When she was 15, my eldest daughter, Maire, getting ready for Confirmation, volunteered for the Children’s Liturgy at our parish. Small children would file out of mass with cute music just before the readings. They would be led into a little side room where volunteers read the Gospel to them in a way they could understand. My daughter, Maire loved little kids. She was perfect for this ministry. She loved little kids she met or played with so much she would write their names on her notebooks with hearts and other designs equally sweet.
She came in to teach the kids when it was her turn. It was nearing the end of Advent. The adults looked nervous when this little goth girl came in to work with the kids. The first thing she did is ask them what they wanted for Christmas and let them talk about that. Then she asked them, “What does Jesus want for Christmas? It’s his birthday! What do you think he would like best?” Visible relief on adult faces around the room.
But this is a really good question. What does he want? I think one thing leads to another and covers everything and that’s “making time to be alone with the One who [you] know loves [you.”] (St. Teresa of Avila). I think this because making that time, being with him, leads us to all of the other things he likes, such as transformation in him, generosity, love that leads to service. He wants YOU for Christmas.
As Mother Teresa of Calcutta wrote:
The fruit of Silence is Prayer. The fruit of Prayer is Faith. The fruit of Faith is Love. The fruit of Love is Service. The fruit of Service is Peace.
When we make time to be alone and quiet with the One Who we know loves us, our faith is deepened as we come to know Jesus more intimately. Love expands in us as we cultivate a deeper relationship with him, and this love pours out naturally in service.
So what does Jesus want for Christmas? You, of course. Your time, your love, your attentiveness, your quiet heart (yes you can have a quiet heart), your receptivity to him.
Do we have to pray at Church to carve out this time for Jesus? In the presence of the Blessed Sacrament is always a great place to pray. However, no. Anywhere you can be alone for a while is good.
As someone who was a single parent for many years, I know how hard it can be to find any alone time. You can, though. You just have to be creative and flexible that’s all. He can work withy whatever time you have. You can pray in the car if you arrive early somewhere. I love it when I am ten minutes early. Since I have social anxiety it helps a lot to get someplace early and take that time to sit with Jesus for a while before dealing with people.
I confess I also hid in the tree house sometimes once the kids were older. Just for a while. I could still hear them.
I did all this getting up early so I had time to pray, or staying up late to do so, or praying in silence on my break at work because once you get in the habit of silent prayer, it’s something you want very much to do. I cherished that time with Jesus, even if out of necessity it had to be short.
After a while I came to love prayer because I knew he wanted me there. He really was the One who I knew loved me and it made him happy for me to stop what I was doing and set aside time for him.
St. Teresa of Avila said that if we can get into the habit of the Prayer of recollection we will “attain what we desire in six months.” What do we desire from prayer? What do we long for most from God?
I love this quote from the poet Hafiz
Ask the Friend for love.
Ask him again.
For I have learned that every heart will get
What it prays for
Most.
I think we are made for love and we know God is love. Any trouble we could take to give the Lord our time is infinitely worth it. As St. Teresa says, “life is like a night at a bad inn.” But Jesus is forever.
So go into your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father in secret. The Son and the Holy Spirit will come and live with you.
*I am including a guide to the Prayer of Recollection I wrote some years ago. My new little book about the Prayer of Recollection is out right now, Meeting the One Who loves you; the way of prayer of St. Teresa of Avila, and available from Our Sunday Visitor Bookstore as well as Amazon and Barnes and Noble or whatever you buy books.
One of the best tools I have ever found to form new habits is the book Atomic Habits by James Clear
I am quite neuron-divergent in several ways and forming a new habit is sooooooo difficult for me. My favorite idea from that book was to commit to two minutes daily to this new thing you want to start doing. You won’t be overwhelmed by two minutes at all for anything. It won’t see like such a big deal to you to sit down with Jesus for only two minutes at the same time each day. Stay with the two minutes until you are into the swing of it and then you’re off! Start adding to it little by little.
How long should you pray? My personal goal has always been thirty minutes at a time daily. After years of the practice of interior prayer, it’s not a big deal to pray that long. In fact I add in little snippets of it where I can through the day. I think of them like flowers tucked into a rock wall here and there with a little moss. You have the nice strong wall at the cornerstone of your 30 minutes of interior prayer, and then these pretty little flowers modestly adorning it; your few minutes here and there in the car in a parking lot, between jobs, a few minutes before bed, or after evening prayer or after mass.
The rewards of this little habit are like water to the soul. All your other practices of faith are immeasurably deepened. Your faith will mean more to you than ever and not in a weird way that makes you annoying to other people, but in a way that flows out with honest love to everything and everyone in your life. Most of all it makes the Lord so happy and you will grow so much closer to him.
