Prayers
are listed in alphabetical order.
Click on a letter in the alphabet below to skip to that section.
(There are no prayers for letters without a line
under them.)
# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
for His name ’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;
for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy
staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the
presence of mine enemies;
Thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow
me all the days of my life, and I will
dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
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121ST PSALM
I will lift mine eyes unto the hills
from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the Lord,
which made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved;
He that keepeth thee will not slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is thy keeper;
the Lord is thy shade upon thy hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil;
He shall preserve thy soul.
The Lord shall preserve thy going out
and thy coming in from this time forth,
and even for evermore.
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I’d like the memory of me
to be a happy one,
I’d like to leave an afterglow
of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo
whispering softly down the ways,
of happy times and laughing times
and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears, of those
who
grieve, to dry before the sun
of happy memories that I leave
when life is done.
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AFTERGLOW - 2
I ’d like the memory of me
to be a happy one.
I ’d like to leave an afterglow
of smiles when life is done.
I ’d like to leave an echo
whispering softly down the ways,
of happy times and laughing times
and bright and sunny days.
I ’d like the tears, of those who
grieve, to dry before the sun
of happy memories that I leave
when life is done.
Your life was love and labor,
Your love for your family true,
You did your best for all of us,
We will always remember you.
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AMAZING GRACE
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound,
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
was blind but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.
Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come,
‘tis grace that brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.
When we ’ve been there ten thousand years,
bright shining as the sun,
we ’ve no less days to sing God ’s praise
than when we ’d first begun.
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God on his throne in heaven
looked around at his flowers so fair,
and then sought a blossom on earth
to add to those He had there.
To be part of such heavenly company
the bloom must be pure and sweet,
and the little bud that was chosen
was the child who had played at our feet.
Sorrow is great at the loss of our child
at the parting with one we love,
but the parting was made that our child
might go to brighten the heavens above.
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BE AT PEACE
Do not look forward in fear to the
changes in life; rather look to them
with full hope that as they arise,
God, whose very own you are, will
lead you safely through all things;
and when you cannot stand it, God
will carry you in His arms. Do not
fear what may happen tomorrow, the
same everlasting Father who cares
for you today, will take care of you
then and everyday. He will either
shield you from suffering, or will
give you unfailing strength to bear
it. Be at peace and put aside all
anxious thoughts and imaginations.
St. Francis de Sales
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BESIDE YOUR BEDSIDE
We sat beside your bedside,
Our hearts were crushed and sore,
We did our best to the end,
‘Til we could do no more.
In tears we watched you sinking
We watched you fade away,
And though our hearts were breaking,
We knew you could not stay.
You left behind some aching hearts,
That loved you most sincere;
We never shall and never will
Forget you (mother/father) dear.
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BEYOND THE SUNSET
Beyond the sunset, O blissful morning.
When with our Savior heaven is begun.
Earth‘s toiling ended, O glorious dawning;
Beyond the sunset, when the day is done.
Beyond the sunset, no clouds will gather,
no storms will threaten, no fears annoy;
O day of gladness , O day unending,
Beyond the sunset, eternal joy!
Beyond the sunset, a hand will guide me
to God, the Father, whom I adore;
His glorious presence, His words of welcome,
Will be my portion on that fair shore.
Beyond the sunset, a glad reunion,
With our dear loved ones who ’ve gone before;
In that fair homeland we ’ll know no parting,
Beyond the sunset for evermore!
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BLUE SKIES
God hath not promised
Skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways
All our lives through;
God hath not promised
Sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.
But God hath promised
Strength for the day,
Rest for the labor,
Light for the way.
Grace for the trials,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy,
Undying love...
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May He support us all the day long
till the shades lengthen
and the evening comes
and the busy world is hushed
and the fever of life is over
and our work is done.
Then in His mercy...
may He give us a safe lodging
and a holy rest
and peace at the last.
Cardinal Newman
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CARMELITE PRAYER
Death is nothing at all --I have only
slipped away into the next room.
Whatsoever we were to each other,
that we are still. Call me by my old
familiar name, speak to me in the
easy way which you always used to.
Laugh as we always laughed at the
little jokes we enjoyed together. Play,
smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be the household word
that it always was. Let it be spoken
without effort. Life means all that it
has ever meant. It is the same as it
ever was, there is absolutely unbroken
continuity. Why should I be out of your
mind because I am out of your sight? I
am but waiting for you, for an interval,
somewhere very near, just around the
corner. All is well. Nothing is past,
nothing is lost. One brief moment and
all will be as it was before, only better,
infinitely happier and forever --we will
be one together with Christ.
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CHILD
God needed an angel in Heaven
to stand at the Savior ’s feet;
His choice must be the rarest
A lily pure and sweet.
He gazed upon the mighty throng
Then stopped and picked the best,
Our child was His chosen one
With Jesus (he's/she’s) now at rest.
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CHRIST HAVE MERCY
With the spirits of the righteous
made perfect, give rest to the soul
of Thy servant, O Savior; and preserve
it in that life of blessedness which is with
Thee, O Thou who lovest mankind.
In the place of Thy rest, O Lord,
where all Thy Saints repose, give
rest also to the soul of Thy servant
for Thou only lovest mankind.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
Thou art our God, who descended
into Hell, and loosened the bonds of
those who were there, Thyself give
rest also to the soul of Thy servant
now and ever unto ages of ages.
Amen.
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CROSSING THE BAR
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea.
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out
the boundless deep.
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness
of farewell, When I embark;
For tho’ from out our bourne
of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.
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What is home without a mother?
All things this world may send,
But when we lost our darling mother,
We lost our dearest friend.
Loving and kind in all your ways,
Upright and just to the end of your days;
Sincere and true, in your heart and mind;
Beautiful memories, you left behind.
However long our lives may last,
Whatever lands we view,
Whatever joy or grief be ours,
We will always think of you.
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DAYS WITHOUT END
GOD, Your days are without end,
Your mercies beyond counting.
Help us always to remember that
life is short and the day of our death
is known to You alone.
May Your Holy spirit lead us to
live in holiness and justice all our days.
Then, after serving you in the
fellowship of Your church, with
strong faith, consoling hope, and
perfect love for all, may we joyfully
come to Your kingdom.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord.
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DE PROFUNDIS
Out of the depths have I cried to
Thee O Lord: Lord hear my voice.
Let Thine ears be attentive to
the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord , wilt mark
iniquities, Lord who shall stand it?
For with Thee there is merciful
forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law,
have I waited for Thee O Lord.
My soul hath relied on His word:
my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
From the morning watch even until night:
Let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy
and with Him plenteous redemption.
And He shall redeem Israel from all
iniquities. Eternal rest grant him,
O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
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DESIDERATA
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others,
even the dull and ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself to others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser
persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career,
however humble; it is a real possession in the
changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
For in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the council of years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit
to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
In the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be careful. Strive to be happy.
(found in old St. Paul ’s Church in Baltimore, dated 1692)
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DO NOT STAND
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond ’s glint of snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the autumn ’s gentle rain.
When you waken in the morning ’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there I did not die.
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Those we love must someday pass
beyond our present sight. . .
must leave us and the world we know
without their radiant light.
But we know that like a candle
their lovely light will shine
to brighten up another place
more perfect... more devine.
And in the realm of Heaven
where they shine so warm and bright,
our loved ones live forevermore
in God’s eternal light.
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A light is from our household gone,
A voice we loved is stilled,
A place is vacant in our home,
Which never can be filled.
God gave us a beautiful father,
A father who never grew old,
You were always there
With a helping hand,
Help us now to accept His plan.
We miss you now, our hearts are sore,
As time goes by, we miss you more.
Your loving smile, your gentle face,
No one can take our "Father's Place".
May the choirs of the angels receive
you and may you have rest
and peace everlasting. Amen.
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FIREFIGHTER'S PRAYER
When I am called to duty, God,
whenever flames may rage, give
me strength to save some life,
whatever be its age. Help me
embrace a little child before it is
too late, or save an older person
from the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert and hear the
weakest shout, and quickly and
efficiently to put the fire out. I
want to fill my calling, and to give
the best in me, to guard my every
neighbor and protect his property.
And if, according to my fate, I am
to lose my life, please bless with
Your protecting hand my family
and friends.
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FOOTPRINTS
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he
was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For
each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in
the sand. One belonged to him, and the other to
the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before
him, he looked back at the footprints in the
sand. He noticed that many times along the
path of his life there was only one set of foot-
prints. He also noticed that it happened at the
very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned
the
LORD about it. "LORD, you said that once I
decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all
the way. But I have noticed that during the
most troublesome times in my life, there is only
one set of footprints. I don't understand why
when I needed you most you would leave me."
The LORD replied, "My precious, precious
child, I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering, when
you see only one set of footprints, it was then
that I carried you."
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FOOTSTEPS
God sees when the footsteps all falter,
When the pathway has grown too steep.
Then He touches the weary eyelids
And gives His dear ones sleep.
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FOR A MOTHER
A light is from our household gone,
A voice we loved is stilled.
A place is vacant in our home,
Which never can be filled.
God gave us a beautiful mother,
A mother who never grew old.
You were always there with a helping hand.
Help us now to accept His plan.
We miss you now, our hearts are sore,
As time goes by, we miss you more.
Your loving smile, your gentle face,
No one can take our mother's place.
May you rest in peace.
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FOUNDERS PRAYER
God made us a family
We need one another
We love one another
We work together
We play together
We worship together
Together we use God's word
Together we grow in Christ
Together we love all people
Together we serve God
Together we hope for Heaven
These are our hopes and ideals
Help us to attain them, O God
Through Jesus Christ our Lord
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FRENCH CATHOLIC
Nous Te recommandons son âme,
O Tendre Coeur de Jésus, à jamais
présent dans le St. Sacrement, consumé
d'un amour brûlant pour les pauvres
âmes retenues dans le Purgatoire.
Ne sois pas sévère dans Ton jugement,
mais à cause de Ton Précieux Sang
répandu sur le Calvaire,
pardonne lui ses péchés.
À cause de sa Foi et de son Espérance
en Ta miséricorde, Père très bon, envoie
Tes anges lui ouvrir les portes du Paradis,
ce lieu de bonheur sans fin promis à Tes
bons et fidéles serviteurs.
Accorde lui, Seigneur, le repos éternel.
Que par la miséricorde de Dieu, les âmes
des Fidèles Trépassés reposent en paix.
Amen
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Your gentle face and patient smile
With sadness we recall.
You had a kindly word for each
And died beloved by all.
The voice is mute and
Stilled the heart,
That loved us well and true.
Ah, bitter was the trial to part
From one so good as you.
You are not forgotten, loved one,
Nor will you ever be,
As long as life and memory last,
We will remember thee.
We miss you now our hearts are sore,
As time goes by we miss you more.
Your loving smile, your gentle face,
No one can take your vacant place.
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GIVE
We seem to give them to Thee,
O God, who gavest them to us.
Yet as Thou didst not lose them in giving,
so do we not lose them by their return.
Not as the world giveth, givest Thou,
O Lover of souls, What Thou givest,
Thou takest not away,
for what is Thine is ours also if we are Thine.
And life is eternal and love is immortal,
and death is only an horizon,
and an horizon is nothing,
save the limit of our sight.
Lift us up, strong Son of God,
that we may see further;
cleanse our eyes that we may see clearly;
draw us closer to Thyself
that we may know ourselves
to be nearer to our loved ones
who are with Thee.
And while Thou dost prepare a place for us,
prepare us also for that happy place,
that where Thou art we may be also for evermore.
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GOD LENT A CHILD
"I'll lend you for a little time
a child of mine," He said
"For you to love the while he lives
and mourn for when he's dead.
It may be two or three years,
or twenty-two or three,
but will you 'til I call him back,
take care of him for me?
He will bring his charms to gladden you
and shall his stay be brief,
you will have his lovely memories
as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
since all from earth return,
but there are lessons taught down there,
I want this child to learn.
I've looked the whole wide world over in
my search for teachers true,
and from the crowd that throngs life's
lanes I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love,
nor think the labor vain,
nor hate me when I come to call
to take him back again."
