Sometimes in the rush of life
The prayer which most often escapes our lips is: God help us! So, God of all creation, You who made the stars and the heavens, Who created such wondrous gifts for this planet, And created women and men in your own image, Help us! Each time we utter that plea, aloud or in our hearts; in hope, or in exasperation, Know that we are opening ourselves to your unending love. Help us to stop and take time: Time to look deeply at the world you have created, and give thanks. Time to be with one another, in our families, long enough to appreciate each others’ joys and sorrows, and know in the depths of our hearts, in the comfort of our kitchens, and in the serenity of our sheds and gardens, that we do not journey alone. And from this strength, face calmly the turmoils that arise. Help us to value the work of our hands, minds and hearts, as a way of participating in your ongoing creation, as a way of building relationships and building a more just society. Give us the insight and courage to build a society where everyone shares the riches of the earth and the wealth of our endeavours. Help us to reach out to those less fortunate than ourselves: Indigenous families, asylum seekers and refugees, people who are homeless, or living in poverty, families struggling to meet the needs of those with a disability. Jesus, your Son, knew the reality of living in a family. Together they knew the harsh reality of a forced journey to Bethlehem and then to Egypt. In Nazareth he learnt the grind and delight of daily work. Through him we pray for all families, that we may all live life to the full and that we all, in our families, Church and society, work tirelessly to bring this about. We make our prayer through Jesus your Son in the company of his family. God, help us. Amen. Taken from : http://www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au/spirituality-for-justice/prayers |
Prayer to the Holy Family
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, in you we contemplate the splendour of true love; to you we turn with trust. Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer, authentic schools of the Gospel and small domestic churches. Holy Family of Nazareth, may families never again experience violence, rejection and division; may all who have been hurt or scandalised find ready comfort and healing. Holy Family of Nazareth, make us once more mindful of the sacredness and inviolability of the family, and its beauty in God’s plan. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Graciously hear our prayer. Amen. GIVEN IN ROME, AT SAINT PETER’S, DURING THE EXTRAORDINARY JUBILEE OF MERCY, 2016 Resources
MY FAMILY, MY FAITH - Provider by The Catholic Archdiocese
of Canberra and Goulburn Amoris Laetitia - The joy of Love Pope Francis, Post-Synodal, Apostolic Exhortation (2016) "We welcome this teaching from Pope Francis as the fruit of the synodal process started by him more than two years ago—a process that has inspired in our Church, and indeed all over the world, a renewed attention to the importance of marriage and the family for all of society," said Bishop Richard J. Malone of Buffalo, New York, chairman of the Committee. "I encourage all Catholics, especially those living the vocation of marriage and family life, to take time to read and study the exhortation as a pastoral guide to the great calling of marriage in the Lord." Website |