Prayers

 We humbly pray You,  O God our Father, to bless  The Catholic Women’s League of Canada.   Bless our beloved country, our homes and families. Send Your Holy Spirit upon us   to give light to our minds and strength to our wills that we may know and fulfill your great law of charity.  Teach us to share with others at home and abroad, the good things You have given us.   This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ and the intercession of our patroness, Our Lady of Good Counsel. Amen 

 God of new beginnings, ever faithful God,
we thank You for your constant care for
the women of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada.
We have sought to serve You in faith by service to your people.

Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and with the help of Our Lady of Good Counsel,
we continue to discern Your call to seek justice
and build Your Kingdom on earth each day.

We ask your guidance as we plan the evolution of
The Catholic Women’s League of Canada.
Grant us wisdom, the grace of discernment, and strength.
May each of us open her heart and mind to Your will and welcome the new life You bring to the League.

We ask this through Jesus, Your beloved Son and Our Lord, Who lives  and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.
AMEN 

Written by Sister Susan Scott

  L o r d , s e a s o n a f t e r  s e a s o n ,

Y o u  c o n t i n u e  t o  e n e w  t h e  f a c e  o f  t h e  e a r t h , 

“ F o r  f r o m  t h e  g r e a t n e s s  a n d  b e a u t y  o f  c r e a t e d  t h i n g s  c o m e s  a  c o r r e s p o n d i n g  p e r c e p t i o n  o f  t h e i r 

C r e a t o r . ”   

T e a c h  u s , L o r d ,  a s  m e m b e r s  o f  T h e C a t h o l i c  W o m e n ’ s  L e a g u e  o f  C a n a d a , 

T o b e c o m e a t t u n e d  t o  o u r  n e e d  t o  p r o t e c t  t h e  b e a u t y o f  o u r  c o m m o n  h o m e .

 M a y  o u r  e f f o r t s  l e a d  u s  t o  sus t a i n  i t s  n a t u r a l  o r d e r , s o  t h a t , i n  t h e  w o r d s  o f P o p e F r a n c i s , 

O u r  h e r i t a g e  is n e v e r “ d e p r i v e d  o f  p h y s i c a l  c o n t a c t  w i t h  n a t u r e . ” 

A m e n 

M a r y R y a n ,

P a s t P r e s i d e n t , S t . D u n s t a n P a r i s h C o u n c i l

F r e d e r i c t o n , N e w B r u n s w i c k 

 The Prayer Process from Janice DeLauriers 

1. Gratitude - Begin by thanking God in a personal dialogue for whatever you are most grateful for.

2. Awareness -  Revisit the time in the past 24 hours when you were and were not the-best-version-of-yourself.  Talk to God about these situations and what you learned form them

3. Significant Moments - Identify something you experienced in the last 24 hours and explore what God might have been trying to say to you or through that event.  (or person)

4. Peace - Ask God to forgive you for any wrong you have committed (against yourself, another person or Him) and to fill you with a deep and abiding peace

5. Freedom - Speak with God about how He is inviting you to change your life, so that you can experience the freedom to be  the best-version-of-yourself.

6. Others - Lift up to God anyone you feel called to pray for today, asking God to bless and guide him.

7. Pray the Our Father.

Mary’s Messages and Support Prayers

Mother Stuart’s Prayer

Keep us, O God, from all pettiness.

Let us be large in thought, in word, in deed.

Let us be done with faultfinding and leave 

off all self-seeking.

May we put away all pretense and meet each other

face to face, without self pity and without prejudice.

May we never be hasty in judgement, and always be generous.

Let us always take time for all things and make us to grow

calm, serene and gentle.

Teach us to put into action our better impulses, to be

straightforward and unafraid.

Grant that we may realize that it is the little things 

of life that create differences, that in the big things

of life, we are as one. And, O Lord God,

let us not forget to be kind!

Amen.

Act of Hope

Lord, God, of old You gave Your people hope when You promised to send a Savior. In Jesus You fulfilled Your promise and gave us eternal life. Through the passion, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus You have gathered us into Your church, saved us from our sins and made us Your witnesses. May I share in the work of Your salvation and be a source of light and hope to others. Amen.

Act of Love

God of compassion and mercy, the whole world reflects Your perfection and goodness.  You created the human family and redeemed them even when they strayed from You.  By the death and resurrection of Jesus, You revealed Your love for the world.   Inflame my heart that I may love you and all men and women as You love them.  Grant that I may offer my life in service to Your kingdom, now and forever. Amen.

