Keep Watch

Keep watch with me for an hour or so
Be vigilant for when I return you do not know
Keep watch through the darkest light
Keep watch and you will surely see the light
Be alert for the hour is quickly drawing near
For those who are prepared there is no cause for fear
Stay awake with me in the garden as I weep
Though it is hard, do not give in to sleep
Be with me as we walk side by side
Be wary when life is good of the sin of pride
Keep your eyes open and fixed on your savior and friend
And in the storms my Guardian Angels I will send
Can you not stay awake for an hour in the day
Are your eyelids so leaden that you drift off in slumber
Be watchful be awake for one day I may call your number
Are you ready when I come again in glory and power
Will you stand strong and tall where evil cowers
Are you open to the Spirit’s guiding
Are you filled with wisdom and understanding
Do you proclaim the good news and do so in the power of my name
Do you live in my love and are you forever changed
Do you seek first to understand then be understood
Do you seek to make peace where there is war
Do you work for the common good
The time is now, what are you waiting for
Open my eyes to see with your love and truth
Open my heart to the joy and faith of the youth
Open my life to your wisdom and plan
Open my soul as only you can

Trust in Me

Take nothing extra with you do not plan ahead
Trust in my divine providence that you will be safe and fed
I send you out two by two a companion for the way
The time is now to sow and gather we must not delay
Be gracious and thankful for what you are provided
And be discerning when someone has confided
Bring peace to those who give you welcome
Stay and enjoy the company
In a place of hostility do not linger
For wasps all have a stinger
Take heart I am with you always
Even to the end of the age
I have loved you from before time began
I am Prince of Peace, Lord of Lords I Am Who Am
I send my angels to guard you, the Spirit to guide you
I give you my mother and I walk beside you
The world is at my feet and I hold you in my hands
I want for your good so heed my commands
They will keep you on a right path and straight
They will take you into my fold by the narrow gate
You are my children my beloved so dear
More precious than all the treasure I am sincere
You are loved and cared for, watched over day and night
No matter where you are you will never leave my sight
I will hold you to my chest
I will give you peace and rest
Take refuge in the shelter of my wings
In the shadow of the cross Grace sings
Look to me in my boundless mercy
Be satisfied all you who are thirsty
Lay your hands upon my life
Let your Spirit fall upon me like spring rain
Be ever present in my joy and my strife
Help me find healing and goodness even amidst pain

I Need You

Jesus I need you more than ever before
I have no idea what the future has in store
I rely on you to be my refuge and my strength
It is through you that I can go to such lengths
Jesus I need you more than ever
To be my anchor in the stormy weather
You have put me in this position for a reason
And I hope that my response has been pleasing
I lean on you more heavily now that I ever would
And you have shown me that this is quite good
Jesus I need you more each day and each week
You are the light of my life when the day is bleak
Jesus I love you more deeply than when I first began
And I can’t help but wonder if this was all part of your plan
To show me how much I really need you
Oh how I want it all so much to be true
To show me that I can rely on you to take care
Of all my life and my needs and mend the tear
Jesus I need you I know you listen and take heed
Jesus I need you to water the seed
How you must be smiling in Heaven to see me finally understand
That all of this was your doing, to see the working of your hand
I’m still learning and I’ve got quite the road ahead
This time I think I’ll let you lead instead
Jesus I need you more than I can express
For all my eloquence is fruitless I confess
Jesus I need your love be with me now
Open my heart to more completely allow
Your grace and peace in my inmost being
In binding myself to you it is freeing
Jesus I need you to come take over my life
To be the Lord of my great joy and deep strife
Jesus I need you I can’t do this alone
And Jesus sometimes it scares me to the bone
But I need you and it’s getting to hard to ignore
So don’t come knockin’ ‘cause here is the key to my heart’s door
Jesus I need you, I come here today
To be with you, to thank you and pray
Jesus I need you and I know things will be alright
Keep me safe and close to you this night
Look with love upon this child and let your light shine
I am yours forever and you are forever mine

