Daily Dedication Prayer(Formerly the collect from Ember Saturday in Lent, this prayer is now used on the Thursday after Ash Wednesday): Lord, may everything we do begin with your inspiration and continue with your help, so that all our prayers and works may begin with you and by you be happily ended. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Morning Prayer of St Francis(St Francis of Assisi (1182-1226): Lord, help me to live this day, to lean on your great strength, trustfully, restfully; day, quietly, easily; to wait for the unfolding of your will, patiently, serenely; to meet others, peacefully, joyfully; to face tomorrow, confidently, courageously.
Prayer of St Thérèse of Lisieux: My life is but an instant, a passing hour. My life is but a day that escapes and flies away. O my God! You know that to love you on earth I only have today. Lord, what does it matter if the future is gloomy? To pray for tomorrow, oh no, I cannot! Keep my heart pure, cover me with your shadow Just for today. O divine Pilot! Whose hand guides me. I’m soon to see you on the eternal shore. Guide my little boat over the stormy waves in peace Just for today.
St Patrick’s Breastplate: I bind unto myself today, the power of God to hold and lead, his eye to watch, his might to stay, his ear to Harken to my need: the wisdom of my God to teach, his hand to guide, his shield to ward; the word of God to give me speech, his heavenly host to be my guard. Christ is with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me. Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in the hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
Prayer For The War: Our Father, who art in Heaven: give us, we pray You, the courage and the strength to stamp out the threat of paganism and slavery that hangs over the world today. Be merciful to all those who have died in the service of our country. Console those who have lost their loved ones in the struggle. Help our fighting men to be always clean of heart and therefore unafraid. Soothe the wounded in battle. Sustain the courage of those who suffer persecution for conscience’ sake.
Have pity for all who have been insulted, robbed, tortured, defiled, enslaved by their conquerors. Grant wisdom to our leaders, civil and military, that they may more effectively direct our efforts, at home and abroad. Teach us all to walk humbly with You, so that we may be worthy to conquer, and having conquered may build a peace with justice, based on the Brotherhood of Man, under the Fatherhood of God. Amen.