I fancied that I heard them say,
"Dear Lord, Thy will be done.
For all the joy Thy child shall bring
the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness,
we'll love him while we may.
And for the happiness we've known,
forever grateful stay.
But shall the angels call for him much
sooner than we've planned,
we will brave the bitter grief that comes
and try to understand."
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GOD LOOKED
God looked around His garden
And found an empty place.
He then looked down upon the earth,
And saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best.
He saw the road was getting rough,
And the hills were hard to climb,
So He closed your weary eyelids,
And whispered "Peace be thine".
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn't go alone,
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
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GOD THE CREATOR
God the Creator and Redeemer
of all the faithful,
grant unto the soul of (Name),
Thy servant departed,
the remission of all sins;
that by pious supplications,
(he/she) may obtain that pardon
which (he/she) has always desired.
Grant this, O God,
who livest and reignest
for ever and ever. Amen.
Sweet Heart of Mary
be (his/her) salvation.
Our Father, -- Hail Mary, --
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GOD THE GIVER
"Blessed are they that mourn,
for they shall be comforted".
St. Matthew, Verse 5
O God, the giver of pardon and lover
of human salvation, have mercy on
your servant who has departed from
this world. May the intercession of
the Blessed Mary ever Virgin, and
all your Saints assist this soul in
attaining eternal happiness.
May the souls of all the faithful
departed, through the mercy of God
rest in peace.
Amen
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GREEK
In the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit, Amen
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal:
have mercy on us.
May He who rose again from the dead,
Christ our true God: through the inter-
cessions of His all-immaculate Mother; of
the Holy, glorious, and all-laudable Apos-
tles; of our venerable and God-bearing
Fathers and of all the Saints, establish in
the mansions of the righteous the soul of
His servant (Name) who hath just been taken
from us, and number his soul among the
Just; and have mercy upon us, for as
much as He is good and loveth mankind.
Amen.
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Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with Thee:
blessed art Thou among 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
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HAND OF GOD
Though today you walk in sorrow,
you will not be alone.
There is One whose loving wisdom
Is far greater than our own.
Put your trusting hand in His,
As a little child would do,
And He, like a loving father,
Will guide and comfort you!
Day by day, there will come to you
New faith, new hope, new light;
You'll find that stars unseen by day
Shine through the darkest night.
And though your heart is longing,
For the dear one who's at rest,
You'll know before the journey's end
That God's dear ways are best!
Jessie Home Fairweather
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HAPPY SOUL
O happy soul,
be thankful now, and rest!
Heaven is a goodly land:
And God is love; and those He
loves are Blest;
Now thou dost understand
The least thou hast is
better than the best
That thou didst hope for;
new upon Thine eyes.
The new life opens fair;
Before thy feet the
blessed journey lies
Through homelands
everywhere;
And heaven to Thee
is all a sweet surprise.
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HIS / HER JOURNEY
Don't think of (him/her) as gone away,
her journey's just begun.
Life holds so many facets
this earth is only one.
Just think of her as resting
from the sorrow and the tears,
in a place of warmth and comfort,
where there are no days and years.
Think how she must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of her as living
in the hearts of those she touched,
for nothing loved is ever lost,
and she was loved so much.
Ellen Brenneman
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Don't grieve for me now, I'm free.
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call.
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
to laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I found that peace at close of day.
If my parting has left a void
then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
ah yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow.
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I've savored much;
good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all to brief,
don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and share with me,
for God wanted me now.
He set me free.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
INCLINE THINE EAR
"We have loved them during life,
let us not abandon them, until we
have conducted them by our prayers
in the house of the Lord"
St. Ambrose
Incline Thine ear, O Lord, unto our
prayers, wherein we humbly pray Thee
to show Thy mercy upon the soul of
Thy servant, whom Thou hast com-
manded to pass out of this world,
that Thou wouldst place him in the
region of peace and light, and bid
him be a partaker with Thy Saints.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
IRISH BLESSING
May the road rise
to meet you,
May the wind be always
at your back,
May the sun shine warm
upon your face,
The rains fall soft
upon your fields,
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm
of his hand.
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ITALIAN
O celeste patrono, san Guida di cui
porto il nome, prega sempre Dio
per me: confermami nella fede,
rendimi forte nella vitù, aiutami
nella lotta spirituale affinché, riu-
scendo vincitore contro il nemico
maligno, meriti di conseguire con
te la gloria eterna. Amen
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
O God, who dost design
mercifully to bestow upon us
infinite treasures of love in
the heart of Thy Son, which
was wounded for our sins,
grant, we beseech Thee, that
we who pay Him the devout
homage of our piety, may in
like manner show unto Thee
our due of worthy satisfaction.
Through the same Christ
our Lord. Amen.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
JOHN 14:1-3
Let not your hearts be troubled;
believe in God, believe also in Me.
In my Father's house are many rooms;
if it were not so, would I have told
you that I go and prepare a place
for you?
And when I go and prepare a place
for you, I will come again and will
take you to Myself, that where I am
you may be also.
John 14:1-3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To laugh often and much;
to win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty;
to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better
whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch,
or a redeemed social condition;
to know even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LEAF
Leaf after leaf
flower after flower
some in the dawn of day
some in the after hour.
Alive they flourish,
and alive they fall
and the earth that sustained them
receives them all.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LIFE
Life is but a stopping place,
A pause in what's to be,
A resting place along the road
to sweet eternity.
We all have different journeys,
Different paths along the way,
We all were meant to learn
some things,
But never meant to stay...
Our destination is a place
far greater than we know
For some, the journey's quicker,
For some the journey's slow.
And when the journey finally ends,
We'll claim a great reward,
And find an everlasting peace,
Together with the Lord.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LITTLE ANGEL
When God calls little children to
dwell with Him above, we mortals
sometimes question the wisdom of
His Love. For no heartache compares
with the death of one small child,
who does so much to make our world
seem wonderful and mild. Perhaps
God tires of calling the aged to His
fold, so He picks a rosebud before
it can grow old. God knows how much
we need them, and so He takes a few
to make the land of Heaven more
beautiful to view. Believing this is
difficult, still somehow we must try.
The saddest word mankind knows
will always be “Good-bye”. So, when
a little child departs, we who are left
behind must realize God loves children.
