Creighton University's Online Ministries
Feast
of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph - December 29
Daily Prayer
"Lord, open
my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."
Entrance Antiphon:
The shepherds went in haste and
found Mary and Joseph, and the Infant lying in a manger. Luke 2:16Collect:
O God, who were pleased to give us
the shining example of the Holy Family,
graciously grant that we may imitate them
in practicing the virtues of family life and in the bonds of charity,
and so, in the joy of your house,
delight one day in eternal rewards.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.Daily Meditation:
Blessed are those that fear the Lord and walk in his ways. Psalm 128
Every son or daughter can read the first reading and let it be a life long guide.
The second reading is a wonderful guide for family life.
We could all do well to prepare our New Year's resolution desires from here.
The gospel tells the story from Matthew of the Holy Family becoming refugees
fleeing an unjust ruler. They will always know God's fidelity in their crisis.
May God bless all our families with fidelity and courage in loving as we have been loved.And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,
the peace into which you were also called in one body.
And be thankful. Colossians 3Intercessions:
Let us adore the Son of the living God who humbled himself
to become a son of human family, and let us beseech him:
Jesus, you became obedient; sanctify us.Jesus, eternal Word of the Father, you made yourself subject
to Mary and Joseph,
- teach us humility.
You are our teacher, and your own mother pondered in
her heart every one of your words and deeds,
- make us attentive to your word, and let us ponder it in
hearts that are pure and good.
Christ, by your work the world was made, but you were
willing to be called a worker’s son,
- teach us to work diligently.
Jesus, in the family at Nazareth you grew in wisdom, age
and grace before God and men,
- help us to grow in all things toward you, our Head.
Closing Prayer:
God of such faithfulness,
we are a big and messy family;
both as humans - and in my own family.
Help me today to be especially patient and loving,
and to forgive those who have hurt me.
We may not look like "The Holy Family" I see in paintings,
yet we are united with Jesus, Mary and Joseph
because in your great love for us
you sent your son to live in this world
and to share in our human experience.Sometimes I forget the sacredness of our family life
May the Lord bless us,
and the privilege it is to be together in this bond.
Help me not only love others as you love us,
but to be more aware of those families in the world
who struggle so much with poverty, war and disease.
Help me to pray with and for them today
and to carry an awareness of all families fleeing for safety,
longing for the peace you offer to us all.
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.
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Sixth Day in the Christmas Octave - December 30
Daily Prayer
"Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."Collect:
Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that the newness of the Nativity in the flesh
of your Only Begotten Son may set us free,
for ancient servitude holds us bound
beneath the yoke of sin.Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
ne God, for ever and ever.Daily Meditation:
Do not love the world or the things of the world. 1 John 2
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;
and the favor of God was upon him. Luke 2In the light of the good news we have been celebrating,
we acknowledge that we have been set free.
We are free to give thanks for the newness of life given us
and free to begin anew with new ways, in a renewed spirit.
May our Lord bless these days of our prayer with this gifted freedom
for ourselves and those we are called to care for.Intercessions
Let us pray to Christ, whom the Father willed to make
all things new:
Beloved Son of God, hear us.Son of God, you were with the Father in the beginning,
and in the fullness of time you became a man,
- give us a brother's love for all people.You became poor to make us rich; you emptied yourself
that we might be lifted up by your lowliness and share
in your glory,
- make us faithful ministers of your Gospel.You shone on those who dwelt in darkness and the
shadow of death,
- give us holiness, justice and peace.Give us a heart is upright and sincere, so that we may
listen to your word,
- and bring it to perfection in ourselves and in the world
for the sake of your glory.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, please give me the gift of greater freedom.
I want to respond to you, to your invitation,
to all I've received and all that has touched me
during this Advent and Christmas.Let me long to experience all the new graces
you will offer me in the days ahead.
I am so grateful and desire to stay open
to what more you have to offer me each day.May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.
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Seventh Day in the Christmas Octave - December 31
Daily Prayer
"Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."Collect:
Almighty ever-living God,
who in the Nativity of your Son
established the beginning and fulfillment of all religion,
grant, we pray, that we may be numbered
among those who belong to him,
in whom is the fullness of human salvation.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
ne God, for ever and ever.Daily Meditation:
And now, children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence
and not be put to shame by him at his coming. 1 John 2:28John answered them, "I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize,
the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie."John 1:26Jesus baptizes us the the Holy Spirit. All that has prepared us for his coming
give witness to his presence with us now.May we remain in the one who has come to be with us.
