Skip to Content

Inspiration Through Prayer

Benedictine is pleased to share our prayers with you. Please feel free to use them to open or close meetings, to bless meals, before events, to establish a foundation for discussion, or for your personal use.

Prayers For

All Season

Litanies

The Litany for this prayer is the Hebrew words: AMEN meaning
I believe it! I stand for it! I have faith in it! and ALLELUIA
meaning Praise the Lord!

Prayer
Gracious God of the Universe,
in Your goodness You share life and beauty.
We thank You for sending Jesus,
who suffered, died and rose to new life.
As we gather for (name of the group that is meeting)
we present our needs and praise You proclaiming:
AMEN!  ALLELUIA!

Options to add to prayer:
For a sense of gratitude for people with whom we work,
we proclaim: AMEN! ALLELUIA!
For listening hearts attentive to Your Word,
we proclaim: AMEN! ALLELUIA!
For the natural beauty of lakes, trees and all living things,
we proclaim: AMEN! ALLELUIA!
For the symbol of the cross calling us to forgiveness,
reconciliation and peace,
we proclaim: AMEN! ALLELUIA!
For people and situations that seem too good to be true,
we proclaim: AMEN! ALLELUIA!
For this time and place calling us to a fuller expression of
Your loving care, we proclaim: AMEN! ALLELUIA!
For the Spirit of Wisdom, hidden and manifest
in everyone present here, we proclaim: AMEN! ALLELUIA!
For insight into the expression of our Mission and
living out of our Core Values, we proclaim: AMEN! ALLELUIA!

With faith and hope we begin (this meeting, this day)
trusting You, God, to send Your Holy Spirit to be with us.
We ask this through Jesus, the Christ, our Lord,
and so we proclaim: AMEN! ALLELUIA!

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Blest are You, God of Creation,
in love You give and sustain all that is.
With grateful hearts we say: THANKS BE TO GOD!
For the dawn of this new day, You have been generous:
THANKS BE TO GOD!
For the life that is ours, You have been generous:
THANKS BE TO GOD!
For the majestic oak tree, You have been generous:
THANKS BE TO GOD!
For the evergreen tree, You have been generous:
THANKS BE TO GOD!
For the song of a bird, You have been generous:
THANKS BE TO GOD!
For the little May flower, You have been generous:
THANKS BE TO GOD!
For the beautiful sunrise, You have been generous:
THANKS BE TO GOD!
For the colorful rainbow, You have been generous:
THANKS BE TO GOD!
For the gentle falling rain, You have been generous:
THANKS BE TO GOD!
For someone who cares, You have been generous:
THANKS BE TO GOD!
For a star to wish on, You have been generous:
THANKS BE TO GOD!
For the changing moon, You have been generous:
THANKS BE TO GOD!
For the gift of friendship, You have been generous:
THANKS BE TO GOD!
For sending Your Son, Jesus, You have been generous:
THANKS BE TO GOD!
Praise, honor and glory be to You, God of Creation
both now and forever.  AMEN.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

God of day and God of night,
You protected us through the night
and brought us to the dawn of a new day.
Help us to live in the light of Your revealed Word.
May we foster a spirit of cooperation and understanding with everyone we meet.
This we ask in Jesus’ name.
AMEN.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Ordinary Time

Merciful and gracious God,

in Your wisdom You have created all things.

Sustain us by Your love

and help us to support one another

with our care and concern.

We ask this through Jesus, the Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Eternal God, You are ever faithful.

We trust in Your mighty power

to listen to our cry for help.

Protect our leaders,

heal the sick and wounded,

and transform the lot of the poor.

Inspire us to extend a helping hand

for anyone in need.

This we ask through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Holy and Blessed One,

from You come life and love.

Gather us into Your family of faith

and help us to live with justice and peace.

This we ask in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

All Holy God,

Your love extends to the ends of the earth.

Bless our country this day

with renewed peace and freedom.

Help us to live harmoniously

in these United States ofAmerica,

and with all the countries of the world.

Surround our president and all leaders

with Your wisdom.

Create loving and caring hearts

in our citizens.

Give us a true sense of justice for all

today and everyday

forever and ever.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Merciful God,

Your Son, Jesus, suffered,

died and rose to new life.

Forgive us our offenses

both great and small.

Help us to transform our lives

and nurture the Core Values

of Hospitality, Stewardship, Respect and Justice

now and forever.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Blest are You, God of the Universe,

Your wonders never cease.