Angels are hard to find.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LITTLE CHILDREN
When God calls little children to
dwell with Him above, we mortals
sometimes question the wisdom of
His Love. For no heartache compares
with the death of one small child,
who does so much to make our world
seem wonderful and mild. Perhaps
God tires of calling the aged to His
fold, so He picks a rosebud before
it can grow old. God knows how much
we need them, and so He takes a few
to make the land of Heaven more
beautiful to view. Believing this is
difficult, still somehow we must try.
The saddest word mankind knows
will always be "Good-bye". So, when
a little child departs, we who are
left behind must realize,
God loves little children.
Angels Are Hard To Find.
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LITTLE ROSE
I would rather have a little rose
From the garden of a friend,
Than have the choicest flowers
When my stay on earth shall end.
I would rather have the kindest words
And a smile that I can see,
Than flattery when my heart is still
And this life ceased to be.
I would rather have a loving smile
From the friends I know are true,
Than tears shed around my casket
When the world I bid adieu.
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LIVING
When I am dead,
cry for me a little.
Think of me sometimes,
but not too much.
It is not good for you, or your wife
or your husband, or your children
to allow your thoughts to dwell
too long on the dead
Think of me now and again as I was
in life at some moment which it
is pleasant to recall.
But not too long.
Leave me in peace as I shall
leave you, too, in peace.
While you live, let your thoughts
be with the living.
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LORD SUPPORT US
Lord support us all day long,
until the shadows lengthen and
the evening comes, and the busy
world is hushed, and the fever
of life is over, and our work
is done. Then, in Thy mercy,
grant us a safe lodging, and a
holy rest, and peace at the last.
Amen
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LORD'S PRAYER (CATHOLIC)
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
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LORD'S PRAYER (PROTESTANT)
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.
For Thine is the Kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory forever.
Amen
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LOVE
Love is patient; Love is kind;
Love is not jealous,
it does not put on airs,
it is not snobbish.
Love is never rude.
It is not self seeking,
it is not prone to anger;
neither does it
brood over injuries.
Love does not rejoice
in what is wrong
but rejoices with the truth.
There is no limit to
Love's forbearance, its trust,
its hope, its power to endure.
Love never fails.
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LOVED HIM/HER
Father we entrust our
(brother/sister) to your mercy.
You loved (him/her) greatly in this
life. Now that (he/she) is freed from
all its cares, give (him/her) happiness
and peace forever.
Welcome (him/her) now into paradise
where there will be no more sorrow,
no more weeping or pain, but only
peace and joy with Jesus Your Son,
and the Holy Spirit
for ever and ever.
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There's magic in a Mother's touch
and sunshine in her smile.
There's love in everything she does
to make our lives worthwhile.
We can find both hope and courage
just by looking in her eyes.
Her laughter is a source of joy,
her words are warm and wise.
There is a kindness and compassion
to be found in her embrace,
and we see the light of heaven
shining from a Mother's face.
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MARINE
Almighty Father, whose command is
over all and whose love never fails,
make me aware of Thy presence and
obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self,
guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and
deed and helping me to live so that I can
face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee
without shame or fear. Protect my family.
Give me the will to do the work of a Marine
and to accept my share of responsibilities
with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage
to be proficient in my daily performance.
Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors
and to the duties my Country and the
Marine Corps have entrusted to me.
Make me considerate of those committed to my
leadership. Help me to wear my uniform
with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the
traditions which I must uphold.
If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith;
if I am tempted, make me strong to resist;
if I should miss the mark,
give me the courage to try again.
Guide me with the light of truth
and grant me wisdom by which I may
understand the answer to my prayer.
Amen
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MAY THE ANGELS
May the angels lead thee into paradise.
May the martyrs receive thee at thy coming
and take thee to the holy city.
May the choirs of the angels receive
thee and mayest thou have
rest everlasting.
Amen
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MEMORARE
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known that anyone
who fled to Thy protection, implored
Thy help, and sought Thy
intercession was left unaided.
Inspired with this confidence, I fly
unto Thee. O Virgin of virgins,
my Mother! To Thee do I come, before
Thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
Oh Mother of the Word incarnate
despise not my petitions, but
in Thy mercy, hear and answer me.
Amen
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MEMORY
Those we love remain with us
For love itself lives on,
And cherished memories never fade
Because a loved one's gone.
Those we love can never be
more than a thought apart,
For as long as there is memory,
They'll live on in our heart.
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MISS ME
When I come to the end of the road
and the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not too long,
and not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared,
Miss me but let me go.
For this is a journey we all must take,
and each must go alone.
It's all part of the Master plan,
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart,
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss me, but let me go.
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MOST IMPORTANT PERSON ON EARTH
The most important person
on earth is a mother. She can-
not claim the honor of having
built Notre Dame Cathedral.
She need not. She has built
something more magnificent
than any cathedral - a dwelling
for an immortal soul, the tiny
perfection of her baby's body.
"The angels have not been
blessed with such grace. They
cannot share in God's creative
miracle to bring new saints to
Heaven. Only a human mother
can. Mothers are closer to God
the Creator than any other
creatures. God joins forces with
mothers in performing this act
of creation..."
"What on God's good earth
is more glorious than this: to
be a mother?"
-Joseph Cardinal Mindszenty
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MOTHER
Nobody dies,
and Mother least of all.
Her loving guise,
the sound of her footfall,
brighten the dark hall.
Some feature of her face
repeats in every year.
Her voice, her gentle grace,
in some dear child appear,
Her vision stills our fear.
She cannot pass
while our remembering
crowns the green grass
with happy flowers of Spring.
Recalling everything;
her kindness most of all,
that passed nobody by.
Whatever may befall,
whatever changing sky,
Mother will not die.
by Anne Campbell
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MOTHER, A LIGHT
A light is from our household gone,
a voice we loved is still,
a place is vacant in our home,
that never can be filled.
You can only have one mother,
patient, kind and true,
no other friend in all the world,
will be the same to you.
When other friends forsake you,
to mother you will return,
for all her loving kindness,
she asks nothing in return.
As we look upon her picture,
sweet memories we recall,
of a face so full of sunshine,
and a smile for one and all.
