Prayer is a human expression of our attempt to relate to God. Praying is a devotion to and desire to communicate with the mystery that gives meaning to our lives. For Catholics, this mystery is God, revealed to us in the person of Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.
We can engage with this mystery by being open to feeling the presence of God in a joyful moment, sitting quietly alone and ‘spending time’ with God in daily prayer or joining with others to pray. Our day to day activities, if done with God in mind and with good intentions, are prayer. There are different styles of prayer.
Through prayer we acknowledge God’s power and goodness along with our own need and dependence. Prayer is an essential ingredient in all our efforts for a better world and for our own inner peace.
Prayer can help us make sense of our lived experiences which may be overwhelming in positive or negative ways. Reflecting in prayer empowers us to grow in confidence that whatever life may bring we are loved unconditionally by our Creator.
For Catholics, praying together clarifies our relationship with one another within the bigger context of our relationship with God. By gathering together to pray ‘in the name of Jesus’ we are part of ‘the body of Christ’. This links us to others beyond those physically assembled in the one place.
- Sign of the Cross
Sign of the Cross
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
- Our Father
Our Father
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
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.
- Hail Mary
Hail Mary
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now
and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
- Glory Be
Glory Be
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
- Morning Offering
Morning Offering
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
O Jesus, through the most pure heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of your divine heart.
Amen.
- Prayer to our Guardian Angel
Prayer to our Guardian Angel
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day be at my side to light and guard, to rule and guide.
Amen.
- Prayer for family
Prayer for family
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Praying for our family, spouse or children can be as simple as:
I ask the Lord to give you strength and peace today.
- Family prayer while gathered for a meal
Family prayer while gathered for a meal
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Lord, we thank you for the blessings of this day and for this time together as family.
We thank you for this wonderful meal and for this time we share.
Help us to remember those who have so much less than we do.
Bless us as a family.
Help us to grow in love and care for each other.
We ask you to comfort and give strength and peace
to those who are sick or struggling in any way.
Amen
- Grace before meals
Grace before meals
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Bless us, O Lord, and these Your gifts which we are about to receive from Your bounty through Christ our Lord.
Amen
- Grace after meals
Grace after meals
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
We give You thanks, O Almighty God, for all Your benefits who lives and reigns, world without end.
Amen.
- Anima Christi
Anima Christi
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within your wounds, hide me.
Suffer me not to be separated from you.
From the evil enemy, defend me.
In the hour of my death, call me,
and bid me to come to you .
That with your saints I may praise you
for ever and ever.
Amen.
- Memorare of St Bernard
Memorare of St Bernard
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Remember, O most loving Virgin Mary, that never was it known in any age,
that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was abandoned.
Inspired with this confidence, we turn to thee, O Virgin of virgins, our Mother.To thee we come, before thee we stand, sinful and sorrowful.
Do not, O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise my prayers,
but graciously hear and answer them .
Amen.
- The Angelus
The Angelus
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
V. The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary,…
V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord
R. Let it be done unto me according to thy word. Hail Mary,…
V. And the Word was made flesh
R. And dwelt among us. Hail Mary,…
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of ChristLet us pray: Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy grace into our hearts;
that, we to whom the incarnation of Christ, thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by his passion and cross, be brought to the glory of his resurrection, through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.
- Come, Holy Spirit
Come, Holy Spirit
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created. And you will renew the face of the earth.O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
- Act of Faith
Act of Faith
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
O my God, I firmly believe all the truths that the Holy Catholic Church believes and teaches. I believe these truths, O Lord, because You have revealed them to her; and in this faith I am resolved to live and die.
Amen.
- Act of Hope
Act of Hope
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
O my God, relying on Your promises, I hope that, through the infinite merits of Jesus Christ, You will grant me pardon of my sins, and the graces necessary to serve You in this life and to obtain eternal happiness in the next.
Amen
- Act of Love
Act of Love
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
O my God, I love You with my whole heart and above all things, because You are infinitely good and perfect; and I love my neighbour as myself for love of You. Grant that I may love You more and more in this life, and in the next for all eternity.
Amen
- Act of Contrition
Act of Contrition
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
O my God, I am sorry that I have sinned against you, because you are so good, and by the help of Your grace, I will not sin again.
Amen
- Prayer for Serenity
Prayer for Serenity
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
O God, give me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
- The Regina Caeli
The Regina Caeli
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Rejoice, O Queen of Heaven, Alleluia!