Your Great Spirit is hidden

in all the marvels of creation.

Awaken us to Your Presence

all around us

but especially in Your holy people.

Give us grateful hearts

ready and willing to brighten this day

with a good word.

This we ask in Your holy Name

now and forever.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Prince of Peace,

Your Word calls us to follow

Your example of compassion and faith.

Help us to believe in Your presence

in our lives and in our world.

May we encourage all people

to live a balanced life

in harmony with nature

and one another.

In the name of Jesus, we pray.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Blest are You, God of the Universe,

without You nothing is holy.

Be present in our lives and in our world

in the old and in the young.

May we show reverence to all the living,

with a spirit of faith, hope and love.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Ever-living and ever-loving God,

through all ages You call us to be faithful.

Send Your Spirit of Love

to accompany us in our journey through life.

Help us to pass along the love and care

that has been shown to us.

Quicken our imagination to recognize You

in the ordinary events of life

and in the breaking of the bread.

This we ask in Jesus’ name.

Amen

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

God, our Father,

we thank You and praise You

for sending Your Son, Jesus,

to teach us and lead us to Your heavenly realm.

Send your Spirit of truth to guide our decisions

for (Name the community, meeting or group in need.)

We count on You to renew in us the wonders of Your love

both now and forever.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Spirit of Wisdom, through the light of Christ,

You scatter the darkness of hatred and sin.

Fill us with the radiance of truth

helping us to discern what is best

for all people, especially the poor.

Unite us as brothers and sisters in Your love

today and everyday,

now and forever.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Seasonal Prayers

Blest are You, God of all ages,
You sustain the living with loving-kindness.
We are searching for the light of Your Word.
Help us to ponder the mystery of Your love
and wait with patience and prayer
for the coming of our Savior.
Come, Lord Jesus, come!

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Blest are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe,

we await the healing power of Christ Your Son.

Enrich our faith.

Deepen our hope.

Prepare our hearts for the reign of justice and peace.

Come, Lord Jesus, come!

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Jesus, the Christ,

You humbly suffered and carried Your cross

for our redemption.

Strengthen us and give us courage

to face the difficulties of life

and bear our cross with patience.

May we be mindful of Your loving presence

in all who fulfill our needs.

In Your holy name we pray now and forever.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Nurturing God of Love,

You sent your Son, Jesus, to live among us.

Open our hearts to receive Your Word made flesh.

May our lives reflect the Light of Christ

in our thoughts, words and deeds.

Help us to live as brothers and sisters

now and forever.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

God our Creator,

You reveal Your nearness by sending

Your Son, Jesus, to fill us with wonder.

Like the Angels, help us to be heralds of the gospel

and enlighten our world with holiness.

May Christ, the Prince of Peace,

reign in our hearts and in our homes

now and forever.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

God, our Creator,

You prepared Mary to be the mother

of Jesus, Your Son.

Cultivate faith and love in our hearts

that we may proclaim

the Good News of salvation

by our words and deeds.

We ask this through Jesus, the Christ,

who lives and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Sun and moon, bless the Lord.

All stars of heaven, bless the Lord.

Help us to recognize Christ, the Daystar in our life,

and follow his call to be strong

in faith, hope and love.

May our earthly pilgrimage lead us

to new revelation of God’s goodness

today and every day

both now and forever.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Blest are You, God of all inspiration,

Your Son, Jesus, accepted the waters of baptism

and called us to be a holy people.

May we daily remember our baptism

and remain faithful to Your Word.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Merciful God,

You sent Your Son to redeem us.

Forgive us for we have sinned.

Pardon our neglect and thoughtlessness.

Help us to examine our lives,

turn from our afflictions

and transform our ways

by Your grace.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Compassionate God,

we thank You and praise You for sending Jesus

to redeem us from our sin.

Heal our broken hearts and restore us

to Your service of love.

Give us strength to repent and hear the Good News.

This we ask through Jesus, the Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Ever-living and ever-loving God,

in Your plan for our salvation, You sent Jesus to earth.

Open our hearts to receive His message of love

and strengthen our faith.

Send Your Holy Spirit to enlighten our darkness

with Your word of life.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

God, our heavenly Father,

You reveal the humility of Jesus, Your Son,

by living among us on earth.

As we proclaim Jesus our Messiah,

may we identify with Him

in suffering and death

to the joy of resurrection.

Grant this now and forever.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

God of Surprises,

Your wonders fill the earth with beauty.

May the Risen Christ give us hope

to live in the joy of the resurrection.

Help us to be an Alleluia people

alive to the wonders of creation.

This we ask through Jesus, the Christ,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Paschal Triduum: Easter Sunday

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Alleluia! Blest be God!

In this Easter season, we know the depth of Your love.

May we remember our baptismal call

to conversion of heart,

and love of our neighbor.

Grant us the grace of faithfulness

through Jesus, the Christ, our Lord.

Amen, Alleluia!

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Risen Savior,

You conquered sin and death.

Help us to seek the values

that heal and enrich this changing world.

We trust in Your promise of eternal life

both now and forever.

Amen, Alleluia!

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Eternal God, source of all love,

You sent Jesus, the Good Shepherd,

to lead us safely through life’s journey.

Open the ears of our heart

to the sound of His voice

in our family, friends and situation in life.

Strengthen our trust in Your care for us

now and forever and ever.

Amen, Alleluia!

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Praise God who orders all things in their time.

Jesus, ascending into heaven,

give us faith in Your presence among us.

We trust in Your promise to be with us,

to the end of time.

Lift up our downcast hearts and give us hope

this day, now and forever.

Amen, Alleluia!

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Spirit of the Living God,

be with us as You were on that first Pentecost.

Help us to be loving, happy, peaceful, patient,

kind, generous, faithful, gentle and self-controlled.

Inspire us with Your wisdom to proclaim in faith

all that is good, true and beautiful.

Fill our world and grant us peace.

In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen, Alleluia!

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Holy God,

You are revealed as a Trinity of Persons.

You invite all people to share

in Your life and Your love.

You call us to share in community.

Help us nurture love and care for one another.

This we ask in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

God of Love,

You sent Your Son to heal our wounds.

Jesus showed us how to live

enduring even a broken heart

for our salvation.

Teach us to see Christ in the lives we touch

and generously offer our service to others.

We ask this in Your holy name.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Special Needs

God of Wisdom and Compassion,
You have been faithful through all the ages.
Bless (name of the CEO) and staff
with good judgment and extra patience today.
Let us invoke special saints in your behalf:
Saint Benedict, pray for us.
Saint Scholastica, pray for us.
     (Patron Saint of the facility) pray for us.
Send your special Angel to guide and guard
     (Name of facility) in all Your ways.
Grant this through Jesus the Christ, our Lord.
AMEN.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

God, our Creator,
You give us life and support us with love.
Send your Spirit of Compassion
to dwell in our midst
as we deliberate our labor relations.
Help us to be respectful and just
in our discernment of the issues.
May we be mindful of the needs of all concerned
and honor one another’s opinions
in a courteous manner.
Keep the needs of the vulnerable residents
in (the name of the community)
     upper most before us.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
AMEN.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Almighty God,
our world is in trouble.
Help us to deal with this disaster
that has happened in our country.
Be merciful to the people who have lost their lives.
For those who caused this calamity,
help us to say with Your Son, Jesus:
“Father, forgive them;
they do not know what they are doing.”

Give strength and courage to our President,
our legislators and military personnel.
Bless them with insight to direct
all that needs to be handled
with swiftness and discretion.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.

Be compassionate with all of the people
involved with rescue efforts,
with families dealing with loss.
Help us to trust in your goodness and kindness,
to believe that human nature
is created good and beautiful.
Give us faith to carry on in spite
of the chaos of this disaster.
We ask all through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Healing Prayers

Spirit of the Living God,

You have love for everyone

in Your care.

Help us to trust in Your will on our behalf.

May we accept what we cannot understand

and make our little world a place of cheer

through Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

God of Compassion,

Your love extends to everyone

through all time and space.

Thank You for everyone who cares for us.

Help us to always thank them

and have a grateful heart.

Give us patience to suffer like Jesus

for the sins of the world.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

All-loving God,

You sent Your Son, Jesus, to live among us.

We thank You and praise You

for Your consoling word.

Since Christ endured suffering,

help us to patiently bear our cross.

May Your healing hand rest upon our pain

through those who care for us.

Through Your Spirit of Love,

we ask this in Your holy name.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Gracious God,

You came to us through the suffering and death

of Your Son, Jesus.

Help us to unite our hardships and pains

with Christ.

Raise our inmost spirit to continue

to praise and thank You.

Send Your Spirit of enduring Hope

both now and forever.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Spirit of the North,

soften all that is hard and cold within me.

