Bethlehem —be with all of us always.

Amen.

Inspired by Luke 1:26–38

46 | Spirit of Love

NEW YEAR BLESSING Grateful for the gift of a new year, full of promise and potential —we pray for grace and guidance.

God of hope, bless us. Strengthen us. Amaze us.

Fill us with your Spirit.

Help us speak and act with love —bringing peace and healing to every encounter.

May we know and share your light each day.

Amen.

Inspired by John 1:29–34

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 47

48 | Spirit of Love

THREE Lent

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 49

LIVING FAITH As our Lenten companion, loving God, help us fully live out our faith.

When our path is unclear— enlighten us, guide us.

When we are weary— comfort us, strengthen us.

When we are overwhelmed— encourage us, inspire us.

Renewed with the grace of your Spirit—may we bring loving goodness to everything we do.

Amen.

Inspired by Matthew 5:17–19

50 | Spirit of Love

HOLY SPRING In this special season of grace, thank you for blessing our journey.

Guide our Lenten path, loving God. Help us pray more, share more, and love more— leading us to true and lasting change.

Strengthen our faith and our resolve to do all the good we can— in our own unique ways.

With steadfast hearts, we pray.

Amen.

Inspired by Matthew 6:1–6; 16–18

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 51

EYES OF FAITH God of our journey—we know you are with us always.

With eyes of faith, we can see signs and wonders of your grace around us—everywhere.

Deepen our holy awareness.

Increase our clarity, wisdom, and understanding to recognize and appreciate your loving presence in all things.

Guide us to be more attentive each day.

Amen.

Inspired by Luke 11:29–32

52 | Spirit of Love

LIVING SERVICE God of our holy Spring— in this Lenten season of grace, we pray to heed your call to serve.

Bless us. Strengthen us. Sustain us.

Change our hearts and minds —transforming how we think and act.

May we be compassionate, kind, and merciful —serving others with the loving spirit of generosity you have for each of us.

With courage, hope, and faith may we glorify you with our lives.

Amen.

Inspired by Matthew 20:17–28

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 53

GREATER WORKS Thank you for your presence, amazing God and Lenten companion.

Inspired by your offer of eternal life, we seek grace and insight.

Sustain our prayer. Strengthen our faith.

Fill us with wonder and awareness— leading us to the light of your deep love.

In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen, amen—we say.

Inspired by John 5:17–30

54 | Spirit of Love

TRUE DISCIPLES The Good News assures us of your care and mercy, loving God. In these final Lenten weeks— we pray to remember the great truth that you love us always—as we are, in every situation.

Bless us. Guide us. Renew us.

Strengthened by the grace of your Spirit— may we live as true disciples, steadfast—ever faithful to your word.

Amen.

Inspired by John 8:31–42

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 55

56 | Spirit of Love

FOUR Easter Season

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 57

EASTER PROMISE In this most sacred season, we pray for courage and strength; for consolation and inspiration.

Everlasting God—bless us and renew us.

Remind us that life is stronger than death, hope is stronger than despair, faith is stronger than fear, love is stronger than hate, forgiveness is always possible.

Grateful for the promise new life brings —may we share the grace and peace of Easter Sunday every day.

Amen.

Inspired by Matthew 26:14–25

58 | Spirit of Love

EASTER HEARTS God of light and new life— awaken our Alleluia!

Walk with us—stay with us, lifting our spirits with the wonder and joy of Easter.

Open our eyes to recognize your risen presence.

Like the disciples at Emmaus, may we hurry to share the good news.

Christ is risen—and with Him all creation!

With warm, grateful hearts we pray.

Amen. Alleluia! Amen.

Inspired by Luke 24:13–35

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 59

LIGHT OF THE WORLD Your light shines through all creation, heavenly God—surrounding us with life and love, filling our world with beauty and grace.

Grateful for the promise of eternal life— we pray to realize and accept the fullness of your great love.

Blessed with Easter hearts —may we grow ever closer— joyfully sharing your everlasting light.

With faith and hope—we trust in Jesus’ name.