Prayer of Peace

Dear Lord, let this be the occasion that moves us one step closer to each other. A time that brings us understanding in our hearts. A celebration that fills us with a yearning feeling to spread the Gospel values as well as peace for one another and oneness with you, Lord! Amen.

For the Sick

Merciful Jesus, during Your life on earth You showed great concern for the sick and infirm. Have compassion on me and all who are sick or in pain. Grant us health of mind and body so that even in sickness we may live for the glory of God. Restore our strength and spirit that we may resume our duties in Your name.

Hear my prayer for all the sick: grant that our sufferings may strengthen the witness of the church and bring Your salvation to the world. Bless those who care for the sick: in their own time of need, bestow on them a hundred-fold the blessings they have given to others. Amen.

Approved by Most Rev. James H. MacDonald, National Spiritual Advisor, October 1991

Kay’s Counsel and Support

The Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful; O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

An Act of Consecration to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

 O Virgin Mother of God, Mary Immaculate, we dedicate and consecrate ourselves to you under the title of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. May this Medal be for each one of us a sure sign of your affection for us and a constant reminder of our duties toward you. Ever while wearing it, may we be blessed by your loving protection and preserved in the grace of your Son. O most powerful Virgin, Mother of our Saviour, keep us close to you every moment of our lives. Obtain for us, your children, the grace of a happy death, so that, in union with you, we may enjoy the bliss of heaven forever. Amen 

  Linda Marie’s Loving Prayers

Prayer to Saints Peter and Paul

Oh Lord our God, Saints Peter and Paul steered the early Church by Your Power and were leaders who modelled and strengthened the faith of the Church. Therefore, I ask Saints Peter and Paul to pray for my faith to grow stronger and stronger every day.

In his second letter to St Timothy, St Paul reminded him to stir into flame the gift of God that he had.

I plead with Saints Peter and Paul to pray for me to become mature spiritually.  Wherever I become an infant in my relationship with You, weak and uncertain, help me, O Lord, to increase in faith and trust.

Dear Lord, Enkindle Your fire that flickers inside me and let it become a big flame that brightens other people’s lives.  Saints Peter and Paul, pray for me. Amen.

O Holy Apostles, Peter and Paul, intercede for us. Protect, O Lord, your people who trust in the patronage of your Apostles, Peter and Paul, and by their constant protection protect your people. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

O holy Apostles, Peter and Paul, I choose you this day and forever to be my special patrons and advocates; thee, Saint Peter, Prince of the Apostles, because thou art the Rock, upon which Almighty God hath built His Church; thee, Saint Paul, because you were fore chosen by God as the Vessel of election and the Preacher of truth in the whole world. 

Obtain for me, I pray you, lively faith, firm hope, and burning love; complete detachment from myself, contempt of the world, patience in adversity, humility in prosperity, attention in prayer, purity of heart, a right intention in all my works, diligence in fulfilling the duties of my state of life, constancy in my resolutions, resignation to the will of God and perseverance in the grace of God even unto death; that so, by means of your intercession and your glorious merits, I may be able to overcome the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil, and may be made worthy to appear before the chief and eternal Shepherd of souls, Jesus Christ, Who with the Father and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth for endless ages, to enjoy His presence and love Him forever. Amen.

Source: Excerpted from “Novena Petition to St. Peter and St. Paul,” CatholicHarborofFaithandMorals.com. For the complete novena, visit the website.

  Morning Offering

O God, through the hands of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, I offer Thee all my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day for the intentions of the Sacred heart of Jesus, the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the conversion of sinners, world peace, and the avoidance of the punishments which Thou dost justly threaten the world. Amen

My Novena Rose Prayer

O Little Therese of the Child Jesus, please pick for me a rose from the heavenly gardens and send it to me as a message of love.

O Little Flower of Jesus, ask God today to grant the favours I now place with confidence in your hands…...mention specific requests

St. Therese, help me to always believe as you did, in God’s great love for me, so that I might imitate your “Little Way” each day. Amen

Shelley’s Spiritual Offerings

Short Invocation to Jesus

O my Jesus, transform me into Yourself,

for You can do all things.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.

Divine Heart of Jesus, convert sinners, save the dying

and set free the souls in purgatory.

  O Mother of Perpetual Help

Mother of Perpetual Help, you have been blessed and favored by God. 

You became not only the Mother of the Redeemer, but Mother of the redeemed as well. 

We come to you today as your loving children. 

Watch over us and take care of us. As you held the child Jesus in your loving arms, so take us in your arms. 