For He Whom thou didst merit to bear, Alleluia!
Has risen as He said, Alleluia!
Pray for us to God, Alleluia!
V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, Alleluia!
R. For the Lord has risen indeed, Alleluia!Let us pray
O God, who hast given joy to the whole world
through the Resurrection of They Son, our Lord Jesus Christ;
grant that through the prayers of His Virgin Mother Mary,
we may obtain the joys of everlasting life.
Through the same Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
- Salve Regina
Salve Regina
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy!
Hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope!
To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve.
To you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears.
Turn then, most gracious Advocate, your eyes of mercy towards us
and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
- Peace Prayer of St. Francis
Peace Prayer of St. Francis
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy;Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand,
to be loved as to love.For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
- Saint Mary Mackillop
Saint Mary Mackillop
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Holy God, source of all goodness, you show us in Mary Mackillop a woman of faith who lived by the power of the cross.Teach us to embrace what she pioneered: new ways of living the gospel that respect and defend the human dignity of all in our land.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
- Prayers for Australia
Prayers for Australia
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Father ever generous,
give us new vision to see your shaping hand at work
in all the gifts to our country
and in the care and protection with which you frame our lives.
May we always live in this land
united in purpose and freed in the Spirit
until the final feast at heaven’s table.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
- I Cannot Do This Alone
I Cannot Do This Alone
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
O God, early in the morning I cry to you.
Help me to pray and to concentrate my thoughts on you:
I cannot do this alone.
In me there is darkness, but with you there is light;
I am lonely, but you do not leave me;
I am feeble in heart, but with you there is help;
I am restless, but with you there is peace;
In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience;
I do not understand your ways, but you know the way for me.
Restore me to liberty, and enable me to live now
that I may answer before you and before me.
Lord, whatever this day may bring,
your name be praised.
- My Protector
My Protector
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
God my protector and guide,
you promise to meet all of my needs.Be with me as I struggle during the dark and difficult times,
help me to surrender to you all of my doubts and worries.Strengthen my faith and confidence that you are always by my side.
I ask this of you as the Divine Shepherd.
Amen.
- Prayer before Work
Prayer before Work
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Lord God,
may everything we do begin with your inspiration
and continue with your help,
so that all our prayers and works
may begin in you and by you be happily ended.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
- Prayer for Meetings
Prayer for Meetings
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
We come before you, Holy Spirit, conscious of our sinfulness,
but aware that we gather in your name.
Come to us, remain with us, and enlighten our hearts.
Give us light and strength to know your will to make it our own, and to live it in our lives.
Guide us by your wisdom, support us by your power, for your are God,
sharing the glory of Father and Son.
You desire justice for all: enable us to uphold the rights of others;
do not allow us to be misled by ignorance or corrupted by fear or favour.
Unite us to yourself in the bond of love and keep us faithful to all that is true.
As we gather in your name may we temper justice with love, so that all our decisions may be pleasing to you, and earn the reward promised to good and faithful servants.
Amen
- Act of Faith, Hope and Love
Act of Faith, Hope and Love
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
My God, I believe in you, I trust in you,
I love you above all things, with all my heart and mind and strength.
Amen.
- Prayer to the Guardian Angel
Prayer to the Guardian Angel
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Angel sent by God to guide me,
be my light and walk beside me
be my guardian and protect me;
on the paths of life direct me.
- Stewardship 'Gift' Prayer
Stewardship 'Gift' Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Lord, you alone are the source of every good gift,
of the vast array of our universe,
and the mystery of each human life.
We praise you and we thank you
for your great power and your tender, faithful
LOVE.Everything we are and everything we have
is your gift,
and after having created us,
You have given us the greatest of all gifts, your son,
JESUS CHRIST.Fill our minds with His truth
and our hearts with His love,
that in His Spirit
we may be bonded together into a community
of faithful, caring people.In the name and spirit of Jesus,
we commit ourselves to be good stewards
of the gifts entrusted to us,
to share our time, our talent
and our material gifts as an outward sign
of the treasure we hold in Jesus.
AMEN.
SOURCE: Resource: A Treasury of Private Prayers for the Christian Stewards, ICSC
- A Stewardship 'Meal Blessing'
A Stewardship 'Meal Blessing'
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Good and gracious God,
As we gather together for this meal, we
pause from the normal routines of our daily lives
to give thanks and praise for the abundant
blessings you have bestowed upon us.
