January
January 4
January 4
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
wife, mother, widow, religious founder of the American Sisters of Charity
Nurturing God,
in every land you call men and women to model virtue.
May the example of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
as wife, mother of ten children, widow
and Sister of Charity, inspire us.
Bless all people who work in service to others.
Give us loving and grateful hearts
for everyone who helps us to live fully
today and everyday,
through Christ our Lord.
AMEN.
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, PRAY FOR US.
January 7
January 7
Saint Raymond
priest, administrator
Merciful God,
You reveal your love for us through the saints.
As a capable administrator,
Saint Raymond safeguarded
the rights and freedom of all.
Bless all who minister to others
with the gift of compassion.
We ask this in Jesus’ name.
AMEN.
Saint Raymond, PRAY FOR US.
January 21
January 21
Saint Agnes
youth, virgin, martyr
God, hidden in the human heart,
You call people of all ages to heroic virtue.
You choose the weak and vulnerable
to challenge the strong and powerful.
May Saint Agnes inspire us with faith
to live the mission and values we hold
both now and forever.
AMEN.
Saint Agnes, PRAY FOR US.
January 22
January 22
Saint Vincent
deacon, martyr
God of loving kindness,
Your grace supports us through trying difficulties.
May the example of Saint Vincent
inspire us with courage to endure
daily trials and hardships with patience.
May his suffering and death
give us all encouragement
to live the values of Jesus, the Christ,
both now and forever.
AMEN.
Saint Vincent, PRAY FOR US.
January 24
January 24
Saint Francis of Sales
bishop, administrator, Patron of the Catholic Press
Gracious God, author of all life,
You generously give gifts of inspiration to people.
Saint Francis of Sales wrote that devotion helps us
to become more peaceful and our work more pleasant.
May this gentle saint help us to become holy
and relate to one another with compassion and love.
We ask this through Jesus, the Christ
AMEN.
Saint Francis of Sales, PRAY FOR US.
January 25
January 25
Conversion of Saint Paul
God of surprises,
You met Saint Paul along his journey through life,
and gave him faith to believe in Jesus.
Help us to see our failings
and to change our ways to witness with truth.
Nothing is impossible with Your grace.
We trust in You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
now and forever.
AMEN.
Saint Paul, PRAY FOR US.
January 28
January 28
Saint Thomas Aquinas
priest, teacher, doctor of the church
Almighty God,
You called Saint Thomas Aquinas to great learning,
but guided him in the ways
of humility and holiness.
Like Saint Thomas, may we consider the cross of Christ
to be an example of love
and patience in suffering.
Help us to listen to your Word
now and forever.
AMEN.
Saint Thomas Aquinas, PRAY FOR US.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity January 18-25
Day 1: January 18
Day 1: January 18
Bible reading: Numbers 6:22-27
Blest are you, God of the Universe.
You sent Jesus to be the Morning Star of Peace.
May your light shine on us
and guide us in the paths of love.
Give us strength to work together
and serve you in one another.
Glory be to you now and forever.
AMEN.
Day 2: January 19
Day 2: January 19
Bible reading: 1 Peter 2:9-10
Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Spirit,
You call us to holiness in community.
You are the source and model of unity.
Help us to respect our differences,
and love one another.
Enrich our lives with your vast gifts of life
both now and forever.
AMEN.
Day 3: January 20
Day 3: January 20
Bible reading: Romans 8:15-17
Blest are You, loving God
You have chosen us in Christ
Send your Spirit to unite us
to witness to responsible freedom
and live as one family of faith.
Heal our divisions
to the glory of your holy name.
AMEN.
Day 4: January 21
Day 4: January 21
Bible reading: Psalm 103: 11-12
God of Compassion,
You temper justice with mercy.
Teach us how to seek forgiveness
and to forgive others.
Strengthen our search for unity
and knit us together in reconciliation.
We ask this through your Son
and in your Holy Spirit
for ever and ever.
AMEN.
Day 5: January 22
Day 5: January 22
Bible reading: Luke 10:21
Praise, honor and glory to God.
We see the mystery of your goodness in all creation.
Thank you for the multitude of cultures,
languages, traditions and peoples in every age.
Reconcile and unite us in Christ
through your Spirit of Wisdom
both now and for ever.
AMEN.
Day 6: January 23
Day 6: January 23
Bible reading: Romans 5:1-5
Nurturing God, source of all hope,
You send gifts of grace to all people in every age.
Free us from doubt and despair.
Stretch our vision for love and unity
for we are restless until we find your peace.
Help us truly live as brothers and sisters
with compassionate care for all.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
AMEN.
Day 7: January 24
Day 7: January 24
Bible reading: Joel 2:28-29 (some versions 3:1)
Ever living and ever loving God,
You sent Jesus to bring us the Good News of salvation.
Help us to follow the example of Christ among us.
Send your Spirit of Understanding
as we abandon doubts and fears.
May we foster our dreams for peace and unity
among all people
today and every day forever.
AMEN.
Day 8: January 25
Day 8: January 25
Bible reading: Ephesians 4:1-6
Blest be God, Creator of all.
Blest be Jesus, the Christ, our Redeemer.
Blest be their Spirit of Holiness.
Confirm us in faith.
Strengthen us in hope.
Inspire us with love.
Unite us as we lift up our hearts
in glory and praise to You.
AMEN. Alleluia!