Friday, 9 May 2014

A Prayer for the Sick - Friday 09th May 2014




Prayer for the Sick

Father of goodness and love, hear our prayers for the sick members of our community and for all who are in need. Amid mental and physical suffering may they find consolation in your healing presence. Show your mercy as you close wounds, cure illness, make broken bodies whole and free downcast spirits. May these special people find lasting health and deliverance, and so join us in thanking you for all your gifts. We ask this through the Lord Jesus who healed those who believed.

Amen.



Tuesday, 1 April 2014

Prayer 1st April

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Father most holy, through your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, your Word through whom you made all things, whom you sent as our Savior and Redeemer, incarnate by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin.

Fulfilling your will and gaining for you a holy people, he stretched out his hands as he endured his Passion, so as to break the bonds of death and manifest the resurrection.

And so, with the Angels and all the Saints we declare your glory, as with one voice we acclaim:
All:
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

Evening Prayer 01st April 2014









Slow me down, Lord!
Ease the pounding of my heart
by the quietening and calming
of my mind.

Break the tensions
of my nerves and muscles
with the soothing music
of the singing streams
that live in my memory.
Give me, amidst the confusion
of the day,

the calmness of the everlasting hills.
Steady my hurried pace
with a vision
of your eternal reach of time,
and restore and heal me
in the hours of sleep.

Teach me the art
of appreciating what is ordinary:
of slowing down
to look at and become more aware
of the beauty around me;
to take time to be with others,
to sit and enjoy music
or a good book
- to give myself time for myself.

 Remind me each day
of the fable
of the hare and the tortoise,
that I may know
that the race is not always
to the swift;
that there is more to life
than increasing its speed.

Let me look upwards
into the branches
of the towering trees
and know
that they grew great and strong
because they grew slowly and well.
Slow me down, Lord,
and inspire me to send my roots
deep into the soil
of life’s enduring values.
Slow me down, Lord,
that I may grow true and well
in your light.

Amen 


_______________________________________________________________________________

Prayer Request

This is for a  friend and a lad he is mentoring 

Oh Father, You sent Your Eternal Son to save the world, and You chose men and women, so that through Him, with Him and in Him, they might proclaim the Good News of the Gospel to all nations. Grant us the necessary graces, so that, by the power of the Holy Spirit, the joy of being the evangelists that the Church needs in the Third Millennium may shine in the faces of all young people.

Oh Christ, Redeemer of humanity, the image of Your open arms which welcomes all people. In Your paschal offering, You led us, by the Holy Spirit, to encounter the Father as His children. Young people, who are nourished by Eucharist, who hear You in Your Word and meet You as their brother, need your infinite mercy to walk along the paths of this world as disciples and missionaries of the church.

Oh Holy Spirit, Love of the Father and of the Son, with the splendor of Your Truth and the fire of Your Love, shed Your Light upon all young people so that, inspired by their experience at World Youth Day, they may bring faith, hope and charity to the four corners of the earth, becoming great builders of a culture of life and peace and catalysts of a new world.

Amen !


Music Choice 


Sunday, 30 March 2014

Sunday 30th March 2014




Loving God,
as a mother gives life and nourishment to her children, 
so you watch over your Church. 
Bless these women,
that they may be strengthened as Christian mothers. 
Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. 
Grant that we, their sons and daughters, 
may honor them always
with a spirit of profound respect. 
Grant this through Christ our Lord. 

Amen, 


Tuesday, 18 March 2014

17/03/2014 Posting





Tonight I have opted to post something a little different, It reflects what's going on in the world and offers peace, 


Peace I Leave with You

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

(Romans 5:1-5)



Song Choice 17/03/14


OK its not religious but its thought provoking 


Sunday, 16 March 2014

Evening Prayer 15/03/14






Evening Prayer 15/03/14





Jesus, Divine Overlord of the Heavens, Enforcer of all spiritual decrees, Chief Judge of the Final Judgement, Your Laws are multi culturally righteous. Grant me values that seek justice, To uphold all Christian moral ethics, And to aid the victims of injustices. As You forgave the worst of sinners, Equip me with a non-judgemental ability To forgive all offenders of Your Laws, And to support their healing process. You are the true direction to justice!


Tonight's song choice - Gaelic Blessing by John Rutter


Saturday, 15 March 2014

Evening Prayer 14/03/2014





Evening Prayer 14/03/2014



Loving Father and Creator of all we come to you today deeply grateful for your creation.
As we look around us we are amazed at the greatness and majesty of all that you have made.
Nature around us speaks of your greatness - the vast expanse of the sky, the mountains, trees, lakes and streams speak of your great design.