Amen. Alleluia. Amen.

Inspired by John 12:44–50

60 | Spirit of Love

ALL TRUTH Gentle, loving God—we pray in these last weeks of Easter, to recognize and to listen to your Spirit.

Lead us to experience and share in the great mystery of love that is the Blessed Trinity.

May the Spirit of all truth fill our hearts —inspiring and guiding us to bring Easter light to all we love and to everything we do.

Amen. Alleluia. Amen.

Inspired by John 16:12–15

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 61

TRUTH, LOVE, JOY As Jesus prayed for us, we pray— for our families and friends and for our communities—near and far.

In a world that often seems divided— may we bring healing love and peace to every situation.

In our thoughts, words, and deeds— may we stand for justice and harmony.

Blessed with Easter joy—we are all one.

Amen.

Inspired by John 17:11b–19

62 | Spirit of Love

UNITY, PROTECTION, TRUTH As Jesus prayed for his disciples, we also pray for unity, protection, and truth, —in our homes, communities, and world.

May we be people of integrity and peace —steadfast in faith, gratitude, and the joy of being loved.

All-loving God, bless us. Protect us. Guide us.

Grant us the grace to live out Gospel values with love, light, and full Easter hearts.

In your most holy name, we pray.

Amen. Alleluia. Amen.

Inspired by John 17:11b–19

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 63

VISITATION BLESSINGS On this Feast of the Visitation, we unite our prayer with Mary and with Elizabeth.

Like Mary, may we proclaim our faith with hope and joyful acceptance— even when it seems impossible.

Like Elizabeth, may we be filled with the Holy Spirit —recognizing God’s presence and desiring to fulfill divine plans in our own lives.

Blessed beyond measure, we pray in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

Inspired by Luke 1:39–56

64 | Spirit of Love

LIVING IN LIGHT Loving God of Light—in this Easter season, as we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, we recognize our own opportunities for new life.

Fill us with the grace of gratitude and trust.

Help us live in the light of holy possibility —with integrity and intention, choosing paths of faith, love, and mercy.

Surrounded always by your loving presence, may we radiate your light with our lives in heart, word, and deed —now and forever.

Amen. Alleluia. Amen.

Inspired by John 3:16–21

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 65

THE LIVING BREAD Eternally loving God—source of all that is good, help us understand and embrace your wonderful life-giving promises.

Open our minds—expand our hearts— enriching us with faith and hope, nourishing us with loving care.

Strengthen, renew, transform us— that we may believe more deeply in the word of Jesus.

Gratefully blessed with Easter light, we pray.

Amen. Alleluia. Amen.

Inspired by John 6:35–40

66 | Spirit of Love

FRUITFUL LIVES Loving God of life and growth— help us to live as true disciples —strong in faith—rooted deeply in love, service, and commitment.

Like healthy branches that bear much fruit —may we flourish in behavior and actions that glorify you with our lives.

Trusting in your abiding presence— we pray, with joyful Easter hearts, to remain in you—as you remain in us —in all ways.

Amen. Alleluia. Amen.

Inspired by John 15:1–8

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 67

CALLED AND SENT God of grace and mercy—thank you for hearing all our prayers —and like Jesus’ Twelve, for calling us to share the Good News.

Strengthen, support, and guide us to fulfill our mission with courage and generosity.

May we proclaim the “Kingdom of heaven” by everything we do, everything we say, and everything we represent.

Grateful for your light and love —we pray in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

Inspired by Matthew 10:1–7

68 | Spirit of Love

SCRIPTURE INDEX Prayers based on John

Prayers based on Mark

Jn 1:29–34.....................................47 Jn 1:45–51......................................34 Jn 12:44–50.................................. 60 Jn 15:1–8........................................67 Jn 16:12–15....................................61 Jn 17:11b–19............................62, 63 Jn 3:16–21......................................65 Jn 5:17–30......................................54 Jn 6:35–40.................................... 66 Jn 8:31–42..................................... 55