You have entrusted us with the wonders of your
creation and given us the freedoms and
opportunities to creatively collaborate
in your divine plan.
Bless all of us who gather here in your name.
Give us the grace to be good stewards of your
bounty, the courage to proclaim the Gospel in
word and deed; and the wisdom to claim nothing
for ourselves, but return all to You with increase.
Bless this food we are about to share and
all those who brought it to our table.
Bless our loved ones, family and friends who are
not with us this day; and on those who travel, that
they may reach their destinations safely.
And in a special way, bless those who are less
fortunate than we are today. Grant that we
who are filled with Your abundance never
close our hearts to those most in need of Your
mercy, particularly the hungry, the
homeless and the poor.
We ask this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your
Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God forever and ever.
Amen.
- Stewardship 'Blessings' Prayer
Stewardship 'Blessings' Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Generous and loving God, You call us to be disciples
of your son Jesus and good stewards of all your many gifts.Open our minds and hearts to a greater awareness
and deeper appreciation of your countless blessings.Transform us through the power of your Spirit to nurture
a stewardship way of life marked by faith-filled prayer,
service to our neighbor and generous sharing.
Teach us to be faithful servants of your gifts. With Mary’s help,
may we return ten-fold the gifts entrusted to us.Bless our Parish with a deepening
devotion to prayer, a growing commitment for service,
and increasing levels of generosity as we work to
advance the mission of both our parish and diocese.We pray through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
- Stewardship 'Faith Journey' Prayer
Stewardship 'Faith Journey' Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Creator God, at Baptism, we accepted the call to follow Jesus.
Be with us as we move along on our faith journey. Send us your Holy Spirit, that we might have wisdom for the journey. Help us to develop and share our gifts as good stewards, that we may use them in love and service in your Kingdom. We ask this through Christ, our Lord,
Amen
- Stewardship 'Way of Life' Prayer
Stewardship 'Way of Life' Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
PRESIDER: Let us pray that we will make stewardship a way of Life with God.
PART A: Because of our faith in You, O Lord, we acknowledge You as the source of all we have and all we are.
PART B: Help us place You, our loving Creator, first in our lives by becoming more prayerful, more focused on loving and caring for our families and our neighbors in need, and by becoming less preoccupied with material things.
PART A: Help us, Lord, find the true source of happiness and fulfillment that we all seek and that You, alone, can provide.
PART B: Help us to hear Your call to be good stewards, caretakers, and managers of all Your gifts by sharing them for Your purposes.
PART A: Help us make Your priorities our priorities.
PART B: Help us challenge each other, as disciples of Jesus Christ, to put our faith into action.
PRESIDER: Let us pray that as good stewards we will plan our sharing.
PART A: As we plan the things in our lives that are most important to us, Lord, help us plan our sharing of time with those in need.
PART B: Help us plan how to “give back” the talents with which we have been blessed.PART A: Help us plan how to share our treasure to do Your work.
PART B: Our planning and sharing demonstrates the great importance that You and the truth of the Gospel has in our lives.
PART A: Help us plan to serve our church, our community, and our world with Your Gifts.
PRESIDER: Let us pray that we will share in proportion to what has been given us.
PART B: Help us, Lord, return a portion of all You have given us.
PART A: We do this, O Lord, as a sign of our love and in thanksgiving for the many blessings we have received.
PART B: We offer not only the “first fruits” of our financial resources, but a generous portion of our time and talents as well.
PART A: Giving proportionately means it is equal for all of us according to what You have given us. You ask the same of each of us.
PART B: As we give proportionately, help us to put our trust, security and faith in You.
PART A: As good Christian Stewards, we pray we have a joyful spirit of mind and heart.
- Stewardship 'Creation' Prayer
Stewardship 'Creation' Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
All powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.
All things are of your making.
All times and seasons obey you.
You chose to create us in your own image,
and set us over the whole world in all its wonder.
You made us the stewards of creation,
to praise you every day for your wisdom and power.
May we imitate your Son, Jesus in his life of service.
May we be faithful stewards of all your gifts
among the people of God. AmenSOURCE: Resource: A Treasury of Private Prayers for the Christian Stewards, ICSC
- Stewardship 'Gathering' Prayer
Stewardship 'Gathering' Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Good and loving God source of every grace and blessing,
We bring you thanks as we gather today for the many gifts you have given us.