As St. John of the Cross wrote, “In the evening of your life you will be judged on love; so love, the way God wants, and leave off your own way of acting.” This makes me chuckle a little. We all have our own little ideas about what is the most holy thing to do and sometimes it’s not what we thought. He seems to like the simple things. “Sit down with me, and let yourself be loved.” Or as our St. Teresa said, “I am only asking you to look at him.”
Come, and you will see. Advent is the perfect time for this; to cherish Jesus within you as Mary did, to ponder the Lord in our hearts, to reflect him as she did, love him as she did. Right here. It’s the perfect gift.
How like a widow is she, who once was great among the nations! She who was queen among the provinces has now become a slave
Lamentations 3:5
God of compassion, we bring into your presence all that weighs on our hearts this week, especially the human suffering and the most frightening things we see and hear of in the news daily. We gather these headlines not to dwell in despair or fear, but to bring them into the refuge of your healing presence.
Deep Focus
To crush underfoot all prisoners in the land,
to deny people their rights before the Most High,
to deprive them of justice — would not the Lord see such things?
Lamentations 3:34-36
Beloved Father, you have seen so much worse than what is happening now. You have grieved with and over so many of your children over the millennia, as galaxies slowly spin on their axis, as stars are born and then burn low, you have been all seeing and all pervading. You watch the tiniest births on earth of little mice, the hatching of minuscule spiders from their mother’s wrappings, of every caterpillar spinning its cocoon. As its tiny body is falling asleep in darkness, you are there. You know our human minds and hearts too are so small, and that they are broken for our country and the loss we are going through now of the way it was. Remind us, Lord, show us that we are brave as well as broken hearted, that even our grieving the brilliant experiment of America, that we still believe. We are so little, Lord God, so small. But you make our prayers and our smallest actions BIG. We trust that you will guide us and give us courage and strength through the fight ahead, through the times we need our chrysalis to gather strength from you. This week when we hear about the next awful thing our government has done, we will stop and remind ourselves that those people, too, fall, as they eventually must. You remain You, God of all times and places, of all people and all things, and to you we belong forever in life and in death. Nothing can touch that. Until then may we hope, believe and be courageous in all that we do.
*Take a moment to close your eyes and sit in the midst of the stars with God. What does he show you? Does he say anything to you? What do you want to say to him?
Other Intercessions/headlines of this week
Consider the covenant, for the dark places of the land are full of violence
Psalm 74:20
*Another public shooting, more hideous ICE violence, more violent and hateful rhetoric, Lord, more troops sent to American cities and authorized to shoot. It’s hard not to freak out. Help us cultivate courage every day so that if there comes a time we must meet with violent injustice we will be able to access the inner peace we need to act with bravery and love. Prepare our hearts for nonviolent action. Help us find ways we can help our country, the defenseless, the persecuted, ourselves. May we return again and again to you who are all things good, the source of all life and dignity.
*We thank you for all the times this week that freedom and the truth have prevailed over hate and oppression. It’s been beautiful and Lord we needed that. Remind us of the good news we saw in the world and fill us with hope. There are still wonderful people doing great and caring things. There are still comedians who make us laugh. There is still just enough freedom of the press for us to know what is happening if we want to. We still have friends and love and music. May we lift our hearts daily to you to let the sun shine in and fill our thoughts with all that is good.
*We pray for the hungry and those living with war, especially South Sudan on the verge of famine, Gaza far past the breaking point, and Ukraine fighting for its life against the invading army of Russia.
*We pray for immigrants living in fear of ICE, for God’s cherished black children in America, for LGBTQ people, and our president’s political and personal enemies, all who are persecuted by this administration in various ways. Protect them, Lord, defend them, and show us who are not undergoing persecution how we may be called to join you in the fight.
*Let us remember that hate will never win, that our country is not lost because our country has us. And you have us too, Lord. Show us your will, grant us the power to carry it out, and we will have all we need.
Closing Blessing
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
Lamentations 3:22
God, in the moments when the news overwhelms, steady our spirits with the reminder that you hold the world- sun and star, nation and neighbor, beetle and bug, atom and quark, as well as our frightened hearts in your hands and that you remain you even if worlds fall. May your peace shape our hearts, your justice and love shape our actions this week. Lead us in your ways. We ask all these things in your Name, in your honor, and for love of you and our brothers and sisters. Amen
O LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear To vindicate the orphan and the oppressed, So that man who is of the earth will no longer cause terror.
Psalm 107:17-18
Opening Invocation
God of compassion, we bring into your presence all that weighs on our hearts this week, especially the human suffering and the most frightening things we see and hear of in the news daily. We gather these headlines not to dwell in despair or fear, but to bring them into the refuge of your healing presence.
Deep Focus
Many seek the ruler’s favor, But justice for man comes from the LORD.
Proverbs 29:26
Lord, we have had a scare about the possible end of free speech in our country this week. Our media is capitulating to tyranny and even loyalists to the administration are starting to worry. Peaceful protestors are thrown to the ground, comedians who make fun of the president are silenced, newspapers tone down what’s happening and oppression is becoming normalized. We’re kind of freaked out. Real justice comes from you, Lord, as well as the strength to oppose what is wrong. May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing to you, O God. We pray that freedom of speech be protected as part of respecting the dignity of the human person and human rights. Let us never be afraid to speak up when not to do so would disappoint you who love us so much.
*Spend a few quiet moments with Jesus, drawing strength from his presence. Maybe it feels like warmth. Maybe it is like light. Maybe it is like being grounded. Maybe it is living water you drink. However you perceive it, let the Lord share his strength with you.
Other Intercessions/headlines of this week
Thus says the LORD, “Do justice and righteousness, and deliver the one who has been robbed from the power of his oppressor. Also do not mistreat or do violence to the immigrant, the orphan, or the widow; and do not shed innocent blood in this place.
Jeremiah 22:3
Again, Lord, our military blew up a boat full of people on the high seas without provocation, without proof of wrongdoing, without due process or warning. This is hard to understand. We pray for the souls of each of those people, and a clear resolution of what is happening. May there be no more killing by our government, God of righteousness, especially without true cause.
Immigrants continue to be rounded up and some are dying in detention when they are denied medical care or medication their lives depend on. These raids are becoming more and more violent. How do we help, Lord? What do we do? Send us your Spirit and give us the peace of inner conviction. Grant us the knowledge of when and how to act on their behalf. Show us openings in our days to do or say something, a mind that is open, a heart that is good. Bless our efforts and open doors before us. Let us run lightly and with great confidence in your paths. Bend our hearts according to your will so that we may be truly free and help you free others.
Protect, Lord, our politicians and leaders, no matter who they are or what they believe in, from political violence. Stabilize our nation. Help us dialog without compromising our values. Help us be open to all that is right whoever it comes from. Grant us peace in our country so we can understand the problems we face.
We are living with a president who loves vengeance and is obviously on a vendetta. Are we taking his attitude toward opposition? Are we becoming mean or hateful? Do we hope for retribution? Lord do not allow us to become bitter but help us to become better. Help us to stand against evil without taking on its characteristics of violence, lies, distortion and hate. We pray for our president also that he will be healed of all the things that make him so hateful and unhappy. Grant him the peace and joy of love and forgiveness instead, and we ask this for ourselves as well.
We continue to pray for the Palestinian people who are being bombed and starved. We pray for those trapped in Gaza City, or who could find no safety anywhere. Lord, speak to your people. May the violent relent. May there be lasting and just peace in Palestine and Israel, in Ukraine and Russia, everywhere there is the hell on earth of war.
We pray for free and fair election, for peaceful transfers of power.
We pray for the protection of protestors and those who resist, that they will be protected from violence and interference, that their voices will be heard.
We pray for free speech, for the freedom of information and knowledge in our schools and universities, for the freedom to learn the history of marginalized people, for the freedom for scientific inquiry.
We pray for the health of the public, for proper information about health so people can make good decisions for themselves and those in their care.
We pray for our Republic which is under great stress right now. May we see freedom reign. May our country stand for everything it thinks it stands for. Amen amen, let us be a free people in all the ways that are good.
Closing blessing
God, in the moments when the news overwhelms, steady our spirits with the reminder that you hold the world- sun and star, nation and neighbor, beetle and bug, atom and quark, as well as our frightened hearts in your hands and that you remain you even if worlds fall. May your peace shape our hearts, your justice and love shape our actions this week. Lead us in your ways. We ask all these things in your Name, in your honor, and for love of you and our brothers and sisters. Amen
For you are all children of light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or the darkness.
1 Thessalonians 5:5
God of compassion, we bring into your presence all that weighs on our hearts this week, especially the human suffering and the most frightening things we see and hear of in the news daily. We gather these headlines not to dwell in despair or fear, but to bring them into the refuge of your healing presence.
Deep Focus
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. … Never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God… Rather if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:17-21
Jesus you did not use violence. You never hurt anyone. You never struck anyone. You never killed anyone. You did not tolerate injustice, greed, hypocrisy, or untruth. You confronted systemic injustice head on. This is what we are called to do.
