1. Prayers for the week 2 – 6 December 2018
Prayer theme: Hope in Advent
“Advent” means an anticipation of the arrival of a person or an event. We remember and celebrate the birth of God in our World.
The power of Advent often seems to get lost in our Christmas preparations. While we busily decorate our homes, do big shopping, plan visits and holidays we often fail to experience how the power and presence of God changes the world. Advent challenges us, to share God’s love with those we meet. Throughout advent we acknowledge the presence of God in our world in spite of the war and conflict. We celebrate God at work despite the tragedies of life.

2. Monday 3 December
Advent in 2 minutes Lord, when we live through tough days help us to see the small blessings, the light in the shadows of the day. May we find light and life even in tough times that might lie ahead. Amen.

3. Monday 3 December
I rejoiced when I heard them say “Let us go to God’s house” (Psalm 121) What are you looking forward to this Christmas? God of hope, be with us in our Advent journey to the stable and beyond, be with us in our meeting and in our travelling together, be with us in our worship and our praying together, our God of hope.

4. Tuesday 4 December
A reading from the prophet Isaiah:
Then wolves will live in peace with lambs.
And leopards will lie down to rest with goats.
Calves, lions and young bulls will eat together.
And a little child will lead them.
Cows and bears will eat together in peace.
Their young will lie down together.
Lions will eat hay as oxen do.
A baby will be able to play near a cobra’s hole.
A child will be able to put his hand into the nest of a poisonous snake.
They will not hurt or destroy each other
on all my holy mountain.
Spend a moment to think about all the conflicts there are right here in school and in the rest of the world. How do you feel hearing this promise of peace?

5. Tuesday 4 December
Lord, Advent is a time of waiting for your arrival. All we can do is keep an eye out for your presence in ordinary things throughout the day. Be with us today and help us to do well in our work and friendships. Give each one of us a reminder of your closeness and we try to notice and give a nod in your direction. Amen.
Idea: Send a Christmas Card to someone you never speak to or that you know may need one. E.g.; People in school, neighbours, the elderly in your community

6. Wednesday 5 December
From the prophet Isaiah: The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces. Is there something happening in your own life that you need God’s help with? Lord, Come and be with us. Help us to remember today that the mystery of your presence is something we can all depend upon whatever happens to our thoughts about the day ahead. Help us with our uncertainties and look towards the future with hope. Amen.

7. Wednesday 5 December God who gets rid of all darkness,
Idea: Be an example of Jesus’ teachings and show love in your actions. Show that you are a Christian by what you do not just by what you say.
God who gets rid of all darkness,
Come to be with us, in each one of our situations.
Come to reconcile us with You and with one another.
God of Light, open our hearts to the mystery of Your love and the invitation of Your grace. Help us to be compassionate instead of judgmental to others. Turn oppression to justice and transform conflict to peace. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

8. Thursday 6 December
Idea: Buy a toy for a disadvantaged child. Contact Nugent Care or go to for more information.

9. Thursday 6 December
Saint Nicholas was a wonderfully kind man. He was always thinking of others and giving all he had. Lord, help us be generous like him. Help us share what we have. Help us see that the true gifts of this season are love and generosity. May we always share what we have and give what we love. We ask this through you, who guided Saint Nicholas. Amen.

10. Friday 7 December
Loving God, We thank you for the beautiful gift of your mother, Mary, who was born without sin. Her faith never wavered even during times of doubt. Thank you for giving us your mother as an example of how we should live our faith. Help us model that same strength to love with our entire heart, mind, soul and body. Amen.

11. Friday 7 December
Loving God, Mary, showed us what it means to love you, saying yes in all we do. Even when things are uncertain, saying yes means putting our faith in you just as Mary did when she said yes to the angel Gabriel. Fill us with your spirit, Lord, so that we may love you with our heart, mind, soul and body. Amen.

12. 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 ask Mary, our Mother, to join us in our prayers as we say:
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen
We end our reflection with a prayer inspired by our foundress followed by the school prayer:
Loving Father, life-giving spirit – Marie Madeleine believed in your power, hoped in your promises and lived for your glory. We ask her to pray for us and be with us as we carry the FCJ spirit into the 21st century. Protect and guide the pupils and staff at Upton and at all FCJ schools in this country and around the world. Amen
May the Lord bless us and keep us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen