September 2021: Prayers and Reflections
Prayers and Reflections for September
World Day of Prayer for the care of Creation
1 September
A Prayer for our Earth
All powerful God,
you are present in the universe
and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love,
that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with your peace, that we may live
as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor,
help us to rescue the abandoned
and forgotten of this earth,
so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives,
that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty,
not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts
of those who look only for gain
at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognize that we are profoundly united
with every creature
as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle,
for justice, love and peace.
(Laudato Si’)
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A Prayer for the Synodal Pathway
Lord of all hopefulness, as we embark on this journey together,
may we listen and discern and be guided by the Holy Spirit, who constantly breathes new life into our world, our hearts, our families, homes and parishes.
May renewal and reform, fresh hope and healing come for all people of God in Ireland.
By virtue of our baptism may we each play our part in transforming the church through a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit which is your gift and promise, upon our land.
Grant us the encouragement we need to bring faith, hope and love in abundance to meet the challenges before us and to fulfil the Church’s mission of proclaiming to the world, God’s love and salvation in Jesus Christ.
A Mhuire Mháthair, mother of the Church, guard and guide us on our pilgrim way. Amen.
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Our Lady of Sorrows o 15 September
Reflect upon the Seven Sorrows of Mary
1. The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:34-35)
2. The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-21)
3. The Loss of Jesus for Three Days (Luke 2:41-50)
4. The Carrying of the Cross (John 19:17)
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:18-30)
6. Jesus Taken Down from the Cross (John 19:39-40)
7. Jesus Laid in the Tomb (John 19:39-42)
O Lord, we call upon You in our time of sorrow, that You give us the strength and will to bear our heavy burdens, until we can again feel the warmth and love of Your divine compassion.
Be mindful of us and have mercy on us while we struggle to comprehend life’s hardships.
Mary, Mother of Sorrows, pray for us.
Amen.
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