Mk 10:32–45.................................. 25 Mk 12:18–27............................ 19, 26 Mk 3:1–6.......................................20 Mk 4:1–20..................................... 21 Mk 6:1–6.......................................22 Mk 7:14–23...............................18, 23 Mk 9:38–40...................................24

Prayers based on Luke Lk 1:26–38.................................... 46 Lk 1:39–56.................................... 64 Lk 10:1–9.......................................30 Lk 11:29–32................................... 52 Lk 11:42–46................................... 41 Lk 12:39–48................................... 31 Lk 17:11–19.................................... 32 Lk 19:11–28.................................... 33 Lk 24:13–35....................................59 Lk 4:38–44...............................35, 36 Lk 6:20–26....................................27 Lk 7:31–35......................................28 Lk 9:1–6........................................ 37

Prayers based on Matthew Mt 6:1–6; 16–18....................... 14, 51 Mt 10:1–7......................................68 Mt 11:25–27...................................16 Mt 11:28–30..................................45 Mt 13:1–9...................................... 17 Mt 15:21–28....................................11 Mt 15:29–37...................................44 Mt 18:1–5,10..................................39 Mt 18:20 ....................................... 38 Mt 20:1–16....................................29 Mt 20:17–28.................................. 53 Mt 23:27–32............................. 12, 13 Mt 26:14–25.................................. 58 Mt 5:1–12a.................................... 40 Mt 5:17–19............................... 10, 50 Mt 7:15–20.................................... 15

Prayers based on Philippians Phil 4:7..........................................36 Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 69

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This collection of prayers never would have happened without the Pray It Forward community.

Many people collaborated to bring the book to fruition.

Deepest gratitude and appreciation to the leadership of The Church in the 21st Century Center at Boston College for giving me the opportunity to share original prayers every week and for their unwavering friendship, encouragement, vision, and expertise: Karen Kiefer, Lynn Berardelli, Andrew Craig, Eileen Corkery, and Ethan Strouse.

Thank you to Nancy Marek Cote for creating cover artwork that so beautifully captures the inscape of the book.

Special thanks to the C21 Pray It Forward and Faith Feeds communities who continue to inspire and encourage me, especially Carlotta Gilarde, CSJ; Jim Hess, O.Carm; and Val Keller.

Big thanks to Rissa Kazan, Steve Simske, and Paul Ellingstad for their great friendship.

Boundless love to my family of trusty prayers.

Finally, to Terry Sherlock: summa gratia for Big Heart and everything else. Ad multos annos.

70 | Spirit of Love

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Margie Sherlock is a writer with a passion for poetry and prayer. Deeply interested in interfaith spirituality, she is a perpetual student. Active in The Church in the 21st Century (C21) Center at Boston Collegeʼs Faith Feeds and Pray It Forward programs, she has served as an OCIA sponsor and catechist for over 20 years. Margie also held numerous senior-level positions in the high-tech industry.

Prayers for Hopeful Hearts | 71

MORE RESOURCES FROM THE C21 CENTER

magazine The hallmark publication of the C21 Center, offering articles and resources to support the key challenges facing the Church today.

An engaging faith conversation program (inperson or virtual), supported by themed, downloadable, turnkey guides.

A faith storytelling series for teens and young adults in colleges, high schools, and parishes worldwide.

Discover the C21 Center's children's books, Drawing God and Growing God, and uncover companion programs, activities, and events.

A parish model that invites 20and 30-somethings to attend Mass, followed by a social and themed faith conversation.

72 | Spirit of Love

bc.edu/c21

The Church in the 21st Century (C21) Center at Boston College is a catalyst and resource for the renewal of the Catholic Church. The C21 Center engages in critical conversations facing the Catholic community, focusing on four critical issues: handing on the faith, roles and relationships in the Church, sexuality in the Catholic tradition, and the Catholic intellectual tradition. The Center offers publications, events, digital media content, and easily adoptable faithsharing programs for individuals, schools, and parishes worldwide. visit bc.edu/c21 the church in the 21st century center | boston college 110 college rd. | chestnut hill, ma 02467 church21@bc.edu ISBN 978-0-9973167-7-3