This week was a maelstrom of violence; both violent acts and violent speech. It has been hard on nearly everyone, but especially on those who lost loved ones; eleven Venezuelan people at sea struck by an American missile, an influential political figure so divisive the division continues after his death, two children in a Colorado school shot and injured.
Everyone is wounded. We don’t know what to do anymore. It’s as if a Pandora’s box was opened and a slew of evil spirits of hatred and violence were released, swirling around and between us, causing more and more alienation, anger and confusion. But they have no power over us, because we belong to you. We are not at war with human beings but the powers and principalities of darkness, the spirit of murder, of hate and lies. Sometimes they seem so unstoppable. But it’s not true. There is no truth in them. In your tender compassion, Lord, may the dawn from on high break upon us, to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:78-79)
You are the Friend who we know loves us, all of us.
Let us gather our strength for love and nonviolence from you.
*Spend a quiet moment with Jesus.He is working in his mother’s garden. Join him. What is he doing? See that smile? He is glad you are here. He has something small in hand. He presses it to you heart. What is it? Seeds? A tiny star? A healing warmth? What do you feel?
Other Intercessions/headlines of this week
I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
John 14:18
Lord, you hear the cry of the poor. We often do not. Now they are not only being ignored or disdained, some are being rounded up like criminals or trash. An influential media figure suggested the homeless should be euthanized. He is sorry for what he said. However, it was a a shocking moment, a symptom of something so wrong with us. We pray that you purify our hearts of any part of us that looks down on the poor and unhoused. Help us to truly see them. You said they were you. Every time we see them, we have an opportunity to prove our love to you. Let us be humble in our contact with the people the world pushes aside, remembering we have so much to learn. In public discourse, which they are almost always excluded from, inspire us to speak up for them as you would have us do.
Israel attacked Qatar, continues to starve and bomb Palestinian civilians, and Russia continues to attack Ukraine. What can we do about these horrible things so far away? Bring us with you, Lord, to the foot of the Cross. Allow us to carry your Precious Blood to all who suffer violence and war to bring them healing. We kneel before you, Jesus Crucified, and prostrate ourselves in spirit. We ask you on behalf of for parents who have lost children, for children who have lost their families, for the wounded in hospitals, for the doctors without the medicine and equipment they need to ease pain and save lives, for every frightened child waiting for the next explosion, for peace, for a just and lasting, a true peace. May the bombs stop falling. May there be justice and righteousness. May your mercy pour over all. Never let us accept or normalize genocide or the weaponization of hunger.
We pray for immigrants who are still be rounded up violently and detained without due process in terrible conditions. Lord we pray for their dignity and fair treatment. We pray over our country’s need for a scapegoated group of people, that it will be healed of this so that we can love our brothers and sisters as ourselves; the love you have commanded. Guide us to any actions we must take.
Help us to love those who preach hate, those who accept it, or deny what is happening. Help us to bless and not curse our enemies, to pray for them humbly as you want us to, even as we speak out against what we must. Help us to become better rather than bitter.
We pray for an end to racism; the loud kind, or the unconscious and hidden kind; both in others and in ourselves. Help us who are not people of color to listen to those who are about these issues.
We pray for democracy, for the ideals of our constitution of liberty and justice for all.
We pray for Pope Leo XIV on this, his birthday. Bless him with long life and holiness in his strong and gentle rule over the Catholic Church, in his love for all people.
We pray that all people will grow in mercy and compassion.
“Protect us, Lord, from every evil, and grant us peace in our day.”
Closing Blessing
Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God.
“With gentle words, tender and kind
Isaiah 40:1a
God, in the moments when the news overwhelms, steady our spirits with the reminder that you hold the world- sun and star, nation and neighbor, beetle and bug, atom and quark, as well as our frightened hearts in your hands and that you remain you even if worlds fall. May your peace shape our hearts, your justice and love shape our actions this week. Lead us in your ways. We ask all these things in your Name, in your honor, and for love of you and our brothers and sisters. Amen
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world
Give us joy for the days of our affliction, for the years when we looked upon evil.
Psalm 90:15
God of compassion, we bring into your presence all that weighs on our hearts this week, especially the human suffering and the most frightening things we see and hear of in the news daily. We gather these headlines not to dwell in despair or fear, but to bring them into the refuge of your healing presence.
Deep Focus
May our daughters [be] like columns adorned for a palace.
