Weekly Prayer Archive

St. Columban of Mt. Leinster, Bangor, Luxeuil, Bregenz and Bobbio,
your name rings out across the world.
Come to our aid and rise up to help us in our need.
As pilgrims on the journey, we ask you to keep us safe
from the coronavirus that knows no borders.
Heal those who suffer; protect those who are exposed and vulnerable;
enlighten all who respond; guide those who govern;
calm our fears; give us a new vision of Life;
and intercede for us before God the Most High
to stop the spread of this virus that we may continue
to work together for a new civilization of love for all.

— By a Columban Missionary

It seems Lord God, that You are leading me to slow down.
Now, I have more time to think and reflect.
It is the Lenten season.
So, what Lord, while this pandemic is on,
do You want me to do?
Yes, there is more time now to pray.
And yes, there is more time to reach out to friends and family.
How are they? May I be supportive to them.
Listen to them ...
It does seem now, that this is what You
are asking me, Lord, to focus on at this time.

Amen.

— By a Columban Missionary

Father of love and compassion, thank you for your forbearance.
How many times have we unthinkingly prayed the words,
“Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Now our plans and comfort have been upended and we are not in control of our situation.
Help us rediscover our dedication to doing your holy will in every situation.

Keep us far from greed and self pity. And do not let us be indifferent to the needs of the less fortunate among us.
Our pride and complacency have suffered. May your Holy Spirit give us a truer understanding of our reality.

May our hearts swell with renewed gratitude for all the people and things we have taken for granted.
We make this prayer in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

—  Columban Fr. John Burger, U.S. Regional Director

Lord Jesus, in your own time and down through the centuries
You became known as someone who could cure people through the power of God.
We believe that you do much more than offer a physical cures.
More central to Your mission on earth is the strengthening of people’s faith in every age,
so that they may live as a people of hope.
In this season of health crisis, we need your presence.
We need your healing hand.
And our spirits need a stronger faith, fuller confidence, more trust in you and in each other.
Bless us with this gift, we pray.
Amen.

—  Columban Fr. John Burger, U.S. Regional Director

Dear St. Joseph, 
The bible never quotes your words.
We know you through the gospels
as the protector of our Lord Jesus
and his blessed mother, Mary.

We know you by your actions and your dreams.

Help us to take action, to do all we can in this time of crisis
to lovingly keep those around us safe.
But also inspire us with dreams,
dreams of a better world,
a world of truth and justice, love and peace.

Amen

– By Columban Fr. John Burger, U.S. Regional Director

Dear Lord,

I have been the recipient of so much of your goodness in my life.
Please keep me open my mind and heart to receive whatever grace you wish to give me.

In this time of pandemic, it could be that you are giving me new eyes to see
how much I have been taking for granted in my daily life and how much I have
received without taking notice.

You have given me years and years of blessings.
When my friends and I emerge from this period of isolation, may we
truly treasure each person we know as a gift from You.
I pray, in the name of Jesus.

Amen.

– By Columban Fr. John Burger, U.S. Regional Director

Almighty God, You know that we have
no power in ourselves to help ourselves.
Keep us both outwardly in our bodies
and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended
from all adversities which may happen to the body,
and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Amen.