Be a mother ready at every moment to help us. 

For God who is mighty has done great things for you, and God’s mercy is from age to age on those who love God intercede for us, dear Mother, in obtaining pardon for our sins, love for Jesus, final perseverance, and the grace always to call upon you, Mother of Perpetual Help.

O Mother of Perpetual Help

1. O Mother of Perpetual Help, to Thee we come imploring help: Behold us here from far and near, to ask of Thee our help to be.

2. Perpetual Help we beg of Thee, our soul from sin and sorrow free! Direct our wandering feet aright, and be Thyself our own true light.

3. Be Thou to us through all this life, the starlight of this earthly strife. And Mother when I come to die, be Thou, Thy spouse and and Jesus nigh.

4. And when this life is o'ver for me, this last request of I ask of Thee: obtain for me in heaven this grace, to see God there face to face.

  Prayer in a Time of Anxiety

It seems that I return to you most easily when I need comfort, O God.
Hello… here I am again, knowing that you are waiting for me with love and warming light.
In the shadow of your wings I find respite and relief that feeds my innermost self and renews my soul. Day and night, you are my refuge.
 

These uncertain days of news conferences and quarantines tempt me to assume the worst for my loved ones, myself and my community. “Pandemic” is a frightening word, and I can easily feel confused or helpless to respond. Now I am relying on you to lead and guide me, to put my anxiety in its place. Help me see it as a human response that keeps me conscious of the seriousness of this moment, but do not let it overwhelm my spirit. Buoyed by your love, I choose each day to let peace reign in me. Breathing deeply of your calm, I repeat, again and again, “You are here.”
 

Good and gracious Companion, my family and friends need tranquility and assurance. Help me to offer them your tenderness. Those in my community who are suffering need care. Help me to be generous and to keep contact with the forgotten. Our world calls for cooperation among national leaders, scientists, health care providers, and all who are instrumental in overcoming this crisis. May my prayers and support be with them all.
 

I have come back to you, and I will return, knowing that your open arms will never fail. God of hope may your love blanket the earth, as you teach us to live more generously today than yesterday. May my anxiety be transformed into love.
 

- Author requested to remain anonymous

A Prayer for Our Uncertain Times

May we who are merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at stake.

May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable.

May we who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health and making their rent.

May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close remember those who have no options.

May we who have to cancel our trips remember those who have no safe place to go.

May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market remember those who have no margin at all.

May we who settle in for a quarantine at home remember those who have no home.

As fear grips our country, let us choose love.

And during this time when we may not be able to physically wrap our arms around each other, let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors.  Amen.

- Written by Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II

Betty’s Beautiful Prayers

A Prayer for Peace With Your Faith

God, teach us what it means to have faith in silence. When we face trials that are beyond our understanding, help us to find peace. Help me be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. You set all things in accordance with your time. Remind us to wait patiently and find peace in your plan.

A Prayer for Peace of Mind

Loving God, please grant me peace of mind and calm my troubled heart.

My soul is like a turbulent sea. I can't seem to find my balance, so I stumble and worry constantly.

Give me the strength and clarity of mind to find my purpose and walk the path you've laid out for me.

I trust your Love God and know that you will heal this stress.

Just as the sun rises each day against the dark of night. Please bring me clarity with the light of God.

Amen 

A Prayer for Inner Peace & Strength

Lord, I come before you ready to pour out my worries, anxieties, and fears at Your feet. I am claiming and declaring Your promises for blessings of peace and strength over my life. Bring a peace into my soul that passes all worldly understanding and make me a light for others to see Your strength.

A Prayer for Peace When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

Dear God, thank you for being the God who never sleeps.

Thank you for always being here for me, even when I am not always here for you.

Thank you that you are Love and that you want the very best for me.

Thank you for your promises and that you never change.

I am feeling totally overwhelmed. Please help me.

Help me to rest in the fact that you know what is best for me.

Forgive me for turning away from you and trying to control the outcome in situations in my life.

The Bible says that you are not the God of confusion but of peace.

Help me to rest in your love and to feel the peace which surpasses all understanding.

Help me to feel your love and comfort.

Help me to be still and know that you are God and that you will take care of me, just like any loving parent takes care of their children.

Your Word says to cast all our anxiety on you because you care for us.

I turn all my burdens and concerns over to you.

Please guide my every step and help me to be attentive to your loving direction. Amen.

A Prayer for Inner Peace & Calmness

Slow me down, Lord! Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind. Steady my harried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time.