Psalm 144:12b
Lord, the horror these women went through as girls has sickened us. Only you know the depth of their suffering, of the damage done, how re-traumatized they are after speaking up this week. May they be believed and may they see justice in their lifetimes. May they feel protected now as they should have been then. Jesus, you have said if someone harms one of your little ones it would be better for them to be thrown in the river tied to a millstone. Your compassion is with these women. Send your mother to help them heal. May she pray for Epstein survivors, and for all survivors of sexual abuse and trafficking. May she cover them with her mantle, encircle them in her arms, strengthen and free them of their nightmares and the daily struggles they face in their woundedness. May these daughters more and more continue growing stronger, with grace and beauty like columns holding up our nation.
Lord Jesus, bring your mercy and truth to abusers that they may repent. In the mercy they receive, may they begin to live in righteousness, making amends for what they have done.
*Bring a mental image of the Epstein Survivors into the presence of Mother Mary. She has been waiting for them. Bring each one to her., one by one. What does she do? What does she say? Does she ask anything of you?
Other Intercessions/Headlines to pray over
O Lord, let your kindness rest upon us, for we have placed our hope in you.
Psalm 33:22
We pray that you infuse the CDC and NIH and all government agencies and officials responsible for the health of the American people with wisdom, integrity, and respect for gold standard science. We have nothing to fear from wisdom and truth or the facts the scientific process brings us, for you created it all. Bring the people discernment so we know who to trust about our health. May doctors and nurses follow truth in their care of us all.
We pray for the reasonable prosperity of our country in light of the disappointing jobs report and the unhinged economic policies, chaos and trade wars this administration inflicts on our system. May we find a way and may everyone looking for work find meaningful work that meets their needs and brings them dignity.
We pray for our trans brothers and sisters, who are your children as much as we are, that they will be safe from violence, and free from persecution from society and the law for nothing but being trans. Forgive us Lord for the unkindness and hysteria heaped on them in these dark times of intolerance and hate.
We pray for ICE that they will be led to repentance for their violence and cruelty. We pray that they will seek and find better jobs that help instead of harm others; work they can be proud of. We pray for everyone who lives in fear of them, all who are detained, and all of the deported.
We pray for our national guard and armed forces, that they will be true to their pledge to uphold the Constitution and to protect the American people. Give each of them courage and strength when the time comes to resist any illegal orders.
For the cities the president is threatening, may they be safe and free in the face of injustice, and for the people of our capital city.
We pray for our courts that they will mete out justice wisely and impartially according to the Constitution of the United States.
For a just and lasting peace for Palestine, Ukraine and all people suffering war and violence. For the Palestinian people to be saved from famine. For all who suffer malnutrition to be fed. That we ourselves who are safe and well fed will be motivated to feed the hungry and protect the vulnerable.
We pray for all enemies of justice and peace, that they will be stopped, amend their ways, and work for righteousness.
You who are Love, perfect us in love.
Closing Blessing
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand..
Isaiah 41:10
God, in the moments when the news overwhelms, steady our spirits with the reminder that you hold the world- sun and star, nation and neighbor, beetle and bug, atom and quark, as well as our frightened hearts in your hands and that you remain you even if worlds fall. May your peace shape our hearts, your justice and love shape our actions this week. Lead us in your ways. We ask all these things in your Name, in your honor, and for love of you and our brothers and sisters. Amen
Remember, O most compassionate Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, we fly unto thee, O Virgin of Virgins, Our Mother. To you we come, before you we kneel; sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but on your mercy, hear and answer them. Amen.
He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For the sake of His name.
Psalm 23:3
God of compassion, we bring into your presence all that weighs on our hearts this week, especially the human suffering and the most frightening things we see and hear of in the news daily. We gather these headlines not to dwell in despair or fear, but to bring them into the refuge of your healing presence.
Deep Focus
A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.
Jeremiah 31:15
How long, O Lord, how long will these mass shootings go on? How long until we stop children being gunned down in school? How long will this sickness possess our land, will this demonic scene play out? How long until our leaders listen to the people and do what is necessary so this never happens again? How many little children have to die? How many parents have to grieve for the rest of their lives? Lord, we repent in dust and ashes on behalf of our nation for the violence, for the greed, for the corruption, for our lack of priority for mental health access, and for all our faults as a people. Send your Holy Spirit on us all to bring us and all of our leaders Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord, not only to think and to pray but to do what is right. Lord, lift up the families of the dead, especially of the two little ones shot down in Church this week, Harper and Fletcher. May your Spirit of love and consolation be near all the injured and traumatized.
Come, Holy Spirit, Come.
*Quiet your heart and allow yourself to be led by Jesus beside beautiful and quiet water, through green fields where he lays you down to rest, then down paths of goodness and right, now across dark valleys when he is your only light, and finally out into an open place, before a beautiful table. He fills your cup with wine that spills over onto the table cloth, and fills your plate with all you could ever need. He anoints your head with fragrant oil. Let yourself be loved in this moment, knowing this love, too, spills over and fills the world.
Other Intercessions/headlines of this week
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom
2 Corinthians 3:17
We pray for Kilmar Abrego Garcia and that the deep wrongs and injustices heaped on him be righted. We all know he is detained for purely political reasons. Defend him, protect him, and may the truth come roaring like a lion on his behalf before the whole world. If he can’t be safe here may a safe country offer him asylum. Someone must help this man and his family. Let it be you and if it can be us show us the way.
Come, Holy Spirit, come.
We pray for those separated from loved ones by deportation, detention, and forced self deportation, and for all who live in fear of ICE. Lord protect, defend and encourage them. Show us how we can help them and stop this violence. We ask that you send a spirit of compassion and repentance on those who participate in mass deportations, abuse and detention in terrible places. Not only do we beg you to fill them with your merciful love, but to forgive them and let them know the power of your Divine Mercy.
Come, Holy Spirit, come.
We know our president, who has caused and engaged in much evil, cruelty and harm, has been ill and is elderly and frail. We do want him to be stopped from committing any more evil acts but we do pray for his salvation, whatever that will take for him. Before it is too late, grant him the grace of insight and repentance that he can know and not refuse you and your mercy. We pray he will know the joy of forgiveness and transformation in this lifetime or at least at the moment of his death.
Come Holy Spirit, Come.
As war drags on for Ukraine, and slaughter and famine in Palestine, we ask for a just and lasting peace for those places and everywhere there is violence, starvation and war. May the people be fed and be able to live in peace and freedom. May there be healing for survivors and mercy for the dead. We pray for the conversion of Russia so that she will stop spreading her errors throughout the world. We pray for Israeli government to act with mercy and justice. We pray for all nations who have contributed to this mayhem and horror, or stood by while it happened and did not help, to step up, to speak and to act.
Come, Holy Spirit, Come
We pray for an end to the attempts of the federal government to occupy major cities ruled by the presidents’ political rivals. We pray for DC to be self ruled in peace, and for the threatened city of Chicago as the city prepares. Protect the people and the rule of law, we pray.
Come Holy Spirit, come.
Lord, we are living through dark times and each of us has our part to play in bringing light and ending the violence and the violation of human rights, the destruction of our democracy and the hatred, greed and nihilism that fuels all this. We are scared a lot. We ask that you grant us the knowledge of your will for us and the power to carry it out. May the knowledge of you fill the earth as water fills the sea.
Come, Holy Spirit, come.
Closing Blessing
I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
John 14:18
God, in the moments when the news overwhelms, steady our spirits with the reminder that you hold the world- sun and star, nation and neighbor, beetle and bug, atom and quark, as well as our frightened hearts in your hands and that you remain you even if worlds fall. May your peace shape our hearts, your justice and love shape our actions this week. Lead us in your ways. We ask all these things in your Name, in your honor, and for love of you and our brothers and sisters. Amen
So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
1 John 4:16
God of compassion, we bring into your presence all that weighs on our hearts this week, especially the human suffering and the most frightening things we see and hear of in the news daily. We gather these headlines not to dwell in despair or fear, but to bring them into the refuge of your healing presence.
Deep Focus
He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.
Psalm 146:7
Our hearts cry out to you for justice. God you see the people of Gaza starving to death because the government of the state of Israel won’t let food or aid in. Lord this is a travesty. The world watches in horror. Israelis and people around the world protest. The U.N. declares a famine. It is man made. Little children are dying while food waits at check points close by, held up. 2000 people including children have been killed trying to seek food at military aid stations. Oh God we need you. Our president supports this and the Israeli leader has no intention of letting Gaza live. What can we do now? Tell us. Speak, Lord. Your servants who are well fed are listening for how we can share. Your children who are dying cry out. Hear us all. Time is running out. Only you are God who hold the hearts of all and every grain of sand. Break through to us. Free Palestine. Feed Palestine. Heal Palestine. And heal the hearts of the oppressors that they will oppress, bomb and starve these people no longer. Open the way.
*Spend a few moments with the Holy Spirit now, flowing through you like gushing water to reach the ruins of Gaza, breaking every barrier, going past every tank, crossing the lines of soldiers who are blocking the way to the aid. With him, become a sweet rain of grace on the people. There is bread in your hands. Feed them all. Now let The Lord bring you the ones who need him most. Let the Spirit guide you in your prayers for them, your words to them, your touch of comfort.
