Theme: Endurance

1. Theme: Endurance Luke 21: 5-19 Monday 18th November Tuesday 19th November Wednesday 20th November Thursday 21st November Friday 22nd November (Click to view the reading)

2. Monday 18th November Religious persecution is nothing new and the Bible tells us of many occasions when the people of Israel suffered for their belief in God. One such occasion is found in today’s scripture reading from the Book of Maccabees in the Old Testament. The Israelites were being forced to practice the religion of the king and for those who refused to do this, they were threatened with death: “Yet there were many in Israel who stood firm and found the courage to refuse unclean food. They chose death rather than contamination by such fare and profanation of the holy covenant, and they were executed.” Such endurance in the face of mortal danger is exceptional and not many people are called on to show it, but we too can show endurance in the practice of our Christian faith simply by remembering to pray on a regular basis. Let us pray... This morning let us remember all those Christians throughout the world who are persecuted because of their faith, especially those in the Holy Land. We make this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.

3. Tuesday 19th November The Battle of the Somme, a battle that symbolised the horrors of warfare in World War 1, came to a close on this day in 1916. By the end of battle, the British Army had suffered 420,000 casualties including nearly 60,000 on the first day alone. The French lost 200,000 men and the Germans nearly 500,000. Such terrible loss of life is beyond our comprehension but men and women today continue to show great courage, endurance and bravery to try and establish justice in the hotspots of conflict in our world. Where, at the moment, are conflicts taking place? Take a moment to pray for all those caught up in war, those who are fighting for justice and peace, and those innocent people who happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Let us pray… Lord, make me a means of your peace. Where there’s hatred grown, let me sow your love. Where there’s injury, Lord, let forgiveness be my sword. Lord, make me a means of your peace. Amen. From the Prayer of Saint Francis

4. Wednesday 20th November Typhoon Haiyan, the “super-typhoon” which has been described as the most powerful storm ever to make landfall, struck the central Philippines on Friday, 8th November with sustained winds of 235 kph. With power lines and phone lines down, the full impact of the typhoon is not yet known, but it is clear that it is had a catastrophic impact, with the lives of 9.8 million torn apart and widespread destruction of homes, schools and roads. In a country where 80 per cent of people are Catholic, CAFOD is working with Caritas Philippines and its American sister charity, Catholic Relief Services, to provide the most urgently needed aid: food, emergency shelter and essential household goods for people who have lost everything. For information on how you can help, go to the following link: http://www.cafod.org.uk/News/Emergencies-news/Typhoon-Haiyan-appeal Let us pray… Father in heaven, we do not understand why such natural disasters occur that destroy so many lives, but we pray for those affected by Typhoon Haiyan. We also pray that the world community will respond to their plight with generosity. Amen.

5. Thursday 21stNovember Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary The Presentation of Mary in the Temple as a young girl is not found in the Bible but is based on tradition. In being presented in this way, Mary dedicated herself to the service of God and kept herself open to God’s will. She is the perfect example of someone who showed great endurance in living out her faith as she faced many challenges and overcame them all. This feast today prepares us for Advent (beginning on Sunday, 1st December this year) and Christmas, when we celebrate the coming of Mary’s Divine Son into the world. Let us pray… Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

6. Friday 22nd November Today is the Feast Day of Saint Cecilia, born into a noble Roman family in the third century, who died for her faith under the reign of the Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Cecilia showed enormous courage and endurance at the end of her life, continuing to pray and sing to God even when she was dying. Saint Cecilia is the patron saint of music and we are very blessed at St. Richard’s to have the opportunity to listen to and take part in all kinds of music. Why not take a moment now to listen and reflect to the following song. You could even join in! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CMclLT_Hjg Let us pray… O God, you gave Saint Cecilia the courage and endurance to stay strong to her Christian faith, even unto death. May we, also, be determined and courageous followers of Jesus Christ. Amen.

7. Prayer before Lunch For food in a world where many walk in hunger; for faith in a world where many walk in fear. For friends in a world where many walk alone, we give you grateful thanks, O Lord. Amen.

8. Prayer for the end of the Day Day is done Gone the sun From the sea, from the hills, from the sky. Safely rest, All is well! God is nigh. Amen.