We seek to be good stewards,
Lord! Bless us as we gather here to share Your gifts.
Send us Your Spirit and be present among us — in the mouth of all who speak, in the ears of all who listen at the heart of all we say and do.
We ask in Jesus’ name.
Amen
- Stewardship 'Follow Me' Prayer
Stewardship 'Follow Me' Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Walk with us our God.
Help us on our spiritual journey so that we may constantly renew our relationship with you and all the good people in our parish.
Renew in us your Spirit. Give us the strength and courage
to become a better followers of Jesus, to be a disciple.
Help us hear the call to “Come Follow Me”.
We give glory to you, our God,
as we make stewardship a way of life.
Amen
- Stewardship 'Generosity' Prayer
Stewardship 'Generosity' Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Leader: Dear Lord, we come before you today to ask you to help us be more generous. We pray:Side A: Gracious God, give us generous hearts so we may fully appreciate all your many gifts to us.
Side B: Gracious God, give us generous hearts so we may give without counting cost.
Side A: Gracious God, give us generous hearts so we may share without expecting something in return.
Side B: Gracious God, give us generous hearts so we may know the joy that comes from helping others.
Side A: Gracious God, give us generous hearts so we may share all that you have given us.
Side B: Gracious God, give us generous hearts so we may hold all our treasures in an open hand.
Side A: Gracious God, give us generous hearts so we may recognize the many blessings in each new day.
Side B: Gracious God give us generous hearts so we may learn the difference between what we need and what we want.
Side A: Gracious God, give us generous hearts so we may ever thank you and serve you.
Leader: Lord, we ask all of this, knowing that you will always give us all that we need. Please bless the work we do for you today and always.
All: Amen
- Stewardship 'Commitment' Prayer
Stewardship 'Commitment' Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Lord Jesus, Create in us a new heart.
Pour your Spirit upon us
so that we may do the will of the Father.
Nourish us with your Eucharist
and heal us of sin.
Let our commitment
to stewardship be a sign
of our love for you.
Amen
- Stewardship 'Growth' Prayer
Stewardship 'Growth' Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Bless us Lord as we, your humble servants, come before you on our Stewardship journey to grow in your likeness.
May we be ever mindful of the blessings that you have bestowed upon us on a daily basis.Help us to understand that as we grow in Stewardship together as individuals, faith communities and as a nation, we grow only because of your benevolence.
May we use this time on earth that you have given us to make a difference, to open our eyes to the little things of life, to not be overwhelmed to the point that we delay our journey.
When we accept the challenge of Stewardship and see your face in the downtrodden, in the sick, in the dying, in the unborn, may we know it is only because of your grace that we are able to accept that challenge.
Dear Lord, thank You for earthly sustenance that gives us the strength of body to do our work. But, more so, thank you for Your spiritual food that fills us with the grace and knowledge that we are indeed Your people. Be with us, touch our hearts, invigorate our minds and give us the energy to go forth and grow in your image.
Amen.
- Stewardship 'Kingdom' Prayer
Stewardship 'Kingdom' Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
God, life is your gift to us.Through Baptism, you invite us to share
the gift of life in service to others.Be with us as we chose each day
to show your presence in our world.Give us the courage and generosity
to respond to your love and your call.We pray especially for those
who serve you in all ministries here in our parish.
May they bear the Good News
to those in need and keep them close to you.Open the minds and hearts of many that they may accept your challenge to build the Kingdom in our parish.
Lord Jesus, You tell us that the meaning of life consists in giving.
Help us to realise It is not riches or fame or power that gives life meaning. Rather it is generosity and service to You and others that brings fulfilment and makes life worthwhile. May all our activity help us to build Your Kingdom. Amen.
- Stewardship 'Grace to Share' Prayer
Stewardship 'Grace to Share' Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
We give thanks Lord,
For You are a generous and gracious God.
Mindful of all Your blessings,
We ask You to give us the grace to share Your love
and the many gifts You given us.
We pray for all Your creation,
That through our stewardship,
all may be aware of Your loving care.
We ask for Your peace and protection.
Blessed Be God Forever
- Stewardship 'Petition' Prayer
Stewardship 'Petition' Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Lord, we thank You for bringing us together in Your name. We have come to speak and to listen, to pray and to share, that we may better understand what it means to be Your disciples, to be the stewards of Your many gifts. We believe that You are present among us as You promised, Lord; and so with confidence, we bring our prayers before you:That like the good steward in the Gospel, we may be ready when the Master comes, we pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.That we may know and do what You ask of us, and so be found trustworthy, we pray to the Lord. . .
