1 Albert Schweitzer was born on this day
in 1865. He became a world-famous organist
and author, and sacrificed a comfortable
life in France and Germany to
be a missionary doctor. In Africa he set
up a hospital and leper-colony for the
very poor.
2 He encouraged others to share his “reverence
for life”, growing in compassion
for life in all its forms. He wrote:
“By having reverence for life, we enter
into a spiritual relationship with the
world.”
He helped lead others to see that, with
love and compassion and respect for all
life, people would find a greater meaning
in their lives. In 1952 Doctor Albert
Schweitzer was awarded the Nobel Peace
Prize.
3 We can use a short prayer of his today -
a prayer of offering. It’s the kind of prayer
some people memorise and use from
time to time:
4 “Here, Lord, is my life.
I place it on the altar today.
Use my life as you will."

Let us pray:
Father, may our human family
not become separated from you
by building barriers of race or colour,
of religion or class.
Inspire us to recognise
that we are all made
in your image and likeness,
so that we may grow in appreciation
of all people,
and encourage each other
to grow in pride in who we are
and who we are called to be.
May we recognise your Son in our midst,
and live truly as brothers and sisters.
Amen.

For our prayer today we will use words that
are based on an ancient Chinese blessing:

May God guard us and keep us
in safety and comfort
and in health and strength,
sending us nothing but good.
May God send down
so many blessings
that the day is not long enough
for them all.
Amen.

Let us pray:
Father,
I ask you
to help me to be generous
when I think
of the attitude and actions of others.
Forgiving someone
isn’t an easy option,
and I know that forgiveness
isn’t somehow pretending
that something wrong
hasn’t happened.
For what I have done wrong,
forgive me Father,
to the extent
that I am generous in forgiving -
or hoping to forgive -
those who have done wrong to me.
Amen.

1 Today sees the start of the Week of Prayer
for Christian Unity.
2 Pope John XXIII (the twenty-third) was
Pope in the early 1960s and he did a lot
for world peace at the time of the Cuban
Missile Crisis that almost became World
War III. He is also well-known for being
very keen to bring closer together Christians
of different churches. He said:
“In essential things - unity;
in unimportant things - freedom;
in all things - charity.”
3 The end of Church Unity Week on the
25th is the anniversary (in 1959) of the
announcement by Pope John that he
would call together all the Catholic bishops
across the world to look at bringing
the Church up-to-date, “to let in some air
and blow away the dust”. That meeting
would be called “The Second Vatican
Council”
4 Pope John wrote a prayer which we will
make our own today:
“Renew in our own days
your miracles
like a second Pentecost.
Grant that the Church,
re-united in prayer,
may extend the kingdom of Jesus
- a kingdom of truth and justice,
of love and peace.
Amen.”

Let’s pray for our school community
that, students and teachers together,
we may learn to recognise the face of
God in others today.
Father,
teach us to recognise your face
in the people
you put into our lives today.
Amen

Let us pray:
God our Father,
with the gifts you have given to us
we have responsibilities and duties.
Inspire us to take the initiative
in treating others
as we would like them to treat us.
Amen

Let us pray:
Lord,
inspire me to live in such a way
that I always give of my best
and be welcoming and generous
towards others. Amen.

“If only I’d known, I’d have given my best.”

Let us pray:
God our Father,
you call each of us by name,
and you treasure each of us
individually
as though no-one else exists.
Inspire us
to respect and value
each person
who comes into our lives this day.
Amen.

Let us pray:
Lord, whilst I pray
for peace and goodwill in our world,
I ask you to help me
to change my own attitude
for the better,
so that peace and goodwill
may start with the way I behave
towards those who have hurt me.
Inspire me to be as generous to others
as I would like them to be with me.
Amen.

The regular prayer is not applicable.

You Never Gave Up On Me

I often said you didn’t exist
Because my eyes wouldn’t see
I may have given up on you lord
But you never gave up on me

When troubles happened in my life
I would hang my head and cry
You let these happen to me
And at times I wondered why

I was quick to say if there was a God
He wouldn’t let these happen to me
I may have given up on you lord
But you never gave up on me

At many times during my life
When the troubles were hard to bear
I forgot the teachings of my youth
And said you were not there

I’ve heard your word again dear Lord
And my eyes they finally see
I thank you every day of my life
That you never gave up on me

- - by William A. Predeau

A Candle

Sit down and light a candle
Watch the flame, a story it will tell
Bringing back the secrets
Of memories you know so well
The flame will waver up and down
Reaching high and drifting low
Its movement will vary slowly
As the air begins gently to flow
When the flame moves upward
It depicts the highs in our life
Then flickering low once again
Tells of occasional strife

A lighted candle brings back memories
Of yesterday's peace and joy we felt
Priceless memories live once again
As we watch the candle melt
Light a candle and watch it burn
And reminisce as old memories return
Give thanks to God in heaven above
For all sweet memories of love

- - Glenna M. Baugh

I didn't know which one to post, so I posted both.