You have given us such beauty in the colors of the rainbow, the beauty of flowers and fields.
Words cannot adequately express the magnificence of all you have created.
We join in praise with the writer of the psalms when he says, 'O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.'


May we show our love and reverence to you, our Lord, by caring for all that you have created. We humbly give you praise and thanks.

Song choice for 14/03/2014



Sunday, 9 March 2014

Sunday posting

St. Francis and the Wolf - Myths & Legends

Perhaps the most famous story of St. Francis is when he tamed the wolf that was terrorizing the people of Gubbio. While Francis was staying in that town he learned of a wolf so ravenous that it was not only killing and eating animals, but people, too. The people took up arms and went after it, but those who encountered the wolf perished at its sharp teeth. Villagers became afraid to leave the city walls.

Francis had pity on the people and decided to go out and meet the wolf. He was desperately warned by the people, but he insisted that God would take care of him. A brave friar and several peasants accompanied Francis outside the city gate. But soon the peasants lost heart and said they would go no farther.

Francis and his companion began to walk on. Suddenly the wolf, jaws agape, charged out of the woods at the couple. Francis made the Sign of the Cross toward it. The power of God caused the wolf to slow down and to close its mouth.

Then Francis called out to the creature: “Come to me, Brother Wolf. In the name of Christ, I order you not to hurt anyone.” At that moment the wolf lowered its head and lay down at St. Francis’ feet, meek as a lamb.

St. Francis explained to the wolf that he had been terrorizing the people, killing not only animals, but humans who are made in the image of God. “Brother Wolf,” said Francis, “I want to make peace between you and the people of Gubbio. They will harm you no more and you must no longer harm them. All past crimes are to be forgiven.”


The wolf showed its assent by moving its body and nodding its head. Then to the absolute surprise of the gathering crowd, Francis asked the wolf to make a pledge. As St. Francis extended his hand to receive the pledge, so the wolf extended its front paw and placed it into the saint’s hand. Then Francis commanded the wolf to follow him into town to make a peace pact with the townspeople. The wolf meekly followed St. Francis.

By the time they got to the town square, everyone was there to witness the miracle. With the wolf at his side, Francis gave the town a sermon on the wondrous and fearful love of God, calling them to repent from all their sins. Then he offered the townspeople peace, on behalf of the wolf. The townspeople promised in a loud voice to feed the wolf. Then Francis asked the wolf if he would live in peace under those terms. He bowed his head and twisted his body in a way that convinced everyone he accepted the pact. Then once again the wolf placed its paw in Francis’ hand as a sign of the pact.

From that day on the people kept the pact they had made. The wolf lived for two years among the townspeople, going from door to door for food. It hurt no one and no one hurt it. Even the dogs did not bark at it. When the wolf finally died of old age, the people of Gubbio were sad. The wolf’s peaceful ways had been a living reminder to them of the wonders, patience, virtues and holiness of St. Francis. It had been a living symbol of the power and providence of the living God. 

Saturday, 8 March 2014

Prayer 08/03/14



Today's Prayer



A Prayer for Protection 


Lord God,
Thank you for all the positive influencers in my life today.
Thank you for everyone who has ever prayed for me
And for anyone who will pray for me in the future. Thanks
especially for the people of strong faith that you have placed
in my path and the positive impact they have had on my character.

Insulate me from experiences that compromise my full potential. Move me away from distractions, diversions, and temptations. Keep my thoughts fixed instead on what is true, pure, excellent and worthy of praise. I know that nothing guards my heart more than being in your will.

Protect me, Father, from any person or relationship that would slowly prod me down the wrong path. Cause me to become hypersensitive to the people in my life and the sometimes subtle influence they are having on my spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical habits. Bring wise, genuine friends into my life, and dissolve any ties with those who may weaken my relationship with you.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen


Friday, 7 March 2014

Evening Prayer 07/03/14 and Song choice





Evening Prayer 07/03/14

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.

O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.

Amen +


Song choice for 07/03/14


Enjoy the amazingly talented Libera boys sing Vespera 


The history of Ave Verum Corpus

Following last nights song choice I wanted to post the actual wording of both the Latin and it's translation and also the history behind the track "Ave Verum Corpus". 

Ave verum corpus, natum
de Maria Virgine,
vere passum, immolatum
in cruce pro homine,
cuius latus perforatum
fluxit aqua et sanguine:
esto nobis praegustatum
in mortis examine.
O Iesu dulcis, O Iesu pie, O Iesu, fili Mariae.
Miserere mei. Amen.


