Reflection “For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver.” ~Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer God of creation, The beauty of each tree in our

Prayer

God of creation,

The beauty of each tree in our world is due to your creative hands.  There are many wonderful gifts given through trees; shade on a hot afternoon, oxygen in order to breathe, a home for many of your creatures. Nature’s bounty of beautiful trees is something for which we are eternally grateful.  Help us to preserve these wonderful resources that you have entrusted to us. Amen.

Reflection “You define your own life. Don’t let other people write your script.” ~Oprah Winfrey Prayer God of Life, You have called each of us to live fully the life we have been given through your love.  Guide us each day t

Prayer

God of Life,

You have called each of us to live fully the life we have been given through your love.  Guide us each day to focus on our call, not based on what others say we should “do” or “be,” but rather based on what lies within our hearts in knowing who we are. Through your love for us, we are able to be our authentic selves and share that authenticity with others. Let us never miss an opportunity to do so. Amen.    

Reflection “Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.” ~Maya Angelou Prayer God of Joy, There is nothing like seeing the beauty of a rainbow after a nasty storm.  The brilliant colors, and how it brightens up the sky, bri

Prayer

God of Joy,

There is nothing like seeing the beauty of a rainbow after a nasty storm.  The brilliant colors, and how it brightens up the sky, brings such joy to the soul.  Knowing of the struggles and challenges that we each face in our daily lives, encountering someone with a joyful spirit and who radiates hope is like seeing a rainbow in front of us. With the power of this type of joy available for each person to share, helps us to bring that brightness to others. We ask this in love, Amen.

Reflection “Each day holds a surprise. But only if we expect it, can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us. Let’s not be afraid to receive each day’s surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy. It will open a new place

Prayer

God of Surprises,

We wake each day to opportunities that can surprise us in various ways.  With open hearts and minds, these surprise events can lead us on an unknown path that you have planned for us, bringing great joy and satisfaction. Too often we tend to overlook these experiences because of our own planned schedules.  Help us to grow in expectation to see, hear and feel all the good you have planned for us, in whatever way it is revealed. In anticipation, we pray. Amen. 

Reflection “A dead-end street is a good place to turn around.” ~Naomi Judd Prayer God of Options, So many times in our lives we realize we have come to a dead-end, needing to start over in order to move forward.  These new b

Prayer

God of Options,

So many times in our lives we realize we have come to a dead-end, needing to start over in order to move forward.  These new beginnings can be quite challenging and actually scary at times.  Yet we know that by following you, dead-ends are not the end, but rather just a starting point for something new and exciting.  Guide us in believing that when we face a dead-end, there is more available to us, and that the best is yet to come.  In anticipation of new and exciting adventures, we pray. Amen.

Memorial of Our Lady of Knock Reflection “The arms of the Virgin, outstretched in prayer, continue to show us the importance of prayer as the message of hope which goes out from this shrine.”  ~ Pope Francis Prayer Loving

Prayer

Loving God,

You reveal your love for us in numerous ways each day, from the bursting forth of beautiful flowers, to the gentle rains that water the earth, and the smiles and kindness of people we meet on the street. Your love for us gives us great hope through the challenges and struggles that we face each day.  Through this hope, we are able to envision a path forward, trusting that each step is guided by you.  In gratitude we pray. Amen.

Reflection “The sun will set without thy assistance.” –the Talmud Prayer Loving God, You have called us to partner with you in transforming the world. As we strive to do so faithfully, help us remember that you are God and we are

Prayer

Loving God,

You have called us to partner with you in transforming the world. As we strive to do so faithfully, help us remember that you are God and we are not. It is your mission we seek to extend, simply by contributing what we can and then trusting you for the rest. Grant us the wisdom to know how to let go of undue burdens and the false expectation to “do it all.” Instead, help us embrace the limits within which you created us, and to find freedom in sharing our gifts as best we can, with whomever you put in our path. Amen.