Let us pray, using some words of blessing
that Paul wrote to the Christians in Corinth:

May the life of the Lord Jesus,
and the love of God the Father,
and the companionship of the Holy Spirit
be with us all. Amen.

1 Yesterday was the Feast of the Conversion
of Saint Paul. We’re going to listen
to some words that Paul wrote to the
Christians living in Rome, and we’ll use
his words to reflect and pray today:
2 Do not let your love be a sham,
but be sincere
in choosing good rather than evil.
Have warm affection for one another
as Christian brothers and sisters.
3 Be committed and enthusiastic
as you work for the Lord,
being happy and cheerful
as you place your trust in him.
Live in God’s presence
and keep on praying.
When difficulties arise, be patient.
Set out to welcome others
and be generous with those in need.
Don’t curse others; bless them,
even when they
have not been good to you.
Do all you can to live in peace
with everyone.
Support and encourage others
by rejoicing with those who are happy,
and sharing the sadness
of those who are in sorrow.
Never look down on another person,
but always be positive
in your attitude to others.
Be as concerned
for those who can do nothing for you
in return
as for those who are very close to you.
Break the cycle of evil
- conquer it with goodness.
(Romans 129-18,21)

Let us pray:
Lord, we ask you to inspire us
to encourage others
by what we say and do today.
Amen.

1 On this day in 1986 the United States’
Space Shuttle “Challenger” roared into
the sky from Cape Canaveral in Florida.
The world’s TV cameras were focused on
the rocket as it carried five men and two
women. One of the women, Christa
McAuliffe (a high school teacher), had
won a contest to be the first “ordinary
person” in space.
2 Millions of people watched live on television
as, suddenly, a minute after blastoff,
“Challenger” exploded
3 In a speech to the people of the United
States, President Ronald Reagan quoted
a few lines from a poem written by a 19-
year old British Second World War pilot,
John Magee, who was killed in an air-collision
in 1941 just three months after writing
the poem. John Magee captures something
of the spirit and adventure of flying,
and talks of having put out his hand and
touched the face of God. We’ll use his
poem to reflect and pray today:
4 Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies
on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed,
and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred
things
You have not dreamed of
- wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there
I’ve chased the shouting wind along,
and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights
with easy grace,
Where never lark, or even eagle flew -
And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.

Let us pray:
God and Father of all people,
never let me look down on others
or make anyone feel inferior.
Show me how to remove any prejudices
so that
I may appreciate individuals more
for who they are.
Inspire me to live in such a way
that I may discover you
in the people I will meet today.
Amen.

Gandhi said:
“If you don’t find God
in the very next person you meet,
it is a waste of time
looking for him further.”

Let us pray:
Lord,
this day and forever,
may I have the courage
never to be afraid of anyone.
May I have the generosity
to bear ill-feeling toward no-one.
Lead me to live in such a way
as to treat others
in the same way
as I would like to be treated.
Inspire me
never to be violent
in thought, word or action,
and lead me
to conquer evil with goodness.
Amen.

“I shall not fear anyone.
I shall not bear ill-feelings toward anyone.”

John Bosco said:
“Young people should not only be loved
but they must know
that they are loved.”

Let us pray:
Lord, show me how to live today
with genuine concern for others.
In expressing my care,
may I show people
that they are valued,
loved and appreciated
for who they are.
Amen.

FEBRUARY

As art is a journey of discovery, Lord,
so may I grow more aware this day
of your life-giving presence.

And so we pray:
Lord, we come before you as we are.
We ask you to take away from us
all that makes us less than human.
Strengthen us
with the power of your Spirit
that our attitude and outlook
may develop,
and our “way of looking”
may become more like yours
Help us to remain positive -
encouraging and appreciating
one another,
looking upon people
in the same way that you do.
Amen.