Here is the English 

Hail, true Body, born
of the Virgin Mary,
who having truly suffered, was sacrificed
on the cross for mankind,
whose pierced side
flowed with water and blood:
May it be for us a foretaste [of the Heavenly banquet]
in the trial of death.
O sweet Jesus, O pious Jesus, O Jesus, son of Mary,
have mercy on me. Amen.


It's history within the church 

Ave verum corpus is a short Eucharistichymn that has been set to music by various composers. It dates from the 14th century and has been attributed to Pope Innocent VI.[1]

During the Middle Ages it was sung at theelevation of the host during the consecration. It was also used frequently duringBenediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

The hymn's title means "Hail, true body", and is based on a poem deriving from a 14th-century manuscript from the Abbey ofReichenauLake Constance.[

The poem is a meditation on the Catholicbelief in Jesus's Real Presence in thesacrament of the Eucharist, and ties it to the Catholic conception of the redemptive meaning of suffering in the life of all believers.


Thursday, 6 March 2014

Evening Prayer 05-03-2014





Ash Wednesday Prayer

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have
made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and
make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily
lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness,
may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission
and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen.



Tonight's Music choice 

The wonderful Ave Verum Corpus 



Wednesday, 5 March 2014

The Apostles Creed

        


I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, at the words that follow, up to and including the Virgin Mary, all bow. who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again  from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand  of God the Father almighty;

From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.

 Amen.

Evening Prayer 04/03/2014




A Redemption Prayer

O Holy Angel, attendant of my wretched soul That in your hands, my needed key and of mine afflicted life, forsake me not, a sinner. I can't be who you want me to be. neither depart from me for mine inconstancy. Beautiful Lie.
Give no place to the evil demon to subdue me You laugh at the fool I always seem to play with the oppression of this mortal body; Flirting along my breaking point. but take me by my wretched and outstretched hand, Silently calling out my name. and lead me in the way of salvation. Freedom's Light. Ever extinguished.
Yea, O holy Angel of God, "Why are you here?" the guardian and protector of my hapless soul and body, No one else will care any more. forgive me all things whatsoever wherewith I have troubled thee, The cries of my heart undone all the days of my life, and if I have sinned in anything this day.
This lament of Truth Shelter me in this present night, Return to me, to wake only to a wisp of a dream again and keep me from every affront of the enemy, Leads me right into the darkness. lest I anger God by any sin; I just can bring myself to quit.
And intercede with the Lord in my behalf, Your escape, sweet relief that He might strengthen me in the fear of Him, Ready to do almost anything and make me a worthy servant of His goodness. I'm the worst thing that ever happened to you.
 Amen.

Tonight's Music Choice

Amazing Grace (The Priests)




Tuesday, 4 March 2014

Morning Prayer 04/03/14

                 

                 Act of Hope 

O my God, relying on Your almighty power and infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Your grace and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.
Amen.

Prayer and Song Choice for 03/03/2014



I think at the moment with all the unrest in the world this prayer is appropriate, 






Lord Jesus Christ, who are called the Prince of Peace, who are yourself our peace and reconciliation, who so often said, "Peace to you," grant us peace. Make all men and women witnesses of truth, justice, and brotherly love. Banish from their hearts whatever might endanger peace. Enlighten our rulers that they may guarantee and defend the great gift of peace. May all peoples on the earth become as brothers and sisters. May longed-for peace blossom forth and reign always over us all.


My song choice tonight, I should say song choices because there are two tonight, 


(1)  Pie Jesu - Angelis Version



(2) The Priest's with an Irish Blessing 



Monday, 3 March 2014

Prayer and Song Choice for 02-03-14




Evening Prayer and Song choice
02/03/14


A Prayer for Guidance and Protection 

Heavenly Father, we ask You today for Your truth as a belt tight around our loins. We put on the zeal to announce your good news of peace as shoes for our feet. We put on Your righteousness, O Christ, as our breastplate, And the hope of salvation as a helmet for our head. Father, we take up faith as a shield which is able to put out all the fiery darts of the enemy, And the sword of the Spirit, which is Your Word, O Lord. Father, may the love with which you have loved Jesus be in us, and may Jesus be in us. We ask You for the grace of a servant heart. Amen.