Amen

It cannot be contained: this great joy and bliss
It is contentment and more than happiness
A laughter and light in the soul and the eyes
When the clouds are dark and pour rain it brightens the skies
It flows like spirit and life giving water through the veins
It stays positive when it experiences great pains
This exuberance bubbles over and spreads to one and all
It sings a little when loved ones come to call
It befriends and listens and beckons us to turn
An ear of mercy toward the least of these and teaches us to learn
This joy I feel inside is enough to drive me mad
But the best thing is that none of it is bad
I’m overcome with gladness and my heart it beats so fast
I’m not sure how much longer I can last
To have a friend by your side an answered prayer or two
I think you’d have a hard time containing your excitement too
If feeling this great is a crime then throw me in jail
But my joy will never be quenched and my gladness will prevail
God is great and rightly to be praised
So often has He shown is goodness and still I stand amazed
You have given me a love without limits a mercy without bounds
You spoke into my silence and looked upon me with favor
You have given me a gift greater than any I’ve known
To write for you in love and Adoration
And to share that love with all
You are my daily strength and you made me who I am
I am loved by you more fiercely than a mother for her child
I was molded in your hand formed with love and gentleness
This year I (You) have said is a year of Hope
The numerous signs point to this being true
You have blessed me abundantly in my trials and my strengths
You have given me patience and grace
Please help me now to hear your voice and find which way to go
Should I be a priest or deacon or is there something I still don’t know
Continue to be with me in my daily endeavors
Continue to send your angels over me as I sleep
You set the stars and moon at night and the sun for when we rise
Help me Lord not to look down, but keep my eyes ever fixed on you, the prize
Bring me deeper to your sacred heart of love
Bind me to the immaculate heart of your Mother
Give me a righteous and upright heart like Joseph
Fill me with the burning light of the Holy Spirit
Irradiate me and make me glow when others look at me
Let me shine for you Oh Lord shine your love your life your truth
Watch over us throughout our lives in our old age and in our youth
When the day is over and the sun has set low in the sky
I look toward the heavens far above as in my bed I lie
I pray the Lord my soul to keep and thank him for this day
Before I close my eyes to dream I think I hear him say
Sleep now my child and Rest In Peace
The day is done and work will cease
Live in my love wrapped in the shelter of my wings
Dream sweet dreams and look forward to what tomorrow brings
New mercies for you everyday new blessings from above
Be joyful be content for I am a God of Love

How Do You Pray?

Do you pray in silence do you pray with peace?
Do you pray when standing or on your hands and knees?
Do you pray with head bowed low or hands raised up?
Do you pray to satisfy your spiritual plate and cup?
Do you pray for the blessing of others or ask to be healed?
Do you pray to bring down the kingdom and find truth revealed?
Does it matter so much how we pray as that we do?
Does it matter what we pray or for who?
Do you pray with simplicity and words within reach?
Do you pray with eloquence and is it something you can teach?
Is there a better way to pray?
Do you pray from the depths of your heart with every fiber of your being?
Do you know just how much prayer can be freeing?
Prayer truly changes us on a level most profound
Soaring high with feet firmly on the ground
Prayer is more than just words
Prayer could be found in the songs of birds
Prayer is beyond sound into silent surrender
In prayer you never hear about return to sender
God will hear for he is here
Our tears of loss and our tears of joy
He feels our laughter and our pain
He knows our triumphs and our struggles
He has been down that road before
He loves us to the end beyond life beyond death
In eternity He waits for us to be with Him once more
He calls us to follow wherever he may go
He sends us out in the field to sow and reap great yield
We toil and labor and in time it is revealed
The reason for our presence on this Earth we call our home
And none of us should go through everything alone
In a greater plan we have an integral part to play
And sometimes we ask that when we pray
Prayer like conversation is a two way street
We give and take and in the middle we meet
It is more about relationship than it is about the act
It’s a promise of heart and soul more binding than a contract
When we pray, how do we pray?
Are we saying all the words but going through the motions?
Or struggle to find a word but have the greatest devotions?
To just be silent and present could be something strong
Maybe only tears when everything seems to be going wrong
Maybe there is more to prayer than it seems at first glance
Maybe it’s okay and maybe someone gives prayer a chance
Maybe someone’s life is changed by reading this simple prayer
Maybe someone reaches out and finds there is something there
Maybe all of this will make a difference maybe I’ll never know
But maybe just maybe you’ll see the love I pray to show

Just be with Me in the silence
Be present to Me here and now
Be at peace with Me in My plan
Be in love with Me and all that I am
Be content with Me and that I give you
Be honest with Me and be true
I am here always by your side in every step
I am here in your very next breath
I am here when the light is no more
I am here when you spread your wings and soar
I am here to calm the wind and sea
I am here just be with Me
I am here down every dusty road
I am here to share the heavy load
I am here when you need a friend
I am here from the beginning to the end
Be filled with Me and never thirst
Be best in Me when you are at your worst
Be found in Me when you have lost your way
Believe in Me that I hear and answer when you pray
Be alive in Me and my love for my child
Be gentle like Me so meek and mild
I have come to set you free
I am here just be with Me
I am here when you make your way back home
I am here so you are never all alone
I am here with glory and power
I am here to guide you through the darkest hour
I am here with mercy and grace
I am here right now in this place
Belong to Me and find peace and rest
Trust Me that I know what is best
I love you and you will never be forsaken
I have set the sun to rise and greet you when you awaken
I have marked you as my own from before time began
I know you intimately well and hold you in my hand
I wrote my name upon your heart
You are mine from the very start
I burned my word into your mind
So with that you are sealed and signed
I put my song into your soul
Words of wisdom and love that we extol
I have called you by name and sent you share
Spread the good news to people everywhere
I am here to open your eyes to see
I am here just be with Me

Mary Most Holy, ****** pure and chaste
Breath of Heaven help us make haste
Let your spirit dwell within us, and walk beside
Help us glory in the cross of our Christ Crucified
By your grace and faith we have been given Christ the Child
Who calms storms or our souls when life gets wild
Help us to live by your example, show us the way to your son
** amazing that praising 10,000 years we've just begun
Bless us all and take us unto you
Pray for us and guide us straight and true
Let your light shine in our hearts and in our lives
Help us to be good parents and men take care of our wives
Queen of all the Universe your name in praise we lift
For the love you have for your children and for the greatest gift
Lead us to your son our Lord and point the way to Him
Lead us today and lead us home when our eyes grow dim
Grant some share of that grace you possess
And help me find some peace and rest.

Amen

Peace be in your life peace be in your soul
Peace when God is making diamonds out of coal
Peace be in your heart and peace be in your mind
To stop and take stock then peace is what I find

Be content with what I have and who I am
Be content to need The Good Shepherd as a lamb
Be content with God and the good he has in store
Be content with God and want for nothing more

Take heart now for I am here even in the darkest day
Take heart now for I am a single breath away
Take heart now for I conquered death and came to save
Take heart now for it was you that my life I gave

Have faith: trust beyond your sight and believe
Have faith: that in the Eucharist you more fully receive
Have faith: and lean on me when you're not strong
Have faith: and lift your voice to join in the song

Be still and know that I am God: one who cares
Be still and know that I listen and answer prayers
Be still and know that loving you gives me such delight
Be still and know that, in the end, it will be alright