Give me, amidst the confusions of my day, the calmness of the everlasting hills. Break the tensions of my nerves with the soothing music of the singing streams that live in my memory.

Help me to know the magical power of sleep, teach me the art of taking minute vacations; of slowing down to look at a flower; to chat with an old friend or make a new one; to pet a dog; to watch a spider build a web; to smile at a child; or to read a few lines from a good book.

Remind me each day that the race is not always won by the swift; that there is more to life than increasing its speed.

Let me look upward into the branches of the towering oak and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well.

Slow me down, Lord, and inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life's enduring values. That I may grow toward the stars of our greater destiny.

— Orin L. Crain

A Prayer for Daily Comfort

As I go to work, be with me Lord.

Be the patience when I’m frustrated.

Be the endurance when I am tired.

Be the wisdom when I am uncertain.

Be the inspiration when I’m out of ideas.

Be the peacemaker when I feel hurt.

Be the comforter when I feel overwhelmed.

Be the energy when I am weary.

Be the guide when I am confused.

Be the forgiver when I get it wrong.

Be with me Lord, today.

  A Prayer for Healing Stress

Father, please grant me peace of mind, and calm my troubled heart. My soul is so uneasy. I can't seem to find my balance, so I stumble and worry constantly. Give me the strength and clarity of mind to find my purpose and walk the path You've laid out for me. I trust Your love and know that you will heal this stress that I just can't seem to shake. Just as the sun rises each day against the dark of night, please bring me clarity with the light of the Holy Father.

Amen

Wilma’s Words of Reflection and Prayers

Mary is the mother, and a mother worries above all about the health of her children, she knows how to care for them always with great and tender love. Our Lady guards our health. What does this mean: Our Lady guards our health? I think above all of three things: she helps us grow, to confront life, to be free.” 

Pope Francis

Virgin Mary, the first call that God issued to you, that God issues to us, is to let God love us. We are used to having to pay for everything. Also, we find it hard to believe that God offers us freely all that he is. Mother of Divine Love, teach us to receive from God and from others with the simplicity and wonder of a child’s heart.
Amen.

*God of creation, you formed me for a purpose. I thank you that you never give up on me. Help me always to be attentive to you. Amen.

*Generous God, you care for my every need, lead me to care for your creation and for other people with a heart of joy. Amen.

*Loving God, let me not take our relationship for granted. Help me to be faithful to you and to meet the challenges and tasks of my daily routine. Amen.

*From 3 Minute Retreat-Loyola Press

  An Imperfect Heart

This is the very perfection of a person, to find out our own imperfections.

St. Augustine

Humanity is a mixture of blunders. That’s what makes it so charming, so interesting to be around. Because none of us is complete, we all need one another. It’s only when we convince ourselves that we are the fullness of all that is, that we become spiritually poor.

The nice thing about being human is that you get to fail a lot. Value that; it’s priceless. It gives us such respect for everybody else. The reason clowns and slapstick comedians are so popular is that, if truth were known, we all see in them the parts of ourselves we try hard to hide. When we take ourselves too seriously, we forget that the only thing we know for sure that’s eternal is God.

Making mistakes is part of the growth process. We must learn to be much gentler about this with other people. We must also learn to be gentler with ourselves. Otherwise, what we expect of ourselves, we will expect of everybody else. And that can be tragic. For all of us.

Never be afraid to admit that you “don’t know” or “can’t find” or “couldn’t do” something. Our imperfections and inabilities are the only thing we have that gives us the right to the support of the rest of the human race. 

The gift of knowing what we lack is the gift we have to give to the abilities of others. As the Irish proverb says, “It is in the shelter of each other that the people live.”

Excerpt from Aspects of the Heart by Sr. Joan Chittister

It is the hope of the Life Members that you will share these prayers 

and reflections with others who need support and encouragement.

May each of us always be aware that we are never alone—

God is with us always.

Blessings and peace to you.

One night I had a dream…

I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord, and
Across the sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene I noticed two  sets of footprints in the sand; One belonged to me, and the other to  the Lord. When the last scene of my life flashed before us, I looked  back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that many times along the  path of my life, There was only one set of footprints.

I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest
and saddest times in my life
This really bothered me, and I questioned the Lord about it.
“Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
You would walk with me all the way;
But I have noticed that during the
most troublesome times in my life,
There is only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why in times when I
needed you the most, you should leave me.

The Lord replied, “My precious, precious
child. I love you, and I would never,
never leave you during your times of
trial and suffering.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you.