Just Beautiful, Loose yourself in 15 minutes of pure pleasure 

Thursday, 27 February 2014

Prayer and Song choice 27-02-14


Night-time prayer 27/02/14



Dear God,
My head is heavy, the body weary. It’s time for sleep and I succumb. I am thankful O God  for rest and renewal. A time to re-charge. A time to dream. A time of quiet. I am thankful for all I have.

Amen



My Song Choice for tonight 

Libera - Prayer





Wednesday, 26 February 2014

Evening Prayer and Music choice 26-02-14


Evening Prayer & Music  26/02/2014





Oh Lord, we pray you to visit this home and drive from it all snares of the enemy. Let Your holy angels dwell in it to preserve us in peace; and let Your blessing be always upon us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.



My chosen music piece tonight is Sanctus sung by the amazingly talented Libera 

Enjoy 

Sunday, 23 February 2014

Evening Prayer 23-02-14



Evening Prayer for 23/02/14





O my good Angel, 
whom God has appointed to be my guardian, 
watch over me during this night.
All ye Angels and Saints of God, 
pray for me.
May our Lord bless us, 
and preserve us from all evil, 
and bring us to life everlasting. 

Amen.

Sunday Morning Prayer

             A morning prayer




In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ I will begin this day. I thank you, Lord, for having preserved me during the night. I will do my best to make all I do today pleasing to You and in accordance with Your will. My dear mother Mary, watch over me this day. My Guardian Angel, take care of me. St. Joseph and all you saints of God, pray for me...

Amen 

Saturday, 22 February 2014

I am being called




In this document I have tried to explain when and where my calling towards ministry in the SICM has come from and what my calling and faith means to me, also I have explored what inspires me to want to seek ordination as a Reverend.

Ever since I came out as an openly gay teenager at the age of fifteen I knew there was a purpose to my being here on earth, I knew why the lord our god had placed me and I quickly set about living my life first as a passionate supporter and activist of human rights and equality for everyone no matter what race, belief, orientation they maybe all people in my view were to be and deserved to be seen as equal which is the way our father would have wanted things to be.

I lived my teenage years fighting for one cause or another and then I found religion. I have always been spiritual and believed that we are put here for a reason but wasn’t entirely sure how to follow up these thoughts and feelings let alone know what I was being called upon to do. To me I was just like every other teenager a little rebellious at times but hand on heart who wasn’t.

It wasn’t till the death of my first actual boyfriend that I explored my actual spiritual feelings and thoughts which I am now guessing all these years later was the start of a calling but back then in hindsight I didn’t realize this. Friends came and went in and out of my life like busboys do in restaurants. I soon realized my political side to me spurred on by the belief I could make a difference in what I was doing at the age of 25 I started to consider my political views but it was to be a long journey lasting a further 2 years.

All the time throughout the two years I was aware of my spirituality and started to discover what I believed and what I wanted to do, I never really followed it up though until some very close friends of mine started to develop illnesses which led to their time on the lord’s earth being ended. It was recently that a very very close friend and soul mate passed away and it started me thinking and considering my calling in his memory.

I feel my purpose hasn’t changed at all if anything the calling has become clearer and stronger to the point whereby its undeniable therefore I started to become a regular attendee at a local church and now feel I am ready for a journey along the path of becoming firstly an ordinand working towards being a Reverend.

My calling to Ministry would be firstly to work with Homeless Teenagers and secondly working with Homeless youth’s that identify as part of the LGBT community. In fact my calling to Ministry is to support anyone and everyone who is in need of spiritual guidance.

I hope by writing this I have explained a bit about me as a person and as a potential Reverend.


  

Take this and eat






At the time he was betrayed and entered willingly into his Passion, he took bread and, giving thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: 



TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND EAT OF IT, FOR THIS IS MY BODY, WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU.



In a similar way, when supper was ended, he took the chalice and, once more giving thanks, he gave it to his disciples, saying:



TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND DRINK FROM IT, FOR THIS IS THE CHALICE OF MY BLOOD, THE BLOOD OF THE NEW AND ETERNAL COVENANT, WHICH WILL BE POURED OUT FOR YOU AND FOR MANY FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS.
DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME
.

All are welcome




     All are welcome at The Lord's table, 

Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to people of good will.

We praise you,
we bless you,
we adore you,
we glorify you,
we give you thanks for your great glory,



Lord God, heavenly King,
O God, almighty Father.

Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son,


Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,


you take away the sins of the world,



have mercy on us; 



you take away the sins of the world,



receive our prayer; 



you are seated at the right hand of the Father,



have mercy on us.


For you alone are the Holy One, 
you alone are the Lord, 


you alone are the Most High,

Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,



in the glory of God the Father.

Amen.