Other Intercessions/Headlines to Pray Over
The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; He has sent me to bring good news to the afflicted, to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, release to the prisoners, and to announce a year of favor from the LORD and a day of vindication by our God; To comfort all who mourn
Isaiah 61:
*We give thanks to you, God of freedom and love, for the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to his family. The administration is already trying to deport him to Uganda on Monday. So as we sit with our gratitude and happiness for him and his family after all he has been through, we ask that you protect him, Lord. We especially ask for the prayers of St. Michael the Archangel to shield and defend him in his path forward. Give wisdom to his lawyers and helpers. Confuse and defeat those who would harm him. Let there be justice and peace for this man and all others like him.
*We give thanks to you, Lord, that the terrible detention center of Alligator Alcatraz has been ordered to close for environmental reasons. We are so happy about this for that reason and because of the people detained in that abusive place. We all needed something good to happen and those detained need freedom and human dignity. Please continue to help them. We know there will be appeals.
*Our racist president and his administration continue their offensive against Black Americans by erasing their history and even denying it. Lift up your black children, Lord. May the truth of slavery be preserved. May the excellence of black people be lifted up and allowed to shine. May this latest wound inflicted not only on them but on our country by doing this be healed. Let nothing escape your eye. You restore all things. Restore whatever is being destroyed, in the name of all who went before who suffered slavery and racism and do still. Silence those who have set out on this erasure and denial. May the truth come roaring like a lion, defending itself.
*We pray for a free and fair election in 2026. May our country return to its Constitutional values. May we grow closer and closer to the ideals of democracy, equality and freedom.
*We bring the federal occupation of our capital city to you. We read of the threats of our authoritarian president to expand this assault on other cities who voted against him and try to give sanctuary to immigrants. We ask you to stop this, to stop it through us, the people. Show us a way to defeat this. Give light to the minds of the National Guard so they remember their commitment is to us and the Constitution. Give us all courage to do whatever we are supposed to do in the face of this frightening and infuriating turn of events.
*We pray for Epstein and Maxwells victims, that they will know healing and see justice. We pray that the media, society and the law will put their suffering first.
*For an end to wars and violence all over the world, especially in Ukraine and Gaza. May there be lasting and just peace. For this we ask the intercession of the Queen of Peace, Our Lady.
*Lord, you are close the poor and the homeless. You have said you are them. How dare we destroy what little they have and send them – where? In DC this is happening and it happens around our country. Christ have mercy on them and on us this is so wrong, especially since it’s harsh and thoughtless policies that have largely made them homeless to begin with. We have treated you like dirt, Lord. Help us set this right. We pray for all of them. Protect them and give them the peace and the love and the dignity they deserve.
Closing Blessing
The Lord has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.
Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the Lord, my soul.
Psalm 103: 19-22
God, in the moments when the news overwhelms, steady our spirits with the reminder that you hold the world- sun and star, nation and neighbor, beetle and bug, atom and quark, as well as our frightened hearts in your hands and that you remain you even if worlds fall. May your peace shape our hearts, your justice and love shape our actions this week. Lead us in your ways. We ask all these things in your Name, in your honor, and for love of you and our brothers and sisters. Amen
Come to me, all you who are weary and heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Mt. 11:28-30
God of compassion, we bring into your presence all that weighs on our hearts this week, especially the human suffering and the most frightening things we see and hear of in the news daily. We gather these headlines not to dwell in despair or fear, but to bring them into the refuge of your healing presence.
Deep Focus
When I called, you answered me; you increased the strength of my soul.
Ps. 138:3
Oh God, we are often overwhelmed and frightened these days. The sickening cruelty, the scary authoritarian moves, the destruction of constitutional norms, the bowing to our enemies, all of this horrifies and shocks us. Helpless rage at times consumes us. Other times we just have to turn it all off. But we were born for this time. We are alive now for a reason. Show us our path in these dark days, and renew the strength of our souls. With you we can climb any mountain, scale any wall, walk any path. With faith, with prayer let us be supported and guided. Take us into your Sacred Heart, the center and core of all things. May our prayer deepen that we may draw from you, Source of all life. May we never hurt anyone and may we never be afraid of anyone so that we may know your will and be able to carry it out.
*Spend a few minutes with Jesus now, closing your eyes in stillness and silence. He wants to take you somewhere. Follow him through the corridors or your heart, down down until you come to an open place. There is an altar here with a river flowing from it. You see it is lined with beautiful trees. Let Jesus pick some of the leaves for you and feed them to you. Allow him now to cup his hands and give you water from the river to drink. What do these leaves, this water, taste like? How does it feel when he wraps his fragrant cloak over your shoulders? Maybe you feel stronger now. Maybe the fear drains from you. Maybe not. Maybe this will come later when you need it most.
