Prayers

ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION PRAYER
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot, at this moment, receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

A PRAYER FOR THOSE IN WORK
O God, the creator of all things, you framed the law of labour for the human race. Graciously grant, by the example and patronage of St. Joseph, that we may do the work you provide us and earn the reward you promise. Sustain us with your grace to live up to our duties in charity and justice. Amen.

A PRAYER FOR THE SYNOD
We stand before You, Holy Spirit,
as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us,
make Yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go
and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful;
do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path
nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity
so that we may journey together to eternal life
and not stray from the way of truth
and what is right.
All this we ask of You,
who are at work in every place and time,
in the communion of the Father and the Son,
forever and ever. Amen.

A PRAYER FOR AFGHANISTAN
Compassionate God,
We hold in your presence the people of Afghanistan.
Be a shelter for those who have been displaced.
Be a comforter for those who are mourning.
Be the peace for those who are afraid,
Be near to those who are hungry.
Be healing for those who are sick.
Be the strength of those working to bring hope.
Open our eyes and hearts,
so we may stand in solidarity,
and reach out in love,
to our brothers and sisters.
May they know they are not forgotten
and that we hold them in our hearts
whilst they search for the path to peace. Amen.

A PRAYER FOR HELP
Almighty God, in our distress and grief help us to remember that you love us.
We do not understand why this great disaster has happened but help us to trust you.
Loving Lord, for those who have died, give them eternal rest, for those who are bereaved, comfort and console them, for those who are hurt, heal and strengthen them.
Lord God, enable us to help our suffering brothers and sisters in whatever way we can.
Heavenly Father, be with us now and always.
Amen.
Diana Ng-Sutherland, CAFOD

ARMED FORCES
We pray for all our servicemen and women serving in conflicts abroad especially in this time of increased anxiety for many families.

PARISH PRAYER
‘And now, Lord, … help your servants, here at St Aelred’s, to proclaim your message with all fearlessness, by stretching out your hand to heal and to work miracles and marvels through the name of your Holy servant Jesus.

PANDEMIC PRAYER TO OUR LADY
O Mary you shine continuously along our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who at the Cross were near to the pain of Jesus, keeping firm faith. You, Salvation of the Roman people, know what we need and we trust that you will provide for those needs so that as at Cana of Galilee, joy and celebration may return after this moment of trial. Help us Mother of Divine Love to conform ourselves to the will of the Father and to do what Jesus tells us, He who took our sufferings upon Himself and took up our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. We seek refuge under your protection O Holy Mother of God, do not despise our pleas – we who are put to the test – and deliver us from every danger, O Glorious and Blessed Virgin. Amen.

PRAYER FOR THOSE APPROACHING END OF LIFE AND THEIR FAMILIES
God of strength in weakness and hope in despair, we are yours in life and death. Sustain us for the journey of walking home to you. Give us the gifts and graces you gave those who walked with your Son in his final moments on Earth. Steady our hands, gentle our hearts, sustain our spirits and grant us faith and hope in life eternal.

AN ACT OF CONTRITION
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against You whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Saviour Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.

PRAYER FOR THE UNEMPLOYED
O God, the Creator of all things, you have made us in your own image so that we may find joy in creative work: have mercy on all those who are unemployed, and those who find their work dull. Help us to build a society where all may have work and find joy in doing it, for the good of our world and the glory of your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.