Prayer Corner: Jubilee

Week 1 - 10/13/2024

Purpose of the Prayer Corner - to expand our prayer life and strengthen our relationship with God.

Gratitude is the focus of this Thanksgiving Weekend.

Heavenly Father, we gather today with hearts filled with gratitude. This meal we share reminds us of the endless blessings You’ve bestowed upon us. We pray in thanksgiving not only for this food we share but in all the ways You’ve showed us Your love. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

(Source Hallow App)

Week 2 - 10/20/2024

Prayer is the spiritual breath of life for a Christian. It involves communication with our Heavenly Father through his Son, by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is a simple conversation with God. He just wants to hear our voice as we open our hearts to Him.

A Prayer to Focus on God

God, thank you for all the wonderful things you have done in my life. Sometimes when my circumstances are hard, I can forget about Your goodness. In those moments, help me to keep my focus on You. Amen.

1Thessalonians 5: 16-18

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Week 3 - 10/27/2024

Why do we pray?

We pray to develop a relationship with God and to remain in Christ. Pope Francis says “that prayer is the first strength of hope. You pray and hope grows, it moves forward. I would say that prayer opens the door to hope.”

These are the rewards of prayer. When we pray, we receive God’s peace. (Phil.4:6-7) We also receive his joy. (John 16:24)

God, from Your love I can experience the fruit of Your Spirit. These fruits are natural outpouring of knowing You and Your love. Help me to be more joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, and faithful. Deepen my relationship with You so that Your fruit becomes a natural part of my life. Amen

Week 4 - 11/03/2024

When do I pray?

Any time! You can pray on your own or with others anywhere. But when you do, pray with humility and reverence to God our Father. Prayers can also be sung, or be part of your Scripture reading. Sit in silence waiting on his presence and invite the Holy Spirit to come. He promises to hear you when you call. Pope Francis “encourages us to find moments of prayer in all the circumstances we are called to face, whether in the joys or challenges of life.”

Prayer to Invite the Holy Spirit

Thank you, God, for the gift of the Holy Spirit – a gift to be part of your family. Help me to strengthen my connection with you through prayer.

Romans 8:26

“And as well as this, the Spirit too comes to help us in our weakness, for when we do not know how to pray properly then the Spirit personally makes our petitions for us in groans that cannot be put into words;”

Week 5 - 11/10/2024

What does remembrance mean to you?

The Church recognizes the month of November as a time to remember departed souls in our prayer intentions and pray for those who, as the priest prays during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, “have gone before us with the sign of faith.”

Pope Francis said on All Souls' Day, that the day brought to mind “the people who went before us”, both “those who did good” and “those who did not do so much good, but … were received in God's mercy.” At the same time, he suggested, the Commemoration recalled “hope, which is memory looking forward.” Lastly, we also need to pray for peace “so that people will no longer kill each other in wars.”

What is the prayer for all souls for the month of November?

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Acts 6:4

“...but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and the ministry of the word.” 

Week 6 - 11/17/2024

Creating an intentional prayer setting at home

Prayer is not restricted to a church building. You can pray anywhere—while taking a walk or sitting in your car. The focus this week is to create a quiet area in your home for a prayer sanctuary. You can pray alone here. If you have children, involve them in deciding where the family could pray together. You may already be praying at mealtime and bedtime, but you can pray for a special celebration with a candle. Parents model the importance of prayer for their children. They learn from what you do. Pray to the Father, through the Son and by the Holy Spirit.

The prayers do not have to be long. Three simple tips: Keep it real, keep it simple, and keep it going. These three words – Thank you, Sorry and Please are a guide to help you (TSP). You may also pray the Rosary or Our Father with the children.

JESUS, Son of God and Son of Mary, bless our family. Graciously inspire in us the unity, peace, and mutual love that you found in your own family in the little town of Nazareth. MARY, Mother of Jesus and Our Mother, nourish our family with your faith and your love.

Romans 8:26

“Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”