Prayers for the week 14 – 18 January 2019 Prayer theme: Prayers for Peace On the 1st January Pope Francis gave us a message of peace focusing on the connection between good politics and peace. There are many countries where there is war: Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Mexico, Iraq, Nigeria, South Sudan and Mali to name a few. We remember all the people who are affected by violence in any way this week especially.

Monday 14 January Baptism of Jesus: A reading from the Gospel of Luke The people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, "I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased." Thank you God, for the new life and grace we received through our baptism. Renew our joy and help us to live as your children. Amen.

Monday 14 January O God, As we celebrate the baptism of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we remember our own baptism. We thank you for claiming us as your children. Call your people to view all water in the same way that we view the water in the baptismal font: as your precious life-giving gift. Help us to care for the gift of water, striving to make clean water accessible for all people. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Tuesday 15 January How I wish that all men and women of good will would look at the Cross if only for a moment! There, we can see God’s reply: violence is not answered with violence, death is not answered with the language of death. In the silence of the Cross the uproar of weapons ceases and the language of forgiveness, dialogue and peace is spoken. (Pope Francis) Loving God, we pray that more people will see that violence is not answered with violence. Fill our hearts and the hearts of everyone in the world with peace. Amen.

Tuesday 15 January Loving God, Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one… Bring healing to our lives that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace. Amen. (adapted from Laudato Si, Pope Francis, 2015)

Wednesday 16 January Blessed are you peacemakers who say no to war as a means to peace. Blessed are you peacemakers who offer hope and healing. who care and comfort. who help find answers. welcome, encourage, and inspire. who see the good in others. who never give up. Fr Paul Milanowski (adapted)

Wednesday 16 January God of peace, bearer of hope, we seek your help for the people who live in countries where there is war. Quiet the clamour of war and guide us towards peace. Where there is hatred and division sow seeds of calm and openness. Where there is destruction help us to rebuild. Where children are crying bring an end to tears. Shelter your peoples and protect them, guide them and keep them from harm. Show us how to break down the barriers of history and fear and breathe whispers of hope. Amen.

Thursday 17 January https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sE9std-lwXQ

Thursday 17 January Spreading peace Dear God, We thank you for giving us your peace. Help us to spread peace at home and at school by loving and caring for one another. Help us to spread peace by listening to one another, even when we don’t agree. Help us to spread peace by sharing our time with those who are lonely and who need a friend. Help us to spread peace by thinking and praying for children who have no food or who are frightened and live in fear. Let us pray every day for peace for our families, for our friends and for ourselves. Amen.

Friday 18 January A prayer for the victims and protection against terrorism Loving God and Father, we cry to you for our broken world, and for those who seek their own way through violence and threat. We pray to you for the ones who have been wounded by wicked acts of violence. Heal their bodies and hearts; console them and take away any hatred and a desire for revenge. We pray for the families and friends of those who have lost their lives. Comfort them. We pray for the police and intelligence services—that you would enable them to find and prosecute those responsible, and work to prevent future attacks. We pray for the government—that you would inspire them to govern with wisdom and determination. We pray for peace-loving Muslims—that you would protect them from unjust aggression and discrimination. And we pray that you would touch the hearts of terrorists so that they may recognise the evil of their actions and may turn to the way of peace and goodness, of respect for the life and dignity of every human being, regardless of religion, origin, wealth or poverty. Amen.

Friday 18 January Examen Be silent and place yourself in God’s loving presence. Think about the good things that have happened this week and give thanks.​ Who have you left a good memory with this week? Look back over your week. Where have you felt joy and what has been difficult and challenged you? In the quiet of your heart, tell God about your experiences.​ Give thanks for who you are. As you look ahead, with what spirit will you enter next week? Ask God to help you.