Sweet Jesus take our message,
to our dear mother up above,
Tell her how we miss her,
and give her all our love.
May She Rest in Peace.
Amen.
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MOTHER DEAR
Dear Mother, I’m grateful
For your tender cares,
The worries and heartaches
And your constant prayers.
May Mary, God’s Mother,
Spread her mantle blue,
Enfold you forever
With her Son there, too.
Each day while I’m thinking
Heaven is meant for you,
My heart keeps on singing,
Mother, Mother, I love you.
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MUSIC
Music has moments of rapturous sound
and intervals of rest.
It thrills the heart
with its majesty
and soothes it when suppressed.
Life too has ringing,
throbbing tones
and muted, silent keys,
Yet both are merged
at the Master's touch
Into living symphonies.
Florence Emeline Wright
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Almighty God,
Divine Healer of all, grant me,
Your handmaiden, strength
and courage in my calling.
Give to my heart compassion and
understanding. Give to my hands still
and tenderness. Give to my mind
knowledge and wisdom.
Especially, Dear Lord,
help me always to remember
the true purpose of my vocation,
that of selfless service and dedication
to the weak and despairing
in body and spirit.
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
O gentlest heart of Jesus, ever
present in the Blessed Sacrament,
ever consumed with burning love
for the poor captive souls, have
mercy on the soul of Thy departed
servant. Be not severe in Thy
judgment but let some drops of Thy
Precious Blood fall upon the devour-
ing flames, and do Thou O Merciful
Savior, send Thy Angels to conduct
Thy departed servant to a place of
refreshment, light and peace. Amen
Merciful Jesus grant eternal rest.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ORACION
Reconoce, Señor, tu criatura, obra
no de dioses extraños, sino tuya,
Dios ùnico, vivo y verdadero, por-
que no hay otro Dios más wue tù, y
nadie te iguala en las obras. Haz,
señor, que tu dulce presencia le
llene el alma de alegria; Olvida sus
iniquidades pasadas y los extravios
arrastrada por sus pasino ha renun-
ciado a la fé del nes; Porque aùn
cuando pecó padre del Hijo y del
Espiritu Santo, sino que ha conserv-
ado el celo del Señor y adorado
fielmente a Dios, credor de todas
las cosas.
Amen
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OUR HOPE
We commend our dearly departed into
Your hand, O Merciful God.
In faith, we believe that having died
in Christ, our departed loved one will
rise again on the last day with Him.
We give You thanks for allowing us to
share the good things of this earthly life
with our dearly departed.
Accept our prayer that the gates of
Heaven will be opened to
Your departed servant.
Comfort us in our sorrow
as we wait in joyful expectation
to be united with all our loved ones
and greet Christ in glory.
Amen.
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OUR LADY OF MIRACULOUS MEDAL
O Mother of God, Mary Immaculate,
we dedicate and consecrate ourselves to you
under the title of Our Lady of Miraculous Medal.
May this Medal be for each one of us a
sure sign of your affection for us and a constant
reminder of our duties toward you.
Even while wearing it, may we be
blessed by your loving protection and
preserved in the grace of your Son,
O most powerful Virgin, Mother of our Savior
keep us close to you every moment of our lives.
Obtain for us, your children,
the grace of a happy death;
so that in union with you,
we may enjoy the bliss of heaven forever.
Amen
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Perhaps you sent a lovely card
Or sat quietly in a chair.
Perhaps you sent a funeral spray,
If so, we saw it there.
Perhaps you spoke the kindest words,
As any friend could say.
Perhaps you were not there at all,
Just thought of us that day.
Whatever you did to console our hearts,
We thank you so much whatever the part.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PERPETUAL HELP
O Mother of perpetual help, grant
that I may ever invoke Your most
powerful name, which is the
safeguard of the living and the
salvation of the dying. O Purest
Mary! O Sweetest Mary! Let Your name
henceforth be ever on my lips. Delay
not, O blessed Lady. To help me when
ever I call on You, for in all my
temptations, in all my needs, I
shall never cease to call on You.
Ever repeating Your sacred name,
Mary! Mary! O what consolation, what
sweetness, what confidence, what
emotion fills my soul when I utter
Your sacred name, or even only think
of You. But I will not be content
with merely uttering Your Name, let
my love for You prompt me ever to
hail You, Mother of Perpetual Help.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
POLICEMAN'S PRAYER
"He will remain in our hearts forever..."
O Almighty God whose great power
and eternal wisdom embrace the
universe, watch over all Policemen
and Law Enforcement Officers. Protect
them from harm in the performance
of their duty to stop crime,
robberies, riots and violence.
We pray to help them keep our streets
and homes safe day and night. We
recommend them to your care because
their duty is dangerous. Grant them
Your unending strength and courage
in their daily assignments. Dear God
protect these brave officers, grant them
Your almighty protection, unite them
safely with their families after duty ends.
Amen
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PRAYER FOR YOU, A
I said a prayer for you today
And know God must have heard--
I felt the answer in my heart
Although he spoke no word!
I didn't ask for wealth or fame
(I knew you wouldn't mind)--
I asked Him to send treasures
Of a far more lasting kind!
I asked that He'd be near you
At the start of each new day
To grant you health and blessings
And friends to share your way!
I asked for happiness for you
In all things great and small--
But it was for His loving care
I prayed the most of all!
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PRAYER FOR THE FATHFUL DEPARTED
O God,
The Creator and Redeemer
Of all the Faithful,
Grant to the Souls
Of thy Servants departed
The remission of all their sins;
That though pious supplications
They may obtain the pardon
Which they have always desired
Who livest and reignest
World without end. Amen.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PRECIOUS GIFT
One gift, above all others,
God gives to us to treasure.
One that knows no time, no place
and one gold cannot measure.
The precious, poignant tender gift
Of Memory --- that will keep
Our dear ones ever in our hearts,
Although God gives them sleep.
It brings back long remembered things:
A song, a word, a smile
And our world's a better place
- - - because
We had them for awhile!
Jessie H. Fairweather
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Most merciful Father, we commend
our departed into your hands. We are filled
with the sure hope that our departed
will rise again on the Last Day with all
who have died in Christ. We thank you
for all the good things you have given
during our departed’s earthly life.
O Father, in Your great mercy, accept
our prayer that the Gates of Paradise
may be opened for Your servant. In
our turn, may we too be comforted
by the word of faith until we greet
Christ in glory and are united with
You and our departed.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ROMAN RITUAL
May the Angels
lead you into Paradise,
may the Martyrs receive you
at your coming, and take you
to Jerusalem the holy city.
May the choirs of the Angels
receive you, and may you with the
once poor Lazarus, have rest
ever lasting. Amen
Roman Ritual
May the Souls of all the
faithful departed, through the
mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ROMANS 14:7-8
None of us live unto himself,
and none of us dies unto himself.
If we live, we live to the Lord,
and if we die, we die to the Lord.
So then whether we live or
whether we die, we are the Lord's.
Romans
14:7-8
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I am in Heaven, dear ones;
Oh, so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty
In His everlasting light.
All the pain and grief is over,
Every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever;
safely home in Heaven at last.
Did you wonder I so calmly
trod the valley of the shade?
Oh! but Jesus' love illumined
every dark and fearful glade.
And He came Himself to meet me
in that way so hard to tread;
And with Jesus' arm to lean on,
could I have one doubt or dread?
Then you must not grieve so sorely,
for I love you dearly still:
Try to look beyond earth's shadows,
pray to trust our Father's Will.
There is work still waiting for you,
so you must not idly stand;
do it now, while life remaineth--
you shall rest in Jesus' land.
When that work is all completed,
He will gently call you home;
Oh, the rapture of that meeting,
Oh, the joy to see you come!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SALMOS 23
Jehová es mi pastor; nada me faltará
En lugares de delicados pastos me
hará descansar; Juanto a aguas de
reposo me pastoreará. Comfortará mi
alma; Me guiará por sendas de
justicia pro amor de su nombre.
Aunque ande en el valle de sombra de
muerta. No temerá mal alguno porque
tú estáras commigo; Tu vara y tu
cayado me infundirán aliento.
El Senor es mi pastor, noda me.
Aderezas una mesa delante de mi en
presencia de mis angustiadores;
Unges mi cabeza con aceite; mi copa está
rebosando. Ciertamente el bien y la
misericordia me sequirán todos los
dias de mi vida. Y en las casa del
Jehová moraré por largos dias.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SHE IS GONE
I am standing on the seashore.
A ship spreads her sails to the
morning breeze and starts for
the ocean. I am watching until
she fades on the horizon, and
someone at my side says,
“She is gone.”
Gone where? The loss of sight
is in me, not in her. Just at the
moment when someone says
“She is gone,” There are others
who are watching her coming.
Other voices take up the glad
shout, “Here she comes!”....
And that is dying.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SERENITY PRAYER
God grant 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.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SONGS OF THE ANGELS
May the songs of the angels welcome you,
and guide you along your way.
May the smiles of the martyrs greet your own
as darkness turns into day.
Ev'ry fear will be undone
and death will be no more.
As songs of the angels bring you home
before the face of God.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ST. ANNE
O Glorious St. Anne Thou art filled
with compassion for those who invoke
thee and with love for those who
suffer! Heavily laden with the
weight of my troubles, I therefore
cast myself at Thy feet and humbly
beg of Thee to take under Thy
special protection the present
affair which I recommend to Thee.
Vouchsafe to recommend it to Thy
Daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary,
and lay it before the throne of
Jesus, so that He may bring it to a
happy issue. Cease not to intercede
for me until my request is granted.
Above all obtain for me the grace of
one day to behold my God face to
face, and with Thee and Mary and
the saints to praise and bless Him
for all Eternity. Amen
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ST. ANTHONY
O glorious St. Anthony, safe refuge
of the afflicted and distressed. Who
by miraculous revelation has directed
all those who seek aid to come to Thy
altar with the promise that whosoever
visits it for nine consecutive Tuesdays,
and there piously invokes Thee, will
feel the power of Thy intercession.
I, a poor sinner, encouraged by this
promise, come to Thee, O powerful
Saint, and with a firm hope I implore
Thy aid, Thy protection, Thy counsel
and Thy blessing. Obtain for me,
I beseech Thee, my request in this
necessity. But if it should be opposed
to the will of God and the welfare of my
soul, obtain for me such other graces
as shall be conducive of my salvation.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ST. ANTHONY - 2
O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your
love for God and Charity for His creatures,
made you worthy, when on earth, to possess
miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your
word, which you were ever ready to speak for
those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this
thought, I implore of you to obtain for me
(request). The answer to my prayer may require
a miracle, even so, you are the Saint of Miracles.
O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart
was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my
petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus,
who loved to be folded in your arms; and the
gratitude of my heart will be ever yours.
Feast Day: June 13
Patron of the Poor
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ST. ANTHONY, UNFAILING PRAYER TO
O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of
Saints, your love for God and
charity for His creatures, made you
worthy, when on earth, to possess
miraculous powers. Miracles waited
on your word, which you were ever
ready to speak for those in trouble
or anxiety. O gentle and loving
St. Anthony, whose heart was ever
full of human sympathy, whisper
my petition into the ears of the
Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to
be folded in your arms;
and the gratitude of my heart
will ever be yours.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ST. AUGUSTINE
Watch Thou, dear Lord,
with those who wake,
or watch, or weep tonight
and give Your angels charge
over those who sleep.
Tend Your sick ones,
O Lord Christ,
rest Your weary ones,
pity Your dying ones,
pity Your afflicted ones,
and all for Your love's sake!
St. Augustine
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ST. FRANCIS
Lord make me
an instrument of Thy peace.
Where there is hatred,
let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.
O 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, and
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ST. JOSEPH
Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so
great, so strong, so prompt before the
throne of God, I place in you all my interest
and desires. Oh, St. Joseph, do assist
me by your powerful intercession, and obtain
for me from your divine foster-Son all
spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our
Lord; so that, having engaged here below
your heavenly power, I may offer my
thanks - giving and homage to the most
loving of Fathers. Oh, St. Joseph, I never
weary contemplating you, and Jesus
asleep in your arms; I dare not approach
while He reposes near your heart. Press
Him in my name and kiss His fine head for
me and ask Him to return the kiss when I
draw my dying breath. St. Joseph patron of
departing souls, pray for us.