May we place our trust in the one who promises us life.Intercessions:
Let us direct our prayers to Christ,
the heavenly man and the new Adam,
who became a life-giving spirit:
Lord, have mercy.Christ, Sun of Justice, you revealed your glory in our human nature
in order to bring to perfection the old covenant,
- we ask you to pour out your light upon us.Christ, you were glorified by the angels, announced by the shepherds,
confessed and proclaimed by Simeon and Anna,
- let your Gospel be accepted by the people of the promise.Christ, when you were born,
angels sang glory to God in the highest and peace on earth,
- we ask you to spread your peace throughout the world.Christ, as the new Adam you gave new life to the old man
and prepared for us a dwelling place in your kingdom,
- may those overwhelmed by evil be encouraged by hope in you.
Closing Prayer:
I beg you, Lord, give me the sight I need
so that I can see you in those around me
and welcome you into my heart
with the joy of celebration.If only my eyes could be opened!
Give me the wisdom and internal vision to see
and I will recognize you as my savior
not only in my heart today
but in my life every day.I ask that you help me to open my heart more fully
to your own dizzying love for me.
Help me to be grateful for your incredible gifts to me.May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.
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Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God - January 1
Octave of Christmas
World Day of Prayer for Peace
Daily Prayer
"Lord, open
my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."
Collect:
O God, who through the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary
bestowed on the human race
the grace of eternal salvation,
grant, we pray,
that we may experience the intercession of her,
through whom we were found worthy
to receive the author of life,
our Lord Jesus Christ, your son.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.Daily Meditation:
The LORD bless you and keep you!
The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace! Numbers 6 When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus,
the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. Luke 2 The beginning of the New Year gives us an opportunity to reflect upon so much.
We begin by dedicating this new year to Mary.
And because she gave birth to the Prince of Peace
it is a wonderful day to join with one another around the world to pray for peace.Let us all make our resolutions in light of the graces that have been offered us
throughout this Advent and Christmas Season. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Mt. 1Intercessions:
Let us give glory to Christ who was born of the Virgin Mary
by the power of the Holy Spirit,
and let us pray to him:
Son of the Virgin Mary, have mercy on us.
Christ born of the Virgin Mary,
you are the Wonder-Counselor and Prince of Peace,
- give your peace to the world.Our King and our God, you have raised us up by your coming
- help us to honor you all the days of our lives,
by our faith and our deeds.
You made yourself like us,
- in your mercy, grant that we may become more like you. You made yourself a citizen of our earthly city,
- grant that we may become citizens of our true homeland, your Kingdom in Heaven.Closing Prayer:
Gracious God,
what a gift Mary is in my life.
I run from humility -
and yet I am touched by her response to you.
I am headstrong and arrogant -
and she shows me how to say Yes.
By her spirit, her example, her love
she helps bring peace into the world.
Help me to be just a small glimmer of your light
in the midst of a dark world.
Oh, Lord, let your face shine on me!Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.
Second Week of Christmas - January 2
Daily Prayer
"Lord, open
my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."
Collect:
O God, who by the Nativity of Only Begotten Son
wonderously began for your people the work of redemption,
grant, we pray, to your servants such firmness of faith,
that by his guidance they may attain the glorious prize you
have promised.Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.Today's Readings: - Lectionary # 205
Daily Meditation:
And now, children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence
and not be put to shame by him at his coming. 1 John 2John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” John 1
Jesus baptizes us the the Holy Spirit. All that has prepared us for his coming
gives witness to his presence with us now.May we remain in the one who has come to be with us.
May we place our trust in the one who promises us life.Intercessions:
Let us joyfully invoke the Son of God, our Redeemer,
who became man in order to restore man:
Be with us, Emmanuel.Jesus, Son of the living God, King of glory, and Son of the Virgin Mary,
- brighten this day with the glory of your incarnation.Jesus, Wonder-Counselor, Mighty-God, Father of the future, Prince of peace,
- direct our lives according to the holiness of your human nature.Jesus, all-powerful, patient, obedient, meek and humble of heart,
- show the power of your gentleness to all.Jesus, Father of the poor, immeasurable goodness, our way and our life,
- grant your Church the spirit of poverty.