Christ is our cornerstone love is the foundation
The cross; the bridge between the people of every nation
When we work together, when we love each other
One big family with one father and mother
Compassion will seal and wounds begin to heal
In safety and peace we have nothing to fear
We are building your kingdom here
With mercy for all; a place of refreshment and rest
Here in the kingdom we welcome the guest
We'll bring just a little bit of heaven down to Earth
And try to help everyone see the greatness of their worth
In the building of your kingdom all will have a place
In the building of your kingdom we shall see your face
In the building of your kingdom all will be made new
Singing, dancing, and great jubilation for we will be with you
You love us and you call us each by name
You hold us in your hand the Lord the One Who Reigns
We are building your kingdom change us from within
We are building your kingdom may the whole world join in

Lord, it is the deepest desire of my heart to be free from the sin of lust or, if not free, to be able to manage it so that I may better follow you, live for you, and love for you. I also pray that by doing this, I would be more receptive and aware and blessed ever more than you have so abundantly blessed me now. Please help me to be silent and at peace in my heart, mind, and soul so I can be open to your Holy Spirit and write what you speak to give glory to your name ad to build your kingdom here on Earth. Amen

To know Him is to love Him
To love Him is to follow Him
To follow Him is to imitate Him
To imitate Him is to be Him for others
In knowing Him we know and find ourselves
In loving Him we see others the way He sees us
In following Him we learn and grow in faith and holiness
In imitating Him we are more truly free
In being Him for others we bring another heart to know Him
And the cycle starts again

You are the vine I am the branches
Connected to you the source of all life
You are the vine I am the branches
Connected to you I bear great fruit
You are the well source of living water
I am a cup for your blessings outpoured
You are my shelter strong tower in the storm
You are the rock my salvation
You are my solid ground and firm foundation
You are the source of life everlasting
You love a sacrifice of praise and prayer and fasting
Apart from you I am nothing I am empty
In you I live and breathe and have my being

United to Christ we adore
United to each other what are we waiting for
United in love together we stand
We can begin to heal our broken land
United we bring the kingdom come here
Together we may cast off hatred and fear
When we work together with our sisters and brothers
We can start to bring about a faith revival
We can begin to thrive and not focus only on survival
Uniting our hearts to Jesus we draw nearer
Drawing closer we reflect Jesus as a mirror
So much more unites us that which does divide
I want to make a change but I'll let you decide
If you want to join a revolution start a fire
Watch it burn brighter and hotter and higher
United we stand against the devil and his ways
United we stand for Christ and creation for all our days
United we are hope for a world that seems so lost
Standing up for what is right can come at a high cost
But you are worth it Lord and you thought we were as well
So much that, perfect, you died to save us from hell
United we come to pray and give glory
United we join ourselves as a part of His-story
United we lift our voices in worship and song
United we find a family a place where all can belong
We stand together in faith hope and love
In union with the perfect communion of the trinity above
With the Angels and Saints who praise your name
We your children strive to do the same
United as one body working to act as one
We care for Christ as we help everyone
From the greatest to the least from the powerful to the weak
From those who stand strong and tall to the ones down on their knees
We are all one people one children of one father
We live on one world as son and daughter
We do not stand alone or apart
When we are united not at hip but in heart

Amen

Mary Mother of God, Mary Most Holy
Take me into yourself and in doing so draw me closer to Christ
It is through you that we find we are led to a deeper understanding of Christ
The more we understand who Christ is the better we are able to know who and what we are
Mary, take me as your son and love me as my mother
Comfort me when I am and stay with me when I feel sad
Grant me the ability to treat you with the love, care and respect you deserve as the mother of Jesus and as my mother
Mary you are pure and blameless with no stain of sin or death
By your grace, grant me some share in fellowship with our Lord
I know your son well enough Mary, but I want to know you better
This prayer is very much like a letter
Today we celebrate simplicity, humility and love for creation
With St. Francis of Assisi
Remind us of the sanctity and beauty of life in all its stages and forms
Look with favor upon your church and upon this earth
See all the destruction we have brought upon ourselves
In our ignorance and arrogance of Jesus
Look with mercy and love upon your children longing to make a change
Bless and strengthen us to act with love, peace, and wisdom
As we go about our lives strengthen our devotion
To you and your son and the Holy Spirit
Guide us along the one true road
As we pray to the angels and saints
May we learn and grow in sanctity and holiness
One day we stand before our maker in all his perfect glory
Did we enjoy the life we had, did we use the gifts we were given, how did we love
What will be my answer and will I be counted among the shepherd's flock
Mary be my shelter in the storms of life
Mary be my way to be closer to your son
Mary be my love that shines forever
Mary be my peace and the grace for everyday
Mary be with me always in every little way

