Prayer for Peace of Pope Francis

(September 30, 2016)

Lord Jesus, we adore your cross which frees us from sin, the origin of every division and evil; we proclaim your resurrection, which ransoms man from the slavery of failure and death; we await your coming in glory, which will bring to fulfillment your kingdom of justice, joy and peace.

Lord Jesus, by your glorious passion, conquer the hardness of our hearts, imprisoned by hatred and selfishness; by the power of your resurrection, save the victims of injustice and maltreatment from their suffering; by the fidelity of your coming, confound the culture of death and make the triumph of life shine forth.

Lord Jesus, unite to your cross the sufferings of the many innocent victims: the children, the elderly, and the persecuted

Christians; envelop in paschal light those who are deeply wounded: abused persons, deprived of freedom and dignity; let those who live in uncertainty experience the enduring constancy of your kingdom: the exiles, refugees, and those who have lost the joy of living.

Lord Jesus, cast forth the shadow of your cross over peoples at war; may they learn the way of reconciliation, dialogue and forgiveness; let the peoples so wearied by bombing experience the joy of your resurrection: raise up Iraq and Syria from devastation; reunite your dispersed children under your gentle kingship: sustain Christians in the Diaspora and grant them the unity of faith and love.

O Virgin Mary, Queen of peace, you who stood at the foot of the cross, obtain from your Son pardon for our sins; you who never doubted the victory of his resurrection, sustain our faith and our hope; you who are enthroned as Queen in glory, teach us the royal road of service and the glory of love. Amen.

Prayer for Rain

O God, our Creator, you are the source of all life. It is through your divine providence and infinite power, that the wonder and splendor of all creation surround us. "How majestic is your name in all the earth." We pray to you who calms the raging waters and commands the wind, to provide us sufficient rain to meet our needs.

During this time of drought, we are mindful of our dependence on you for all that sustains our body and soul. We pray for the cooling, gentle rain that will once again bring life to the fields and crops that feed us, restore the colorful rainbow of flowers and the cooling shade of the trees.

We also pray for all those who are suffering from natural disasters. May they look to you for the strength to restore their lives and heal their wounded land.

Help us to always be good stewards of your creation and care for the many resources of this earth.

May your grace refresh our souls.

We ask for these blessings through the intercession of Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth. Amen.

Episcopal Blessing

V. The Lord be with you. / R. And also with you.

V. Blessed be the name of the Lord. / R. Both now and forever.

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord. / R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. May almighty God bless you, + the Father, + and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.

Prayers for Vocations

Prayer # 1

O Holy Spirit, Spirit of wisdom and divine love, impart Your knowledge, understanding, and counsel to youth that they may know the vocation wherein they can best serve God. Give them courage and strength to follow God's holy will. Guide their uncertain steps, strengthen their resolutions, shield their chastity, fashion their minds, conquer their hearts, and lead them to the vineyards where they will labor in God's holy service. Amen.

Prayer # 2

GOD our Father, Who wills that all men be saved And come to the knowledge of YOUR Truth: We beg you to send Laborers into YOUR harvest, And grant them grace to speak YOUR Word With all boldness; so that YOUR Word May spread and be glorified, And all nations may know YOU, The only GOD, and HIM WHOM YOU have sent, JESUS CHRIST YOUR SON, Our LORD. Amen.

Short Prayer

Lord help me to remember that nothing is going to happen to me today that You and I together can't handle. Amen.

Prayer for the Family

By: Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Heavenly Father, you have given us a model of life in the Holy Family of Nazareth.

Help us, O Loving Father, to make our family another Nazareth where love, peace and joy reign.

May it be deeply contemplative, intensely Eucharistic and vibrant with joy.

Help us to stay together in joy and sorrow through family prayer.

Teach us to see Jesus in the members of our family, especially in their distressing disguise. May the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus make our hearts meek and humble like His, and help us to carry out our family duties in a holy way.

May we love one another as God loves each one of us, more and more each day, and forgive each others faults as you forgive our sins. Help us, O Loving Father, to take whatever you give and to give whatever you take, with a big smile.

Help us, O Holy Father, to make our families one heart, full of love, in the Heart of Jesus through Mary.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, cause of our joy, pray for us. St. Joseph, pray for us. Holy Guardian Angels, be always with us, guide and protect us. Amen.