Melt with mercy any harsh judgments that I have.

Spirit of the East,

awaken me to Your Presence among us.

Enlighten the darkness in the depths of my soul.

Spirit of the South,

warm my chilling complaints with the sunshine of Your love.

Brighten the dullness of my downcast heart.

Spirit of the West,

relax my anxious manner with Your healing hand.

Reveal Your peace in the midst of strife.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

God our Creator, You give and sustain life.

We come to serve the sick and infirm

in this healthcare facility.

Place Your healing hands upon

all who are suffering

in mind, body or spirit.

May our presence and encouragement

give our resident(s) hope

and strength.

We ask this in the unity of Your Holy Spirit

through Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

O Great Spirit, You are a Hidden God.

May my eyes behold You in the sunrise and the sunset.

May my ears hear Your message in the wind.

May my hands feel You present in the rock or the tree.

May my feet feel firm upon the ground.

May my mouth taste the flavor of each food.

May the hurt in my heart find healing

and gratitude for every living creature.

And praise You forever.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Christ, have mercy!

Lord, have mercy!

Jesus, have mercy!

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

God of Day and God of Night,

who can understand all Your wonders?

You give health and You can take it away.

Thank You for knowing times of health.

Give me patience in the times of pain.

Help me to feel mercy and compassion for others.

This I ask through Jesus, the Christ,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit

now and forever.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Faithful God of the ages,

You continue to refresh and renew life.

Look upon the residents of (name of community)

who are suffering and infirm.

Strengthen their hearts

to accept your will.

Bless all caregivers trusting

in Your power to heal.

With encouraging words,

may we all support one another.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Jesus, You are our Savior and Redeemer.

You endured Your passion and death on a cross.

Help us to accept our part

in Your redemptive suffering.

Lay Your healing hands on us

and give us courage.

May we all live with you

in your heavenly realm

forever and ever.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Suffering Savior,

You endured the humiliation

of the cross to save us.

Lay your healing hand on us (me).

And if it is Your will,

heal us (me) of this affliction.

Send Your Spirit of Resignation

to help us (me) be patient in my suffering.

This we (I) ask in Your holy name.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Community of the Holy Trinity,

You love and respect all life.

May everyone residing in (name of community)

support and encourage one another

in their journey of faith.

Support the infirm

with love and a good word.

This we ask in the name of the Father,

and of the Son

and of the Holy Spirit.

to praise and thank You.

Send Your Spirit of enduring Hope

both now and forever.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Almighty God,

You are master of life and death.

Send Your Spirit of Compassion

on everyone in this community.

May we see Your loving presence

especially in the most vulnerable

among us.

Touch the lives of all who are suffering

and give them hope.

We ask this in the name of Jesus.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Faithful God,

You create the air we breathe

and the earth we stand on.

Send Your Spirit of Trust

to be with (name) in this pain.

Help (name) to count (his/her) blessings

and be grateful for all Your gifts of life.

This we ask in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Great God of Goodness and Mercy,

You are ever kind and compassionate to all.

In the midst of sickness and suffering,

help us to know Your healing power.

Bless us with Your Spirit of Wholeness

through Jesus, the Christ.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Blest are You, Holy God of the Universe,

You generously create life and give Your love.

Remember all of us who suffer

and help us to cooperate

with everyone assisting us.

Heal our body, heal our mind,

and heal our spirit.

This we ask in Your name.

Amen.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Lord God, You created us in love

and entrust us to care for one another.

Many cares weigh heavy on my heart.

Help us to give them over

to Your Divine Son, Jesus.

We do this every time we say:

“Jesus, have mercy!”

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Morning Prayers

Blest are You, Lord God of the Universe,

You create the darkness and also the light.

We thank You and praise You for all of these gifts.

Give us grateful hearts

ready and willing to do Your will.

Bless all who help us in any way

and keep them in good health.

This we ask through Christ our Lord.

AMEN.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

God of day and God of night,

You protected us through the night

and brought us to the dawn of a new day.

Help us to live in the light of Your revealed Word.

May we foster a spirit of cooperation and understanding

with everyone we meet.

This we ask in Jesus’ name.

AMEN.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

God, our Creator,

You give us the light of a new day.

May our lives be lived as a blessing

of goodness, truth and beauty.

Lighten the cares of our hearts

with a good sense of humor

today and every day,

now and forever.

AMEN.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Spirit of the Living God,

in every age, You inspire people of faith.

