Prayers

To see the Holy Father's prayer intention for this month, click here.

For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy. ~St. Therese of Lisieux

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that prayer is a gift from God: a covenant relationship and communion between God and man in Christ ( CCC 2558 - 2565).

Developing a vital prayer life is essential to the Christian life, and it can be compatible with everyday life, too - just 5 to 10 minutes of quiet time each day to start with is fine. You can pray right here and now, as you sit at your computer, using any of the prayers in the left-hand Section Navigation bar, or by visiting the Sacred Space website to pray with the help of on-screen guidance and scripture chosen daily.

Cardinal Basil Hume’s Ten golden rules for prayer

1. Plan to pray; don’t leave it to chance. Select a time and place

 

2. Decide how long you will spend in prayer

 

3. Decide what you are going to do when you pray—e.g. which prayer to say slowly and lovingly or which passage from the Bible to read prayerfully.  Sometimes use your own words; sometimes just be still and silent. Follow your inclination.

 

4. Always start by asking the Holy Spirit for help in your prayers. Pray: “Come Holy Spirit, teach me to pray; help me to do it.

 

5. Remember you are trying to get in touch with a Person, and that Person is God.  He is wanting to get in touch with you.

 

6. Don’t be a slave to one way of praying. Choose what you find easiest and try some other method when the one you are using becomes a burden or doesn’t help.

 

7. Don’t look for results.

 

8. If you have distractions, then turn your distractions into prayer.

  

9. If you feel dry and uninterested, then read a spiritual book or pamphlet. Spiritual reading is important.

 

10. Trying to pray is praying. Never give up trying.

 
To Be a Pilgrim, Harper & Row, 1984
 

It is possible to offer fervent prayer even while walking in public or strolling alone, or seated in your shop,...while buying or selling,...or even while cooking. ~St. John Chrysostom

 

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The Holy Father's Prayer Intention for July

For the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognizing it as a gift from God.

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For those who are ill and in need of prayer

The people of our parish regularly offer their prayers for those who are listed in the parish bulletin as being sick and in need of prayers. If you are a parishioner who is ill (or who has a loved one who is ill) and in need of prayers, you can complete the online form below to add your/their name to the list. However, if you are requesting prayers for someone else, we require that person's permission before we can list their name in the bulletin.