Prayers for the week 26 February – 2 March 2018 The season of Lent continues this week and Pope Francis provides the inspiration for our prayers. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Pope chose Francis as his papal name in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi. Francis is the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first pope from outside Europe since the Syrian, Gregory III, who reigned in the 8th century. It is the fundraising week for Year 8

Monday 26 February Lord, help us to understand this commandment for justice. As one of our FCJ values, let us strive for justice wherever it is absent. May we follow the directive of Pope Francis in trying to ensure that, in a world where there is enough for everyone, everyone has enough. Food, water and shelter should never be regarded as luxuries by those who have little or taken for granted by those who have much. Let us work all our lives to balance the scales of justice. Amen

Tuesday 27 February We make this prayer through Christ our Lord Amen Lord God, let us ensure that we care for all of creation. Help us to avoid waste and excess in our daily lives and to appreciate the wonders of the natural world. As individuals and as a school community, help us to support and develop environmental projects that will leave a lasting legacy for the benefit of our earth. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord Amen

Wednesday 28 February O God, Protect all people and nations from the violence and evil of war and conflict. Keep those in war zones safe from the weapons of hate and destruction. May those in power have the wisdom and courage that is needed to seek an end to conflict. Let those who profit from war find a new way to live and work. Teach us that all people can live under your protection and care in tranquility and peace. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Thursday 1 March Happy St David’s Day! Lord, Teach us to be accepting of others and to not judge those whose beliefs we may not share. Help us to develop a rich spiritual life that allows us to see beyond the day-to-day and to focus on that which really matters – how to become a good person. May we find our ‘church’, whether in nature, in the company of others or even perhaps in a building with a priest. Amen

Friday 2 March Lord God, Teach us to understand the simple power of the words of Pope Francis. May we give and not count the cost. Give of our time, our prayers and our money. Give of our talents, our companionship and our love. May we labour on behalf of the poor and dispossessed and ask for no reward. Let us pray that, after a life well-lived, we will receive our joy and reward in heaven. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord Amen

Afternoon Prayer and Reflection Lord Thank you for the morning, for watching over me and walking with me. May I find joy and understanding this afternoon, in all I do. Grant me the zest and the strength I need to work for you until nightfall. Amen Let us pause for a few moments in silence and remember those family members and friends who need our prayers and support today………… Let us say together the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen May the Lord bless us and keep us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen