Prayers for the week 18-22 March 2019

1. Prayers for the week 18-22 March 2019 Prayer theme: 40 days of prayer, fasting and works of love Lent is a time of reflection, looking inwards. A lot of stories in the Gospels are about Jesus being with people: talking, healing,… But we also find examples where Jesus looks for solitude to pray. Prayer, fasting and works of love go hand in hand. In prayer we become more aware of who we are, what our gifts are, who loves us and who we love. Prayer helps us to realize what is important, to become the best person we can be and make the world a better place. It is the fundraising week for year 10.

2. Monday 18 March https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b56UN-OqxMU Idea: take some personal quiet time: mindfulness, prayer or just be still for moment.

3. Monday 18 March At that time Jesus came from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to the place where John was. John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. When Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven open. The Holy Spirit came down on him like a dove. A voice came from heaven and said: “You are my Son and I love you. I am very pleased with you.” Then the Spirit sent Jesus into the desert alone. He was in the desert 40 days and was there with the wild animals. While he was in the desert, he was tempted by Satan. Then angels came and took care of Jesus. Jesus can resist temptation because he has just experienced God’s love for him. He knows who He is and what his mission is. What tempts you and what helps you to resist temptation?

4. Tuesday 19March It is customary, Lord to give something up during the season of Lent. What would you have me do without? I who have so much. Chocolate? Cream cakes? Sweets? Swearing? The list is endless and I could give up all those things for the span of 40 days quite easily and almost painlessly. But what difference would it make other than making me feel 'holier' that my friend who makes no such sacrifice? What would you have me do without? I who have so much Selfishness? Conceit? Envy? Pride? I fear before I ask, that the answer might be 'yes' and the giving up would be all too real, Lord. It would be difficult, painful, sacrificial, a real cross to carry for 40 days, and more?

5. Tuesday 19 March Loving God, you call us back to you with all of our hearts. I feel your call for me deep in my heart and I know you want me back as much as I want to return. Please, Lord, give me the wisdom to know how to return. Make my journey back to you this Lent one of grace, forgiveness and gentle love. Idea: If you hold a grudge against someone, forgive them.

6. Wednesday 13 March https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApVRGHoeH9w Idea: put your phone away for the day. What you could do with this newfound time?

7. Wednesday 19 March Loving God, Sometimes my heart turns in every direction except towards you. Please help me to turn my heart toward you, To place my trust in you and to seek your kingdom with all of my heart. Soften my hardened heart so that I might love others . Grant me this with the ever-present guidance of your spirit. Amen.

8. Thursday 21 March Lord, your commandment of love is so simple and so challenging. Help me to let go of my pride, I want only to live the way you ask me to love, to love the way you ask me to live. I ask this through your son, Jesus, who stands at my side today and always. Idea: look for opportunities to be kind to people.

9. Thursday 21 March God of Love, through this Lenten journey, Free me from any temptations to judge others, to place myself above others. Please help me to be kind and patient And to reach out to others. Amen. Idea: Talk to someone and be kind to someone you usually ignore.

10. Friday 22 March God of infinite love, you shower me with so many gifts in my life. In my every thought and action today guide me to the bright and loving light of your kingdom, wanting justice and dignity for all. Help me to be aware of the many ways you allow me to be a good companion and share my gifts with others. Thank you for the gifts you have placed in my life. Let me be grateful every moment of this day. Amen. Idea: What are your gifts and talents? Share them with those around you.

11. Friday 22 March Examen Be silent and place yourself in God’s loving presence. Think about the good things that have happened this week and give thanks.​ Who have you left a good memory with this week? Look back over your week. Where have you felt joy and what has been difficult and challenged you? In the quiet of your heart, tell God about your experiences.​ Give thanks for who you are. As you look ahead, with what spirit will you enter next week? Ask God to help you.

12. Afternoon Prayer and Reflection Lord Thank you for the morning, for watching over me and walking with me. May I find joy and understanding this afternoon, in all I do. Grant me the zest and the strength I need to work for you until nightfall. Amen Let us pause for a few moments in silence and remember those family members and friends who need our prayers and support today………… Let us ask Mary, our Mother, to join us in our prayers as we say: 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 We end our reflection with a prayer inspired by our foundress followed by the school prayer: Loving Father, life-giving spirit – Marie Madeleine believed in your power, hoped in your promises and lived for your glory. We ask her to pray for us and be with us as we carry the FCJ spirit into the 21st century. Protect and guide the pupils and staff at Upton and at all FCJ schools in this country and around the world. Amen May the Lord bless us and keep us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen