Prayers for the week 4 February – 8 February 2019 Prayer theme: Gentleness Above all , through God’s grace ,the whole is marked by the gentleness, the gentle strength , which is ‘a quality which helps us to keep a calm spirit, a peaceful heart, and control in our words and gestures, even when the circumstances seem to call forth, or at least justify, an explosion of displeasure or anger. Gentleness results in right relationships with God, self and others. Gentleness keeps our heart always within the boundaries of justice, reason and love. (Adapted from Mère Josephine Petit fcJ/Mère Marie de Bussy fcJ)

Monday 4 February Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true Light enlightening us all. We celebrate the feast of Candlemas. Before Holy Mass, the priest blesses the candles. The flames of these candles help us to realize, this day and every day, that our own humdrum daily work, if it is done for love of You, will shine brightly before You for all eternity. Help us realize, too, each time we see the blessed candles at Holy Mass, or at the bedside of the sick, that they are a symbol of Yourself, the Light shining in the darkness of this world. Help us to live in that Light, to make it our own, to let our light shine to others. Amen. On the 2nd February we celebrate Candlemas, remembering the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. Traditionally on this feast the priest blesses the candles used in the Mass and in some countries people bring candles to be blessed and used in their houses as well.

Monday 4 February Dear God, Please teach us to be gentle. Remind us of the many ways you have shown gentleness to us. When we respond to others, help us see how you love them. Show us how to stand for what is right without abandoning gentleness and respect. Teach us to speak the truth in love. Let our gentleness be evident, a clear sign that you are at work in our lives.

Tuesday 5 February Dear God, we thank you that in all cultures the New Year means a chance for a fresh start and a new beginning. We pray especially for our Chinese brothers and sisters as they celebrate Chinese New Year. We give thanks for the Chinese people, for their rich diversity of colour and shape and language, of custom and culture, for their songs, their dances, their art of all kinds. We give thanks for China’s cultural riches and achievements from ancient days to the present, its wondrous diversity of people. We pray for the hopes and dreams of the Chinese people and for their leaders who carry great responsibility, that they may strive for justice and dignity for all. Amen.

Tuesday 5 February Dear God, We pray in thanksgiving for the year of the Dog that has ended. May we remember to always be honest and loyal to each other. Now we welcome the year of the Pig, with happiness and gentleness as its characteristics. May it inspire us to make this school community a happy and welcoming place, where gentleness flourishes. Amen. Gentleness

Wednesday 6 February Loving God, Teach us to develop and appreciate the value of gentleness. Help us to keep a calm spirit, a peaceful heart, and control in our words and actions, even when we are angry or unhappy. Ay we be always in right relationships with God and with each other. Amen

Wednesday 6 February Dear God, we pray that we may be strong in action but gentle in manner, a source for good in this school. Give us the desire to be kind to others and the courage to stand up for the weak. Amen.

Thursday 7 February A reading from Paul’s letter to the Colossians God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So you should always clothe yourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other, and forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, forgive that person because the Lord forgave you. Even more than all this, clothe yourself in love. Love is what holds you all together in perfect unity. Dear Jesus, Teach us to be like You in all our ways. Teach us kindness, gentleness, generosity, and to be giving, forgiving, loving and caring. Teach us to follow in Your humble footsteps. Guide us to the place You want us to be. Amen.

Thursday 7 February Dear God Help me to choose gentleness. Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself. Amen.

International Day of prayer and awareness against human trafficking Friday 8 February International Day of prayer and awareness against human trafficking In 1869, a little girl was born in Sudan in Africa. As a child she was kidnapped into slavery. This experience was so frightening that she could not even remember her name. So, her kidnappers named her Bakhita. Which means “fortunate.” An Italian man purchased Bakhita and treated here well. When he had to away for business he left her in convent in Venice where Bakhita got to know God and upon his return she asked to stay with the sisters and got the name ‘Josephine’. In 2000 Pope John Paul II named her a saint and she became the patron of victims of human trafficking. St. Josephine Bakhita, you were sold into slavery as a child and endured hardship and suffering. Once liberated you found Christ and his Church. Assist all those who are trapped in slavery. We pray that they may be released. Provide comfort to survivors of slavery and let them look to you as an example of hope and faith. Help all survivors find healing from their wounds. Amen.

Friday 8 February 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.

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