Amen.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ST. JUDE - 1
O glorious Apostle, St. Jude Thaddeus true
relative of Jesus and Mary, I salute you
through the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Through this Heart I praise and thank God
for all the graces He has bestowed upon you.
Humbly prostrate before you, I implore
you through this heart to look down upon me
with compassion. Oh despise not my poor
prayer, let not my trust be confounded.
To you God has granted the privilege of
aiding mankind in the most desperate cases.
Oh, come to my aid that I may praise the
mercies of God. All my life I will be
grateful to you and will be your faithful
client until I can thank you in heaven.
Amen.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ST. JUDE - 2
Most holy apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant
and friend of Jesus, the Church honors
and invokes you universally, as the patron saint
of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired
of. Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone.
Make use I implore you, of being visible and
speed help where help is almost despaired
of. Come to my assistance in this great need
that I may receive the consolation and help
of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations,
and sufferings, particularly --(here make
your request) and that I may praise God
with you and all the elect forever. I promise,
O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of
this great favor, to always honor you as my
special and powerful patron, and to grate-
fully encourage devotion to you. Amen.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ST. JUDE - 3
St. Jude, glorious Apostle, faithful
servant and friend of Jesus, the
name of the traitor has caused you
to be forgotten by many, but the
true Church invokes you universally
as the Patron of things despaired of.
Pray for me, who am so miserable.
Pray for me, that finally I may
receive the consolations and the
succor of Heaven in all my
necessities, tribulations and sufferings,
particularly (make your request here)
and that I may bless God with thee
throughout eternity.
Amen
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ST. MICHAEL
St. Michael the Archangel,
Defend us in battle,
Be our protection against the
wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
And do thou, O Prince of the
heavenly house,
By the power of God, thrust into hell
Satan and all evil spirits
Who wander through the world
For the ruin of Souls.
Amen
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ST. PATRICK
O great Apostle of Ireland,
glorious St. Patrick to whom
under God, so many are indebted for
the most precious of all treasures,
the great gift of Faith.
Receive our fervent thanks for the
zeal and charity which have been to
thousands the source of blessings
so invaluable.
Ask for all who dwell in this land
and the land of thy labors, the
precious light of faith, and beg for
us on whom its glorious rays have
long since beamed, the grace to
regulate our lives by its
sacred maxims.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ST. PUCCI (Her)
We seem to give her back to You, O Lord,
who gave her to us.
Yet as You did not lose him in giving,
so we do not lose her by her return.
Not as the world gives, do You give O Lover of souls,
What You give You do not take away,
for what is Yours is ours also, if we are Yours,
And life is eternal and love is immortal,
and death is only an horizon,
and an horizon is nothing but the limit of our sight.
Lift us up, strong Son of God, that we may see further;
cleanse our eyes that we may see more clearly;
draw us closer to Yourself that we may know ourselves
to be nearer to our loved ones who are with You.
And while You prepare a place for us,
prepare us also for the happy place that where
You are we may be also evermore.
Amen
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ST. PUCCI (Him)
We seem to give him back to You, O Lord,
who gave him to us.
Yet as You did not lose him in giving,
so we do not lose him by his return.
Not as the world gives,
do You give O Lover of souls.
What You give You do not take away,
for what is Yours is ours also, if we are Yours.
And life is eternal and love is immortal,
and death is only an horizon,
and an horizon is nothing but the limit of our sight.
Lift us up, strong Son of God,
that we may see further;
cleanse our eyes that we may see more clearly;
draw us closer to Yourself that we may know ourselves
to be nearer to our loved ones who are with You,
And while You prepare a place for us,
prepare us also for the happy place that where
You are we may be also evermore.
Amen
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ST. THERESA
O Little flower of Jesus,
Ever consoling troubled souls
with Heavenly Graces,
In your unfailing intercession
I place my confident trust.
From the Heart of our Blessed
Savior petition these Blessings
of which I stand in greatest need.
Shower upon me your promised Roses
of Virtue and Grace, dear
St. Theresa, so that swiftly
advancing in sanctity and in
perfect love of neighbor, I may
someday receive the
Crown of Life Eternal.
Amen
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ST. THERESA - 2
O Lord, who hast said:
"Unless you become as little
children, you shall not enter
into the kingdom of heaven."
grant us, we beseech Thee, so
to walk in the footsteps of
Thy blessed Virgin Theresa
with a humble and single
heart, that we may attain
to everlasting rewards: who
livest and reignest world
without end. Amen
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SUNSET
Should you go first and I remain, to
walk the road alone.
I'll live in memories garden dear,
with happy days we've known.
In spring I'll wait for roses red,
when faded the lilacs blue.
In early fall when brown leaves fall,
I'll catch a glimpse of you.
I'll hear your voice, I'll see you smile
tho blindly I may grope.
The memory of your helping hand
will buoy me on with hope.
Should you go first and I remain
one thing I'll have you do:
Walk slowly down that long, long path
for soon I'll follow you.
I want to know each step you take,
so I may take the same.
for someday down that lonely road,
you'll hear me call your name.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day is done, gone the sun
From the lake, from the hill
From the sky
All is well, safely rest.
God is nigh.
Thanks and praise, for our days,
'neath the sun, 'neath the stars,
'neath the sky.
As we go, this we know,
God is nigh.
Amen.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THANK YOU FOR CARING
When someone takes the time to listen,
When someone reaches out,
When someone does a thoughtful thing
That makes you warm throughout.
When someone lends a helping hand,
Finds ways in which to share,
When someone makes you feel secure
By always being there.
When someone senses there are times
When you have special needs,
When someone gives you inner strength
Through words as well as deeds.
When someone seems to take an interest
In just how you're faring,
It's time to tell that special someone
Thanks so much for caring!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE PLAN
Our Lives are but fine weavings
That God and we prepare,
Each life becomes a fabric planned
And fashioned in His care.
We may not always see just how
The weavings intertwine,
But we must trust the Master’s hand
And follow His design,
For He can view the pattern
Upon the upper side,
While we must look from underneath
And trust in Him to guide...