From life's first cry to final breath
In my living daily until my hour of death
You chose me and formed me with love and affection
Wonderfully and marvelously made with no exception
From my head to my hands to my little happy feet
I am the only one of me. I am perfectly unique.
You gave me eyes to seek and a heart to hear
You gave me a burning love to drive out fear
You gave me parents to love me and to teach
They taught me to pray and challenged me to reach
They raised and cared for me the best that they knew how
How lucky I am I'm starting to realize now
You gave me a home to laugh, play, and learn
How love and affection I never had to earn
There were times I was lost and couldn't see the light
I'd cry myself to sleep sometimes but I never left your sight
You were always there for me if I only looked around
I could run and I could hide, but I was always found
You gave me hope and a future; you gave me a chance
To live, to make this world better, maybe find romance
To share my love with another: the biggest thing from one so small
You gave me the gift of Life. The greatest gift of all!

Be careful little one what you speak
It can make mountains crumble and empower the weak
Be vigilant of your tongue and practice control
For words have the power to pierce the soul
For good or ill they may be used
And poor judgement finds us accused
But my dear words are so much more than pain
In the desert place they can be as life giving rain
They may paint a beautiful story reveal mystery untold
They can take a person so shy to be brave and bold
They can dance across the mind and page
They can calm a soul and seas and wind that rage
They can love and laugh they can forget and forgive
They have given sight to the blind and made the dead live
Words are as tools. They can be used for building up or breaking down
They can put a smile on someone's face and turn their day around
Or they can hurt someone and cause bitterness and sorrow
Try to make it right before today becomes tomorrow
You see words are many things to many people
They come in all shapes and sizes and in a way
Sometimes I find words in a church with a steeple
Other times I just listen and write what I feel God say
I'm not perfect I know and I've a long way to go
But I try to be wise and speak truth to be kind and not uncouth
So please forgive me my lapse of good sense
And know that I learned from my error hence

Mary Most Holy ****** pure and chaste
Breath of Heaven help us make haste
Let your Spirit dwell within us and walk beside
Help us glory in the cross of our Christ crucified
By your grace and faith we have been given Christ the Child
Who calms the storms or our souls when life gets wild
Help us live by your example show us the way to your son
How amazing that praising 10000 years we've just begun
Bless us all and take us unto you
Pray for us and guide us straight and true
Let your light shine in our hearts and our lives
Help us to be good parents and take care of our wives
Queen of all the Universe your name in praise we lift
For the love you have for your children, and for the greatest gift
Lead us to your son our Lord and point the way to him
Lead us today and lead us home when our eyes grow dim
Grant some share of that grace you possess
Help me find some peace and rest