Other Intercessions/Headlines to Pray Over
The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal; Nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds.
Sirach 25:21
Lord, may our communities gather to stand up for the rights and dignity of the unhoused in their midst, to defend and help them, to shed light on the systemic causes of their destitution as well, to mitigate and eliminate those.
Lord, enlighten the people.
Come Holy Spirit to ensure the justice and fairness, the freedom and hope of our elections and our faith in them. Protect them from interference and manipulation.
Lord, enlighten your people.
That we will grow as a people in compassion and discernment of wisdom and justice, we pray.
Enlighten your people, Lord.
For the starving and bombed people of Gaza and everywhere else, we pray that the world will stop tolerating this crime against humanity and do what is right.
Enlighten your people, Lord.
For Ukraine, for a just and lasting peace.
Enlighten your people, Lord.
For those who are being abused and denied their rights in detention, and those who live in fear of it, we pray
Enlighten your people, Lord.
Open the eyes of the American people to this authoritarian danger, Lord, before it is too late, we pray
Enlighten your people, Lord.
Strengthen us to defend the weak, the persecuted, the vulnerable we pray.
Enlighten your people, Lord.
Jesus, you have said we must pray for our enemies, so we pray for the enemies of justice and love, that they will be truly converted in mind and heart.
Closing Blessing
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand
Isaiah 41:10
God, in the moments when the news overwhelms, steady our spirits with the reminder that you hold the world- sun and star, nation and neighbor, beetle and bug, atom and quark, as well as our frightened hearts in your hands and that you remain you even if worlds fall. May your peace shape our hearts, your justice and love shape our actions this week. Lead us in your ways. Amen.
*Today I am going to add a prayer I love and pray often. It may be useful to you too in times like these. I have it memorized so I can reflect on it when I can.
May I open my eyes every morning with the Holy Name on my lips.
May I see God everywhere in everyone.
May I never hurt anyone, and may I never be afraid of anyone.
May I be inspired to choose persuasive words, loving language, creative and positive thoughts, to carry peace and good will throughout the world.
May my meditation deepen, that I may draw from the Source of all life.
May I fall asleep at night with the Holy Name on my lips,
To heal my wounds, and prepare me for another day of service.
Amen.
Eknath Easwaran
*Reader, please feel free to add your own prayers to these in the comments if I have missed a news story that got to you this week.
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God.
1 John 4:7a
God of compassion, we bring into your presence all that weighs on our hearts this week, especially the human suffering we see and hear of in the news daily. We gather these headlines not to dwell in despair or fear, but to bring them into the refuge of your healing presence.
We pray especially for Gaza, where a man made famine is unfolding and 217 people, many of them children, died of starvation this week. To our horror, aid continues to be blocked, and people who come for food to the military controlled aid stations are often shot. Lord, hear the cries of these people, and the cries of our own hearts against this murderous injustice in front of a seemingly helpless world. Open the way for food and medical supplies to flood into Gaza, and open the hearts of those opposed, that they might be filled with mercy.
Spend a few minutes in simple silence with God. Feel what you feel about Gaza’s situation, all of it. Let it be here for God to do something with it. Don’t worry about words. Just be as open as you can in silence and trust, letting yourself be a channel for the outflow of his divine will into this world, for his transforming love to come through you.
*You may notice a quiet change in how you feel as you do this. Even if you don’t, God remains God and you can trust he is working through you right now.
Other Intercessions/Headlines to pray over
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7
For those who live in fear of ICE, that they will be protected, treated with dignity and justice, and for those standing up for them, we pray.
Lord hear our payer.
For those detained by ICE, especially those being harmed and abused, Oh God deliver them.
Lord, Hear our prayer.
For those in the path of wildfires, that they and the fire fighters will be safe.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For Ukraine, for a just and lasting peace.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For the defeat of authoritarian leaders and governments all over the world, we pray.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For the victims of Epstein and Maxwell, that they will be heard, believed and respected. May there will be justice and restoration for them.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Jesus, you have said we must pray for our enemies, so we pray for the enemies of justice and love, that they will be truly converted in mind and heart.
Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
Amos 5:24
God, in the moments when the news overwhelms, steady our spirits with the reminder that you hold the world- sun and star, nation and neighbor, beetle and bug, atom and quark in your hands and that you remain you even if worlds fall. May your peace shape our hearts, your justice and love shape our actions this week. Lead us in your ways. Amen.
*Reader, please feel free to add your own prayers to these in the comments if I have missed a news story that got to you this week.
Bethany Hang Out 