A candle may be lit.
1. Today is 40 days after Christmas Day.
The feast is called “Candlemas” or “The
Presentation of the Lord”.
2 It was 40 days after the birth of Jesus
that his parents presented him to God
the Father in the Temple in Jerusalem.
At his Presentation in the Temple, Jesus
was recognised for who he was by two
people - Simeon and Anna. They were
elderly and had spent their lives growing
closer to God. Now they meet him
face to face and recognise him in their
midst.
3 Simeon prays: “Now, Master, you can let
your servant die in peace because my eyes
have seen your salvation which you have
prepared for all nations to see. He will be
a light to enlighten all people.”
4. Because Simeon referred to Jesus as the
one who brings light to all nations, candles
are lit this day, and the feastday is
often called “Candlemas”.
5 The response to our prayers will be:
May your light be reflected in us.
May your light be reflected in us.
6 Lord Jesus, 40 days after your birth
you were taken to the Temple
and presented by your parents
to God our Father.
Make us aware that we are the Temple
of your Holy Spirit who lives in us.
May your light be reflected in us
7 Simeon’s eyesight grew dim,
but he recognised who you were.
Open our eyes
that we may always recognise you
in our midst.
May your light be reflected in us
8 Simeon prophesied
that Mary would be pierced
to the heart.
As Mary stayed with Jesus
in his suffering,
we pray that we may help
those who are part of our lives.
May your light be reflected in us.
9 You said
that you are the light of the world.
May your light be reflected in us.

Let’s pray for the gift
of being able to see what is needed:
Lord, there are times
when we are so concerned
about ourselves
that we don’t think of others.
We ask for the gift of your Spirit
that we may grow in awareness
of others:
- noticing when someone is unhappy,
- sensing when there’s something
wrong for somebody,
- seeing when someone feels cut off
or isolated,
- knowing when to say the right word,
- expressing thanks and compliments,
- being thoughtful when someone is ill,
- giving words of encouragement,
- helping someone to feel welcome,
- realising when someone needs the
opportunity to talk.
May we grow in sensitivity
towards others. Amen

February 4

“Lord God,
give me such love
for you and for others
that it will blot out
all hatred and bitterness.”

February 5

Let us pray in the words of Saint Ignatius:
Teach us, good Lord,
to give and not to count the cost;
to fight and not to heed the wounds;
to toil and not to seek for rest;
to labour and to ask for no reward,
save that of knowing
that we do your will.
Amen.

As it is traditional to have a moment’s
silence at football matches whenever
there has been a disaster, let us pray in
silence for a moment - for ourselves and
for those we know who have suffered
tragedies in their lives. We pray for those
who are hurt and wounded because of
the splitting up of their family, a death,
difficulties with someone, failure, betrayal,
the loss of friends, or a serious
illness. Let us pray in silence, then, for
all who suffer in their lives…
( pause …)

Let us pray:
God our Father,
teach us to distinguish clearly
between right and wrong,
that we may grow in character
and develop a true sense of values
through following Jesus,
your Son and our Brother.
We pray, too, for all
who are in positions of leadership
in our country
that they may be inspired
by the values of the gospel.
We pray that they may live
as people of integrity and honesty,
growing in a sense
of duty and responsibility,
always being aware of the needy,
and ready to be of service to others.
Amen.

“I die the King’s good servant,
but God’s first.”

Let us pray:
Lord, we ask you to open our eyes
that we may value and appreciate
all people,
recognising what we have in common
rather than focusing
on what our differences might be.
Inspire us to distinguish
between what is important
and what is not,
and open our minds and hearts
that we may always be people
of good will
who bring life and joy to others.
Amen.

Let’s pray that each of us makes good
use of our talents, and that we set out to
work well with others:
Lord, you have enriched our lives
in many ways,
and we remember with thanksgiving
all who have loved, cared for,
and supported us over the years.
Show us how best
to use the time and talents
you have given each of us,
and lead us to grow in appreciation
of the contribution that others make.
May your Spirit empower us
to work well with others
and bring out the best
in those with whom we share our lives.
Amen.

Let us pray:
Lord, lover of life,
you know the depths
of my innermost self,
and you understand me.
You protect me on every side,
shielding me from all harm.
When you put me together carefully
in my mother’s womb,
you knew all about me.
I thank you for the wonder of myself
and I stand in awe
at all that you have made.
Guide me in your ways.
(from Psalm 138/9)

Let us pray:
Father, we pray that we may live
cheerfully and patiently and positively
both in sickness and in health.
We bring before you all who are sick
and all who care for them…
Bring healing of one kind or another
to those we know
who are ill, afraid or worried.
We think of those who suffer
from constant sickness or weakness
and those who never get well.
Father, be with them all, and be with us.
Amen.