Be with us in the common, ordinary events of the day.

Enlighten us to find You hidden

in unlikely people and places.

Help us to surprise one another with joy and gladness.

We ask this through Jesus, the Christ, our Lord.

AMEN.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

God of the Sabbath,

You blest all creation, made it holy,

and then rested from all the work You had done.

Teach us to honor the day of rest

and raise our hearts in prayer.

May inner silence help us all

to promote peace and harmony.

Grant this in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

AMEN.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

God of a New Day,

You sent Jesus to be the Son of Justice.

Lift our hearts and minds

to be attentive to Your presence

in the people we meet today.

May we be mindful of ourMissionand Core Values

and bring them alive in all we do and say.

May the Daystar arise in our hearts

and guide us through this day.

Grant this in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

AMEN.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB
+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Native American Prayers

God, the Great Spirit,
You called the Native American people
to be sensitive to Your presence in nature.
In that tradition we pray the prayer of directions:

(Turn to the North and raise your right hand in that direction.)

North is a place of trust, a trusting place.
North is a place of waiting and watching.
Give us strength and courage
to embrace our crosses and be transformed.

(Turn to the East and raise your right hand in that direction.)

East is the place of the rising sun.
East is for beginning, birth and newness of life.
Recreate us anew each day
and grant us the dawn of understanding.

(Turn to the South and raise your right hand in that direction.)

South is the place of daytime growth,
of warmth and friendship.
South is for activity, childhood, searching for answers.
Bless us with true and faithful family and friends
and deepen our fidelity to one another.

(Turn to the West and raise your right hand in that direction.)

West is the place of the setting sun.
West is for pondering, looking within,
going deep inside, the place of mystical rest.
Dwell in the holy temple of our heart,
heal our hurts and help us to rest in peace.

(Invite the people to face heavenward, look upward.)

The heavens are the source of light and life.
The sky is the place of emanation, the throne of the Great Spirit.
Protect and guard us, Ruler of the universe,
and reveal the wonders of your mystery.

(Invite the people to face toward Mother Earth.)

Mother Earth is the holy vessel containing the Eternal Flame.
The Earth receives, embraces and nourishes.
Grant that we be humble stewards of our planet,
and grateful for the bountiful gift of life.

(Place your right hand on your heart.)

The very center is God dwelling in our heart.
The center of our very being is the balancing place.
Unite and transform us in Your divine embrace,
and help us to nurture the Tree of Life.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

God, the Great Spirit,
You call us to be in the circle of life.
You have given us Mother Earth
sharing your nurturing and sustaining power in all its beauty.
Help us to be gentle, kind
and attentive to Your presence in nature.
Bless all Native Americans who teach us
to stand together like trees with roots intertwined,
strengthening each other.
We ask all of this through Jesus, the Christ, our Lord.
AMEN.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Spirit of the North,
soften all that is hard and cold within me.
Melt with mercy any harsh judgments that I have.
Spirit of the East,
awaken me to Your Presence among us.
Enlighten the darkness in the depths of my soul.
Spirit of the South,
warm my chilling complaints with the sunshine of Your love.
Brighten the dullness of my downcast heart.
Spirit of the West,
relax my anxious manner with Your healing hand.
Reveal Your peace in the midst of strife.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Night Prayers

God of all Comfort,

today we celebrated the resurrection

of Your Son, Jesus.

Now grant us a peaceful night.

Give sleep to our eyes

that we may rise again

to praise You tomorrow.

In the name of the Father,

and of the Son

and of the Holy Spirit.

AMEN.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Blest are You, God of the Universe,

You give us day and You give us night.

Accept the thoughts, words and actions

of this day.

Help us to rest secure in Your embrace

for now and all eternity.

AMEN.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Protect us, Lord our God, as we stay awake.

Watch over us as we sleep.

When awake, may we keep watch with Christ,

and when asleep, rest in Your peace.

May Your holy Angels surround us

both now and for ever.

AMEN.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

God of Merciful Kindness,

You forgive us again and again.

We cast all of our cares on Your Son, Jesus,

who is gentle and humble of heart.

Accept all of our words and deeds of this day.

May they be to Your honor and glory

for ever and ever.

AMEN.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

God of the Heavenly Banquet,

You share all that is good, true and beautiful.

Accept the aches and pains of this day

and transform them for Your glory.

Send Your Angel of peace

to help us rest secure this night.