Lord, hear our prayer.For our parish, that we will be a beacon of Your love in this community.
Lord, hear our prayerFor all the people of our parish, that our work may touch them and help them to live out more fully Your call to discipleship.
Lord, hear our prayerFor our pastor and leaders of our parish, that they will have the strength and wisdom to shepherd Your people.
Lord, hear our prayerFor all those who work at our parish, that we may work effectively in concert with them.
Lord, hear our prayerFor all those who serve on councils, commissions, and committees here in our parish, that working together with them we may faithfully bring your message to all in our parish.
Lord, hear our prayerFor all those who are touched by the ministry that our efforts support, that they will recognize you as the ultimate source of that help.
Lord, hear our prayerFor all of us on this council/commission/committee that we may together and in harmony fulfill our mission to help people be better stewards of the gifts You give them.
Lord, hear our prayer“That the Holy Spirit, whose gracious action guides us to Jesus Christ and to the Church, will enlighten us all and help us to renew our commitment as the Lord’s disciples and as stewards of his bountiful gifts,” we pray to the Lord. . .
Lord, hear our prayer.
(All are invited to add their own intentions)
- Stewardship 'Countless Blessings' Prayer
Stewardship 'Countless Blessings' Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Generous God, you have blessed us immeasurably.
We are eternally grateful for your many blessings.The beauty of the world we live in,
the wonder of creation,
and the miraculous gift of life itself.The loving support of family and friends,
their caring sympathy during troubles
and their sharing happiness during our joysThe challenge of the tasks we work at,
the satisfaction of our accomplishments,
the enjoyment of our hobbies and diversions
and the meaningfulness of our volunteering.The gift of shelter,
the nourishment of food and sustenance,
and the warmth and comfort of our clothes.The trials and tribulations that each one of us faces,
that cause us to acknowledge our dependence on God.The ‘little things’ –
a good book or great movie,
chocolate chip cookies,
arriving home safely,
and all those other things we take for granted but which are really blessings.The love of a God who cares for each one of us,
the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ,
and the continuing presence of the Holy SpiritMay we always remember to live as grateful stewards of your countless blessings.
We share our gratitude to you now and forever.
Amen.
- Stewardship 'Abundance' Prayer
Stewardship 'Abundance' Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Gracious and Loving God, You call us to be stewards of Your abundance, the caretakers of all You have entrusted to us. Help us to always use Your gifts wisely and teach us to share them generously.
Send your Holy Spirit to work through us, bringing Your message to those we serve.
May our faithful stewardship bear witness to your enduring love of all creation. We pray with grateful hearts, in Jesus’ name.
Amen
- Stewardship Giving Prayer
Stewardship Giving Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Good and gracious God,
We thank you for all we are, and all we have.
Everything is a gift from your infinite generosity.
We marvel how bountiful is your kindness.
We rest in appreciation of your enduring mercy.
As we explore our responsibility to be good stewards,
Fill us with the compassion of Jesus, your Son.Give us eyes to see the needs of those around us,
In the faces of our neighbours near and far.
Give us hearts that are moved by the pleas of those who cry out.
On behalf of the children, the refugees, the sick, and the suffering.
Give us hands that are eager to share what has been entrusted to us.
For the homeless and those alone in their homes.
Give us feet to venture wherever the Spirit leads.
For the mission to bring your good news to all.As we resolve to be mindful of the needs of others, we pray that
You instill in us your generosity, your kindness, and your mercy.
Free us from all attachments to the things of this world.
Keep us focused in our mission of good stewardship.In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
- Stewardship 'St Paul' Prayer
Stewardship 'St Paul' Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Gracious God
You sent us St Paul
To preach the Gospel,
Inspire us in faith,
And show us the way
To be good stewards of Your grace.In our time together
Show us how to be
Fervent ambassadors of Christ, Your Son.Grant us the wisdom
To recognize that
Through his gift of the Eucharist
There is one bread, and we are one body.Give us the courage
To proclaim the Good News in word and deed.And in the spirit of St Paul
Teach us to live,
No longer for ourselves, but in Christ Jesus
Who lives and reigns with You
And the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever.
