Morning Prayers
God of all goodness, open my eyes today to your presence in the people I meet, the beauty I encounter and the challenges I face. Inspire me to turn to you when I am tempted to harden my heart toward those who differ from me and forgive me when I fail. Amen.
Loving God, so much of what this day might hold is unknown to me. But you are not unknown to me. You are a familiar and loving presence in whom I place my trust. Accompany me with tenderness and care today and draw my attention to the things that matter. Amen.
Like beautiful, fragrant flowers along a welcoming path, your blessings lie before me, dear God. You have graced me with another chance to walk in your garden. I pray for the strength to stay on your path, that I might enjoy the sweet scent of your presence as you walk with me. Amen.
Evening Prayers
Enlightening God, we were a people lost in the darkness of sin until you sent us your son, the Light of the World. And so it seems foreign to welcome the darkness. Yet we need to do so that we may rest. Guide us through this night, we pray, that we may awake tomorrow ready to walk in your light again. Amen.
Gentle Shepherd, some nights I feel lost. The stress of the day has passed, but in the quiet, I still cannot find peace. Guide me in your ways, I pray, reminding me to be not afraid, helping me to discover anew that I may rest in you. I pray that all who are lost will seek you out and find your unconditional love. Amen.
Gracious God, may we find peace this night as the fears that bind us are transformed into trust. As we prepare to let go of this day, we hand over to you the fruits of our labors, entrusting our unfinished work to you. We place ourselves in the care of your protective angels. Into your hands we offer our lives. Amen.
Prayers for Fathers
Father of All, in your graciousness, you have bestowed upon earthly fathers the joys and the responsibilities of fatherhood. Help those who serve as fathers to do so lovingly, mirroring your divine love. Strengthen them on their faith journey, I pray, so that they may gently guide their children ever closer to you, our heavenly Father. Amen.
Holy God, thank you for being our Heavenly Father. May every earthly father learn from your examples of devotion, protection, provision, forgiveness, guidance, discipline, kindness and generosity. Fill the hearts of fathers with abundant love and desire for you. Grant that they guide their children in the ways of peace and faithfulness. May fathers everywhere know your divine love and raise their children to know and follow you. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I pray. Amen.
Prayer for God’s Will to Be Done
O Father, the first rule of our dear Savior’s life was to do your will. Let his will of the present moment be the first rule of our daily life and work, with no other desire but for its most full and complete accomplishment. Help us to follow it faithfully so that doing what you wish, we will be pleasing to you. Amen.
—St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Prayer While Processing Grief
Comforting Father, even with our faith, we still grieve. Though grieving is natural, we try to avoid it. Walk with us, we pray, as we adapt to this fundamental shift in our lives. Comfort us in our sorrow and strengthen us as we go through these dark days. We pray that our loved one, through your grace, will be at peace with you in your heavenly kingdom. Amen.
Prayer for Contentment
God of abundance, you provide for me as you do for the birds and the lilies. And yet, while I know worrying will not add a single moment to my life span, I still struggle with anxiety about things that are not in my control. Help me to take the next step. Help relieve me of worry over what comes after that, for I know, in faith, that you will provide what I truly need. Amen.