Closing Prayer:
I beg you, Lord, give me the sight I need
so that I can see you in those around me
and welcome you into my heart
with the joy of celebration.If only my eyes could be opened!
Give me the wisdom and internal vision to see
and I will recognize you as my savior
not only in my heart today
but in my life every day.I ask that you help me to open my heart more fully
to your own dizzying love for me.
Help me to be grateful for your incredible gifts to me.May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.
Second Week of Christmas - January 3
Daily Prayer
"Lord, open
my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."
Collect:
Cast your kindly light upon your faithful, Lord, we pray,
and with the splendor of your glory
set their hearts ever aflame,
that they may never cease to acknowledge their Savior
and may truly hold fast to him.Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.Today's Readings - Lectionary # 206
Daily Meditation:
See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God.
Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1 John 2(John) saw Jesus coming toward him and said,
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. John 1John recognizes Jesus, from the Light that decended from Heaven,
and invites the disciples - and us - to recognize Jesus.
He's the one who takes away our sins.May we continue to welcome him,
more deeply into our hearts this week.
May we continue to celebrate the gift we have
in Jesus, now, and where we need it.Intercessions:
Let us glorify the Word of God who was revealed in the flesh,
appeared to the angels, and was proclaimed to the nations.
Let us faithfully acknowledge him:
We adore you, only-begotten Son of the Father.Liberator of mankind, through the Virgin Mary you came to renew us,
- through her intercession keep us from our old ways.You made your uncreated justice radiate from heaven to earth,
- direct our days and our nights in the brightness of the Sun.Son of God, you have shown us the Father’s love,
- help us to show him to one another by our love.You chose to dwell with us,
- make us worthy of your companionship.Closing Prayer:
Lord of Light,
how many times do I walk by you
and not see you?You have come onto this earth
to live in my life and embrace the humanity of us all.
I ask that you give me the light to see you
and to recognize your presence in others.
Take away my sins:
my sins of blindness and ignorance
and of indifference.Help me to share in your great and compassionate heart
and the loving vision with which you see each one of us.May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.
Second Week of Christmas - January 4
Daily Prayer
"Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."Collect:
Almighty and ever-living God,
who through your Only Begotten Son
have made for us a new creation for yourself,
grant, we pray,
that by your grace we may be found in the likeness of him,
in whom our nature is united with you.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.Today's Readings - Lectionary # 207
Daily Meditation:
For this is the message you have heard from the beginning: we should love one another....
If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion,
how can the love of God remain in him?
Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth. 1 John 3But Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?"
Philip said to him, "Come and see." John 1We await the revelation of God in our lives, just as the first disciples did.
And, we are tempted to ask, if any good - any revelation -
can come from the simple, ordinary, deep seated patterns of our lives.
The invitation is to "Come and see."
It's an invitation to make a move into those simple places
and to discover Jesus there.May find our Lord's special way of loving us,
that we might become greater able to come to
our brothers and sister in need
and offer them the love and compassion Jesus has shown us.
And, may we offer love, not simply with words,
but with loving actions, for and with others.Intercessions:
The Word of God existed before the creation of the universe,
yet was born among us in time.
We praise and woship him as we cry out in joy:
Let the earth ring out with joy for you have come.You are the unending Word of God who flooded the world with joy at your birth,
- fill us with joy by the continuous gift of your life.You saved us and by your birth revealed to us the covenant faithfulness of the Lord,
- help us to be faithful to the promises of our baptism.You are King of heaven and earth who sent messengers to announce peace to all,
- let our lives be filled with your peace.You are the true vine that brings forth the fruit of life,
- make us the branches of the vine, bearing much fruit.Closing Prayer:
Jesus, you became one of us on this earth.
What I want now is to be more like you:
more compassionate and patient,
more guided by your Holy Spirit.You are a light in my life on earth
and an inspiration for how I live.
Give me the humility to acknowledge you as my savior.
Help me to be more grateful for all you have given me
so that my response might be one of generosity
to you and those you have placed in my life.
May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.
