Prayer

Ordinary Time Prayer for School

Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
Our first family of faith,
we come before you as a family of faith
in this school, this community, our neighbourhood.

In all that you ask us to do,
give us generous hearts.

When we find things difficult,
give us compassion,
and when others struggle
may we give them our time and our care.

When things go well,
help us to remember
that you make us the people we are.
May we never forget to thank you.

Keep us in your care,
show us the right path
and lead us as pilgrims
to the Joy of your Kingdom.

Amen.
 
A prayer for those preparing for exams this summer

Lord God,
You give us life,
you bestow many gifts upon us,
in our uniqueness.

We pray especially during these days for young people
who are preparing to take exams this summer.

Give to them a spirit of peace and the knowledge of your love for them.
Do not let them be overwhelmed, but give them the courage to do their best,
and the reassurance that you are with them,
and that they have no need of fear.

Help us all to know that we co-operate with you to shape our life.
Give us true vision to see the purpose of these days,
that we may come to rejoice when exams are over
and the next chapter of our life begins. 

But let us not wish time away.
May every day be known in its sacredness.
May we live in your presence always.

You believe in us.
May we believe in you and trust in your goodness.

Through Christ our Lord.
Amen. 

A Reflection before the Blessed Sacrament

Outside the church the noisy traffic flows past. 
People rush hither and thither. 
But I have left that world behind 
and I am here before you, Lord. 
I do not exclude my brothers and sisters. 
I bring them with me, 
for I know that they are equally dear to you. 
I have nothing. 
Yet I know that because I have you, 
I have everything. I close my mind and open my heart, and so I am at peace. 
Here I experience my true worth, which consists, 
not in my possessions or achievements, 
but in knowing that I am loved by you.

Sub tuum

Sub tuum praesidium confugimus, Sancta Dei Genetrix. 
Nostras deprecationes ne despicias in necessitatibus, 
sed a periculis cunctis libera nos semper, 
Virgo gloriosa et benedicta. Amen.

We fly to thy protection, O holy Mother of God.
Despise not our petitions in our necessities,
but deliver us always from all dangers
O glorious and blessed Virgin.

This prayer, first found in c. 300, is the oldest known prayer to the Virgin.