In faith, we trust in the promise of Your love

both now and forever.

AMEN.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Loving God,

You are the hope of all people.

We praise You for sending Jesus as our Savior.

We trust in the power of the Holy Cross.

May we be refreshed with sleep

and know the joy of the rising sun.

We ask this through Jesus, the Christ, our Lord.

AMEN.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

God of Day and God of Night,

You create all things and renew us in Your love.

Send Your Spirit of Rest

to be with us tonight.

May Your holy Angels dwell here

to keep us in peace.

and may Your blessing be always upon us.

In the name of the Father,

and of the Son

and of the Holy Spirit.

AMEN.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Advent Wreath Prayers

Come, Lord Jesus, Come!
Come to lighten the darkness and bring us hope.
Open our hearts to God’s loving kindness
and help us to reflect that love
to one another.
Bless each act of generous giving.
Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Come, Lord Jesus, Come!
Out of the darkness of doubt,
comes the promise of salvation.
Lift our minds and hearts in prayer
and help us to recognize God’s goodness and mercy.
As we have received, so may we be generous
with what we can extend to others in need.
Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Come, Lord Jesus, Come!
Watching, waiting and wondering
how God is acting in our life and in our time.
Help us to be receptive to the divine invitation
and respond like Mary with YES to life.
May we run with hope
over the “hill country of misunderstandings” to care for others.
Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

Come, Lord Jesus, Come!
As John the Baptist calls out: “Prepare the way of the Lord,”
help us to make right any broken relationships.
Let us seek the “Messiah” in our midst
being mindful of the poor and the powerless.
May the morning star of hope rise in our hearts
as God reveals the mystery
of love, truth, justice and peace.
Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

1. O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

2. O come, thou wisdom from on high,
And order all things far and nigh;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

3. O come, thou rod of Jesse’s stem,
From every foe deliver them.
From death and sin thy people save,
And give them victory o’er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

4. O come, thou key of David, come,
And open wide our heav’nly home,
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

5. O come, thou dayspring, come and cheer
Our spirits by thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadow put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Text: O Antiphons, 12th c. tr. John Mason Neale, 1818-1866 88 88 with refrain
Tune: Thomas Helmore, 1811-1890, 15th c. Plainchant melody

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB

World Day of the Sick

World Day of the Sick
and Health Care Workers
February 11

LEADER:
The mystery of suffering confronts us daily. Today
we gather to bring hope and encouragement to the sick and all
health care workers. Saint Benedict would have us be a school
of loving service. People who are suffering ask only for help.
When we receive help, we need to accept what is offered with
a loving response. We all need the support and loving care of
one another.

LEADER:
Psalm 55:23
Cast your care upon the Lord
and God will support you.

ALL:
Help us to set aside our worries
and trust in the Lord our God.

READING:
Luke 10:25-37 “The Good Samaritan”

Pause to ponder the message for our lives.

LEADER:
(in these or similar words)

What do you worry about? Why are you anxious? God
created you. Will God not take care of you? When we place
ourselves in our Creator’s hands, we live by faith. God’s spirit
of loving concern is a gift given to everyone. We need to help
each other to persevere. Console and encourage one another
and find God’s hidden blessings.

PRAYER LITANY

LEADER:
In union with Christ, the suffering servant, we ask
in prayer:
LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

Help us to promote good health and quality of life,
we pray:

ALL:
LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.
(Repeat after each petition.)

Inspire us to live by core values and ethical
decision-making, we pray:

Guide us to make a garden of our human home by
combining external ecology with internal moral
ecology, we pray:

Surround with affectionate care those who are
afflicted by human suffering, we pray:

Bless especially all health care workers who
devote their lives to loving service of the sick,
we pray:

May mutual respect of each person bring fuller
harmony and a healthy balance of mind, body and
spirit, we pray:

PRAYER

LEADER:
Christ, the Divine Samaritan,

ALL: WE THANK YOU AND PRAISE YOU
FOR COMING TO LIVE AMONG US.
YOU CALL US
TO FOLLOW YOUR EXAMPLE
OF BEING A SUFFERING SERVANT.
SEND YOUR SPIRIT OF RESPECT,
UNDERSTANDING AND COMPASSION.
HELP US TO RECOGNIZE YOU
IN ONE ANOTHER
AND IN THE POOR
AND THE POWERLESS.
WE ASK THIS NOW AND FOREVER.

AMEN.

+Sister Mary Christa Kroening, OSB