Sometimes a strand of sorrow
Is added to His plan,
And though it's difficult for us,
We still must understand
That it's He who fills the shuttle,
It's He who knows what's best,
So we must weave in patience
And leave to Him the rest...
Not till the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why---
The dark threads are as needed
In the Weaver's skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THEY SAY
They say there is a reason,
They say that time will heal,
But neither time or reason,
Will change the way we feel.
For no one knows the heartache
That lies beyond our smiles,
No one knows how many times
We have broken down and cried,
We want to tell you something,
So there won’t be any doubt,
You're so wonderful to think of,
But so hard to be without.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TO THOSE I LOVE AND THOSE WHO LOVE ME
When I am gone, release me, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do.
You must not tie yourself to me with tears.
Be thankful for our beautiful years.
I gave to you my love, you can only guess,
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you have shown,
But now it’s time I travel on alone.
So grieve a while if you must.
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It’s only for a while that we must part,
So bless the memories within your heart.
I won’t be far away, for life goes on,
And if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can’t see me or touch me, I’ll be near.
And if you listen with your heart you’ll hear
All my love around you soft and clear.
And then when you must come this way alone,
I’ll greet you with a smile and say welcome home.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TOO LITTLE TIME
Too Little Time:
I find each day too short for
All the thoughts I want to think,
All the walks I want to take,
All the books I want to read, and
All the friends I want to see.
The longer I live the more my mind
dwells upon the beauty and the
wonder of the world.
John Burroughs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TREASURED SEASONS
For everything there is
an appointed season,
and a time for every purpose
under heaven...
A time for sharing,
a time for caring.
A time for loving,
a time for giving.
A time for remembering,
a time for parting.
You have made everything
beautiful in its time, for
everything You do remains
forever.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TREE
I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast:
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
May you always walk in sunshine
and God’s love around you flow, for
the happiness you gave us, no one
will ever know. It broke our hearts
to lose you, but you did not go
alone, a part of us went with you
the day God called you home.
A million times we’ve needed you,
a million times we’ve cried.
If love could only have saved you,
You never would have died.
The Lord Be With You
And May You Rest In Peace
Amen
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WALK IN SUNSHINE - 2
May you always walk in sunshine
and God’s love around you flow, for
the happiness you gave us, no one
will ever know. It broke our hearts
to lose you, but you did not go
alone, a part of us went with you
the day God called you home.
A million times we’ve needed you,
a million times we’ve cried.
If love could only have saved you,
You never would have died.
Eternal rest grant unto (her/him) O Lord:
and let perpetual light shine upon (her/him)
The Lord Be With You And May You Rest In Peace
Amen
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WE GIVE THEM BACK
We seem to give them to thee,
O God, who gavest them to us.
Yet as Thou didst not lose them in giving,
so do we not lose them by their return.
Not as the world giveth, givest Thou,
O Lover of souls. What Thou givest,
Thou takest not away,
for what is Thine is ours also if we are Thine.
And life is eternal and love is immortal,
and death is only an horizon,
and an horizon is nothing,
save the limit of our sight.
Lift us up, strong Son of God,
that we may see further;
cleanse our eyes that we may see clearly;
draw us closer to Thyself that we may know ourselves
to be nearer to our loved ones who are with Thee.
And while Thou dost prepare a place for us,
prepare us also for that happy place,
that where Thou art we may be also for evermore.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WE’LL ALWAYS REMEMBER
We’ll always remember
that special smile,
that caring heart,
that warm embrace
you always gave us.
We’ll always remember
you being there
for Mom and us.
Through good and bad times,
no matter what.
We’ll always remember you Dad,
because there’ll never be any one
to replace you in our hearts
and the love we will always
have for you.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WHEN I MUST LEAVE
When I must leave you for a little
while --- please do not grieve and
shed wild tears and hug your sorrow
to you through the years, but start
out bravely with a gallant smile,
and for my sake, and in my name live
on and do all things the same. Feed
not your loneliness on empty days,
but fill each waking hour in useful
ways, reach out your hand in comfort
and in cheer and I, in turn, will
comfort you and hold you near.
And never, never be afraid to die,
for I am waiting for you in the sky.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WHEN I’M GONE
When I’m Gone.
Give what’s left of me away to children
and to old folks that wait to die.
And if you need to cry, cry for your brother
and sister walking the street beside you.
And when you need me, put your arms
around someone and give them what
you need to give to me.
I want to leave you something,
some thing better than words or sounds.
Look for me in the people I’ve known and loved,
And if you cannot give me away, at
least let me live in your eyes and not in your mind.
You can love me most by letting hands
touch hands, by letting bodies touch
bodies, and by letting go of children
that need to be free.
Love doesn’t die, people do.
So, when all that’s left of me is love,
give me away.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WINGS AGAINST THE SUN
Forever earthbound are my feet,
Upon the rocky road ahead,
But high among the clouds, my thoughts,
And so my heart is comforted.
If one shoulder aches,
I shift the burden to the other side,
Remembering the times I’ve laughed,
And not the ones in which I’ve cried.
Too short indeed these precious years,
To let a dream die needlessly,
Beyond tomorrow there awaits
A time and place designed for me,
And old hopes rising one by one,
Are golden wings against the sun!
Grace E. Easley
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WITH THE SAINTS
With the Saints give rest, O Christ
to the soul of Thy servants, where
there is neither sickness, nor sorrow,
nor sighing, but life everlasting.
Thou only art immortal, who hast
created and fashioned man. For out
of the earth were we mortals made,
and unto the earth shall we return again,
as Thou didst command when Thou
madest man, saying unto me: For earth
Thou art, and unto the earth shall Thou
return. Whither, also, all we mortals
wend our way, making of our funeral
dirge the sound Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
You toiled so hard for those you loved,
You said good-bye to none.
Your spirit flew before we knew
Your work on earth was done.
We miss you now, our hearts are sore,
As time goes by we miss you more.
Your loving smile, your gentle face;
No one can fill your vacant place.
Your life was love and labor,
Your love for your family true,
You did the best for all of us,
We will always remember you.
The Lord be with you (Name),
now and for evermore. Amen