- Stewardship 'Promises' Prayer
Stewardship 'Promises' Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Lord Jesus, you have challenged us with your holy words in sacred scripture:
That the one who “seeks to save his life will lose it;”
That the one who “loses his life for your sake will save it for all eternity;”
That the “greatest among us is the one who serves the rest;”
That it is “harder for a rich man to enter heaven than for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle;”
That our “true treasure is in heaven.”Lord, you have given us your generous promises:
That you treasure greatly the sacrificial spirit of the widow’s mite;
That you will reward with hundredfold harvest those who sow in the rich soil of faith;
That you will not be outdone in generosity;
That you will not give us burdens that we cannot bear.We thank you, above all, for the joy-filled gift of faith and the inspirational witness of generous saints of ages past.
Lord, give us the strength and the faith to respond to your challenging words.
We ask you to help us to be responsible stewards of your gifts.
We ask you to bless us with the courage, generosity, and selflessness to help us multiply your gifts among us for the glory of your name.
- Stewardship 'Our Lady Help of Christians' Prayer
Stewardship 'Our Lady Help of Christians' Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Gracious and Loving God,We praise You
for the gift of Your love
made manifest in Your Son,
and for the gift of Your Holy Spirit,
who binds us in unity through
the richness of our diversity.We praise you for the
gift of Our Lady
Help of Christians
whom we honour
as patroness of Australia.Give us the wisdom
to follow her example;
to be good stewards
of our faith, our church
and of all those in need
of Your loving care.Teach us how to respond
generously,
with courage, prudence
and hope.And guide us on our pilgrim journey
with Our Lady,
who shows us the way
to Your Son in justice and peace.We pray this through Christ, Our Lord,
Amen.
- Stewardship 'Service' Prayer
Stewardship 'Service' Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Gracious and loving Father,
we rejoice in the gifts of love
we have received from the heart of Jesus your Son.
Teach us to see Christ in the lives we touch,
to offer him living worship
by love-filled service to our brothers and sisters.
Help us to always use Your gifts wisely and teach us to share them generously.
Send your Holy Spirit to work through us, bringing Your message to those we serve.May our faithful stewardship bear witness to the love of Jesus Christ in our lives. We pray with grateful hearts, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
- Stewardship 'Litany of Generosity' Prayer
Stewardship 'Litany of Generosity' Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Leader: Gracious God,
We come before you to ask you to affirm our gifts of generosityALL: Gracious God, give us generous hearts…
Leader: …so we may fully appreciate all your many gifts to us.
ALL: Gracious God, give us generous hearts…
Leader: …so we may give without counting the cost.
ALL: Gracious God, give us generous hearts…
Leader: …so we may share without expecting something in return.
ALL: Gracious God, give us generous hearts…
Leader: … so we may know the joy that comes from helping others.
ALL: Gracious God, give us generous hearts…
Leader: …so we may share all that you have given us.
ALL: Gracious God, give us generous hearts…
Leader: …so we may hold all our treasures in an open hand.
ALL: Gracious God, give us generous hearts…
Leader: …so we may recognise the many blessings in each new day.
ALL: Gracious God, give us generous hearts…
Leader: …so we may learn the difference between what we need and what we want.
ALL: Gracious God, give us generous hearts…
Leader: …so we may ever thank you and serve you.
ALL: Gracious God, give us generous hearts…
Leader: Lord, we ask all of this,
knowing that you will always give us all that we need.
Please bless the work we do for you this night and always.ALL: Amen
- Stewardship 'Trust' Prayer
Stewardship 'Trust' Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Almighty and ever-faithful Lord,
gratefully acknowledging Your mercy
and humbly admitting our need,
we pledge our trust in You and each other.Filled with desire,
we respond to Your call for discipleship
by shaping our lives in imitation of Christ.
We profess that the call requires us
to be stewards of Your gifts.
As stewards, we receive Your gifts gratefully,
cherish and tend them in a responsible manner,
share them in practice and love with others,
and return them with increase to you.We pledge to our ongoing formation as stewards
and our responsibility to call others to that same endeavour.
Almighty and ever-faithful God,
it is our fervent hope and prayer
that You who have begun this good work in us
will bring it to fulfilment in Jesus Christ,
our Lord. Amen
- Stewardship 'Lenten' Prayer
Stewardship 'Lenten' Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
God of mercy,
You have given us this special time
to reflect on our lives,
believe in the Good News
and draw closer to You.
May this season of Lent
help us use this time
to fast and pray,
be more generous
and show others
how to live in Christ.
Let us see each day of this season
as a new opportunity to renew
our lives
and gain a deeper appreciation
of Your active presence
in us and our community of faith.
Give us the grace to see Your
face in others,
especially the poor
and those who suffer.
And through your Spirit,
enkindle in us the fire of Your love
so that we may be better stewards
of Your
redeeming work throughout
the world.
We ask this through Jesus, Your Son.
Amen
- Stewardship Prayer
Stewardship Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Creator God, giver of life and source of our freedom,We recognise that yours “is the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it”. It is from your hands that we have received all we have…and are …and will be.
Gracious and loving God, you call us to be the stewards of your abundance, the caretakers of all you have entrusted to us. Help us to use your gifts wisely and to share them generously.
May our stewardship be a genuine reflection of our discipleship, a tangible sign of our commitment to Christ.
We pray with grateful hearts, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
- Stewardship Prayer
Stewardship Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Almighty and every faithful Lord, gratefully acknowledging Your mercy and humbly admitting our need, we pledge our trust in You and each other.Filled with desire, we respond to Your call for discipleship by shaping our lives in imitation of Christ. We profess the call requires us to be stewards of Your gifts. As stewards, we receive Your gifts gratefully, Cherish and tend them in a responsible manner, Share them in practice and love with others And return them with increase to the Lord.
We pledge to our ongoing formation as stewards and our responsibility to call others to that same endeavour. Almighty and ever faithful God, it is our fervent hope and prayer that You who have begun this good work in us will bring it to fulfilment in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
- Stewardship Prayer
Stewardship Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Father, I know that I can help in the needs of my parish, Your church. I am having trouble deciding how and where to serve You. I want to help, but the immediate needs of my family and job seem to be ever more demanding. Please help me search myself. Please help me take a good look at what I can do, both in my personal life and through Your church. Help me to steward Your gifts wisely, to cherish them lovingly, to tend to them responsibly, and to share them willingly with those in need. And most importantly Lord, help me to be that steward in a helpful way knowing that whatever I do for the least of your people, I do for you. All caring, all loving and almighty God, I pray that You will bring me to a fulfilment of good stewardship through your grace and direction. In Your holy name we pray. Amen.
- Stewardship Prayer
Stewardship Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Loving God, I come to you in thanksgiving, knowing that all I am and all that I have is gift from you. In faith and love, help me to do your will. I am listening, Lord God. Speak your words into the depth of my soul, that I may hear you clearly. I offer to you this day all the facets of my life, whether it be at home, at work, or at school – to be patient, to be merciful, to be generous, to be holy. Give me the wisdom and insight to understand your will for me and the fervour to carry out my good intentions. I offer my gifts of time, talent and possessions to you as a true act of faith, to reflect my love for you and my neighbour. Help me to reach out to others as you my God have reached out to me.
- A Litany of Generosity
A Litany of Generosity
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Dear Lord,
We come before you today to ask you to help us be more generous.
We pray:
ALL: Gracious God, give us generous hearts…
Leader: …so we may fully appreciate all your many gifts to us.
ALL: Gracious God, give us generous hearts…
Leader: …so we may give without counting the cost.
ALL: Gracious God, give us generous hearts…
Leader: …so we may share without expecting something in return.
ALL: Gracious God, give us generous hearts…
Leader: …so we may know the joy that comes from helping others.
ALL: Gracious God, give us generous hearts…
Leader: …so we may share all that you have given us.
ALL: Gracious God, give us generous hearts…
Leader: …so we may hold all our treasures in an open hand.
ALL: Gracious God, give us generous hearts…
Leader: …so we may recognize the many blessings in each new day.
ALL: Gracious God, give us generous hearts…
Leader: …so we may learn the difference between what we need and what we want.
ALL: Gracious God, give us generous hearts…
Leader: …so we may ever thank you and serve you.
Leader: Lord, we ask all of this, knowing that you will always give us all that we need. Please bless the work we do for you today and always.
ALL: Amen
- Stewardship Prayer
Stewardship Prayer
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
O Lord, giver of life and source of freedom, I know that all I have received is from your hand. Gracious and Loving Father, You call us to be stewards of Your abundance, the caretakers of all You have entrusted to us. Help us to always use Your gifts wisely and teach us to share them generously. Send the Holy Spirit to work through us, bringing Your message to those we serve.