Section:
prayers
January 4
Environment:
Lighted candle, opened Bible, fresh cut flowers in vase.
Introduction:
We gather together today to celebrate Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first person born in the United States to be declared a saint. Elizabeth Ann’s Episcopalian parents shared their love of Scripture and prayer with her. As a youngster she would often accompany her doctor father who taught her to love and serve the poor.
Hymn Suggestions:
Blest Are They (Haas)
Only This I Want (Schutte)
The Cry of the Poor (Foley)
We Are Called (Haas)
God Has Chosen Me (Farrell)
Here I Am, Lord (Schutte)
Come To the Water (Foley)
Psalm Suggestions:
82; 86; 116; 136; 138; 146
Reading Suggestions:
Matt. 19:14-15; Luke 4:14-19; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 9:23-27; Luke 1:39-45;
John 13:12-17
Reading: Excerpt from: A Diamond Crown for Christ the King by Sister Mary Barnaba, O.S.F.
“Truly it has been said that there is a long chain of contributing circumstances leading up to every great influence that is exerted in the world. While history records the achievements of nations and individuals, it does not discern the secret springs, the mysterious working of Divine Providence, by which events are produced. Ordinarily God’s designs are brought about by slow processes such as are followed in the law of growth, so that advances from day to day are imperceptible and call forth no comment. At times, however, God manifests [God’s] self in a marvelous manner, and uses as instruments for accomplishment of [God’s] will those whom [God] invests with extraordinary power, which causes them to stand forth like superterrestrial beings, and forces the world to exclaim: ‘Here is the hand of God! How wonderful are [God’s] ways.’”
Copyright © 1930, The Sisters of St. Francis, Our Lady of Angels Convent,
Glen Riddle, PA
Walther Printing House, Philadelphia, PA
Gospel Canticle Antiphon:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; therefore, God has anointed me.
Listening, Waiting Prayer:
We are now invited to prayerfully ponder some of the moments in our own lives when we were aware of, "Here is the hand of God! How wonderful are [God’s] ways." During this Prayer of Listening and Waiting we will not have to be concerned about sharing our insights, blessings, etc. with those gathered with us for prayer. In the stillness of Listening and Waiting Prayer we will share in the flow of prayerful energy that will be felt by all.
(Invite sisters to close their eyes for this reflection. Allow 5 minutes.)
Intercessions:
Response: Loving God, hear our prayer.
For our Church and her ministry to the poor and oppressed, we pray...
For all countries of the world to be places of peace and welcome, we pray...
For all teachers, school administrators, and staff members, we pray...
For families to be havens of love and respect for one another and their neighbors, we pray...
For catechumens who are preparing for the Easter sacraments, we pray...
For the Daughters of Charity and their efforts to reflect the compassion and dedication of their foundress, Elizabeth Ann Seton, we pray...
For those who are grieving the loss of family members and dear friends and for all who have died, we pray...
Our Father
Closing Prayer:
Loving God, you graced Elizabeth Ann Seton, enabling her to be a good wife, mother, teacher, and foundress, so that she might give her life in ministry to others. May her example inspire us to be compassionate and selfless in our love for you and for one another. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen.