February 12

Let us pray:
God our Father, open our eyes
that we may sense the wonder and awe
in the splendour of all your creation -
from the stars
that are large and far away,
to people and the tiniest creatures
near us each day.
Help us to become more aware
of how every living thing is special
and to be treated well.
Lead us to respect and value every person
as unique and important,
made in your image and likeness.
We ask this prayer through Jesus,
who became a human being
because you love our world so much.
Amen.

Let us pray:
God our Father,
the Bible reminds us
that your love for each of us is great
and that you are faithful for ever,
never letting us down
or forgetting your promises to us.
Inspire us to value friendship and loyalty,
that we may be faithful
to those who love and trust us.
We pray that we may live in such a way
that we may make others feel
welcome and secure.
Show us how
to look upon other people
in the same generous way
that you look upon each of us.
Extend our horizons
that we may understand better
those who are far from us.
Amen.

Let us pray:
Father, we read in the Bible
that the best way to describe you
is to use the word “Love”.
Your love for mankind is so great
that you sent Jesus, your Son,
to live as one of us.
We pray that we may appreciate
and value one another.
God of love,
lead us to grow in love. Amen

Let us pray:
God our Father,
there are many difficulties
and challenges in life,
and we see or experience
more of them
each day we live.
Give us the power of your Holy Spirit
that we may have courage and
determination,
and may live in such a way
that we encourage one another.
Enable us to transform
whatever is negative,
and remain positive in attitude
throughout our lives.
Lighten our darkness
and keep us safe. Amen.

Let us pray:
Lord Jesus,
as you touched
the eyes of the blind man,
touch us
so that our eyes may be opened
so that we can “really see”
the many wonderful things around us
and in our own lives.
Amen.

Let us pray:
Inspire us, Lord,
to take the gospel more seriously,
that we may be credible witnesses
of your love. Amen.

Let us pray:
God our Father,
give us the power of your Spirit
that we may see and love in others
what you see and love in them.
We want to see the positive in people
and bring out the best in each other.
It’s easy to say that,
but not always easy to live it out,
and so we ask you
to help and inspire us
to live as you would like us to live
this day.
Amen.

Let us pray to be appreciative
of all who influence our lives,
including many whom we will never
meet:
God our Father, I thank you today
for those people
whom I will never know
who make my life better
for what they offer
- those far away, and those very near.
More and more
may I come to appreciate and respect
everyone who is a part of my life.
Amen.

Let us pray:
God our Father,
we pray that we may grow
in such a way
as to be welcoming to other people,
and generous in every way
to those people we don’t agree with.
Lead us to appreciate others
in the same way
that we would like to be appreciated.
Never let us look down on others,
or consider anyone
to be less than ourselves.
Show us how to be open-minded
and able to learn from each other
so that, together,
we may grow as the people
you invite us to be.
Amen.

Voltaire’s words were:
“I do not agree with what you say,
but I would be prepared to die
to defend your right to say it.”

Let us pray:

Dear God,

I am powerless and my life is unmanageable without
your help and guidance. I come to you today because
I believe that You can restore and anew me to meet my
needs today.

Since I cannot manage my life and affairs,
I have decided to give them to You.
I put my life, my will, my thoughts,
my desires and ambitions in Your hands.
I give You all of me: the good and the bad,
the character defects and shortcomings,
my selfishness, resentments and problems.
I know that You will work them out in accordance
with Your plan.

Such as I am, take and use me in Your service.
Guide and direct my ways and show me what to
do for You. I cannot control or change my friends
or loved ones, so I release them into Your care
for Your loving hands to do with as You will.
Just keep me loving and free from judging them.
If they need changing, God You'll have to do it; I can't.
Just make me willing and ready to be of service to You,
to have my shortcomings removed, and to do my best.

Help me to see how I have harmed others and make me
willing to make amends to them all. Keep me ever mindful
of thoughts and actions that harm myself and others,
and which separate me from Your light, love and spirit.
And when I commit these errors, make me aware of them
and help me to admit each one promptly.

I am seeking to know You better, to love You more.
I am seeking the knowledge of Your will for me and the
power to carry it out. Lord, teach me patience, and
remind me that it is hard work, but well worth the labor.
Guide me in all I do to remember that waiting is the
answer to some of my prayers, and that when I need
You, You will be there to help me.

Amen ~ Amen