Grant O merciful God, that I may ardently desire, carefully examine, truly know and perfectly fulfill those things that are pleasing to You and to the praise and glory of Your holy name.

Direct my life, O my God, and grant that I might know what you would have me to do and for me to fulfill it as is necessary and profitable to my soul.

Grant to me, O Lord my God, that I may not be found wanting in prosperity or in adversity and that I may not be lifted up by one nor cast down by the other.

May I find joy in nothing but what leads to You and sorrow in nothing but what leads away from You.

May I seek to please no one or fear to displease anyone save only You.

Grant to me, O Lord God,
- a vigilant heart that no subtle speculation may ever lead me from You;
- a noble heart that no unworthy affection may draw me from You;
- an upright heart that no evil purpose may turn me from you.

Give me a steadfast heart that no tribulation may shatter and a free heart that no violent affection may claim as its own.

And finally, grant me O Lord my God, a mind to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you.

Give me a way of life pleasing to You; perseverance to trust and await You in confidence that I shall embrace You at the last. Amen.

- – - prayer by St. Thomas Aquinas

By sweat of human forehead built,
And money earned in honest ways;
Reside good Christians within it;
God bless this family always!

O Holy Spirit, Dove of peace,
Preserve love, faith and unity;
Help us to live our life with ease
Through fortitude and piety.

O Mother Mary, pray for us!
Ask Jesus Christ to ever bless,
And keep our souls in grace of God,
Until we part to His abode!

Saint Joseph, show us God is first,
And how to be a father best;
And teach our children about Christ,
And emulate the Holy Nest.

O saints and angels, dwell here-in;
Pray that we stay away from sin;
And keep our soul’s gaze towards God,
Living our lives, like Jesus Lord.

O Jesus Lord, bless us, we pray;
Protect this home both night and day;
Help us to carry our life’s cross,
And serve God nobly without pause!

Lord Jesus, be our guiding Light;
Help us to speak the Truth always;
Goad us to do all things aright;
Proclaiming God to human race!

- – - written by Dr John Celes

Prayer for September 11th

A Prayer of Hope and Healing for Patriot Day

Dear Heavenly Father, Today is a difficult day. The memories are painful and some of the wounds I fear may never heal. Yet I pray you will help me to go on living for truth, firm in my hope of your salvation. May I live for you, Lord, and by doing so, be an example to my friends and family.

I pray, just like Jesus, I may learn obedience through these things that I have suffered. Help me not to question why, yet even if I do, give me courage to continue to trust you. Help me take the comfort and strength you’ve poured into my life and use it to comfort and strengthen others who need hope.

I pray I might become a better person and help make the world a better place because of this terrible event. Thank you for the heroes that gave so sacrificial efforts on September 11. Help me to remember their courage and learn from them.

I want my life to be worthy of you Lord, so make of it what you desire, and use me to fulfill your purposes. May the evil of that day cause me and my family to work harder to do good on this earth and to bring your light into the dark places. Help me to never stop believing in you and living my life for you.

Lord, heal all those who were crushed and broken on that day. May they come to experience your presence and know your peace.

Amen.