Amen

You Oh Lord are the Alpha and the Omega
You Oh Lord are the beginning and the end
You Oh Lord are the counselor and healer
You Oh Lord bring us here and now you send
You Oh Lord are the word and the light
You Oh Lord are God of the day and the night
You Oh Lord are the wind and the rain
You Oh Lord are God of my joy and my pain
You Oh Lord are present here and now
You Oh Lord give me the strength to stand and to bow
You Oh Lord are God of my life and my death
You Oh Lord allow me to take my next breath
You Oh Lord are the life blood that flows
You Oh Lord stir a fire that grows
You Oh Lord are my rock and stronghold
You Oh Lord are the anchor to which I hold
You Oh Lord are my Shepherd my Master
You Oh Lord make my heart beat faster
You Oh Lord hold me in your hand
You Oh Lord are firm footing in shifting sand
You Oh Lord are my peace and provision
You Oh Lord help me make a good decision
You Oh Lord help make me complete
You Oh Lord have made me a seat
You Oh Lord are good when I am not
You Oh Lord love me a lot
You Oh Lord are the reason I get out of bed
You Oh Lord are where I lay my head
You Oh Lord are knocking at my heart
You Oh Lord love my every part
You Oh Lord of my good, bad, and fair
You Oh Lord are inescapable, you are everywhere
You Oh Lord love me even when I fall and sin
You Oh Lord you come running to take me back in
You Oh Lord are my shield and my sword
You are my Savior my King and my Lord

Full of mercy and compassion
Abundant grace and blessing
Justice and peace are never out of fashion
Focus on what we can do and stop stressing
Rest easy and be quiet as we go about living
The Lord rejoices in cheerful giving
Giving some of our time or money or skill
We use what we have been given for good will
The humble and the broken are graced
The lonely and oppressed are lifted
Those who mourn will have a taste
Of hope and joy and all will be gifted
We are to be light for a world that is blind
We are to be love in a world often unkind
We are to be warmth in a world now cold
We are to be courageous when so few are bold
We are to be strength to lift up the weak
We are to be gentle in a world that is not meek
We are to be pure in heart for a world that is broken
We are to be the truth that must be spoken
Be a blessing for others and a blessing for the Most High
Help others, do your best, and always try
Allowing God to bless what little we bring
We find that this can be a wonderful thing
Whatever you did for the least ones
Whatever you did for my daughters or sons
You did for me says the Lord God of Hosts
Help us be humble and honest lest we should boast
You gave us everything we could ever need
You are like good water to our seed
You gave us all we could want and ask
You will aid us in all of our tasks
Be with us Lord when we are burdened and  worn
Keep us safe through the night and wake us in the morn
Let your love go before us strengthen us while we pray
Let us bring your kingdom here this very day
There are so many who suffer in spirit and in physical pain
Give us the grace to bring them back and there, remain
Bring me to your heart and help me love with all I am
Take my hands and use them for your healing
Remind me why I do good with this wonderful feeling
To praise you with all that is in me
Bless and glorify so everyone can see
This is what I hope to do
And serve your people the best that I can
Let me not be prideful in me but rest in you
Continue to refine me in your perfect plan

Bread of Life seed that dies to be reborn
You shine so bright like the sun in the morn
You blanket the heavens at night with the stars
Divine Physician come heal our scars
We are your people called by your name
By your word I let go of my guilt and shame
Your love reaches the depths of my inmost being
I lay my burdens down at your feet and it is freeing
I place my trust in you and walk across the water
I am but clay in the hands of the master potter
Keeping my eyes fixed on you I will not be afraid and sink
You are the living well from which I drink
In your Spirit my soul is alive and I am living well
You are the healing rain when I am in a dry spell
Come to me and hear me now, meet me here this day
Bless me and look kindly upon me listen while I pray
I cannot feel you near where are you hide not your face
Come now and bathe me in your love and grace
You are my breath my strength and my hope
You are my lifeline a safety rope
I look to you Oh Lord my God I need to see some sign
That you are still there and your hand is still holding mine
Renew me Lord my heart is burdened and heavy
I'm tired of running and fighting and maybe I'm ready
To start coming back so run to me as I come home still far
He'll take you back and hold you close and meet you where you are
Be at peace and come start to heal
Know that I am God and that I am real

Amen

There in the stillness, the whisper of angel's wings
There in the stillness a place for beggars and kings
There in the stillness a fluttering of the soul
There in the stillness someone broken is being made whole

There in the stillness and silence of this room
Like standing there in Easter's empty tomb
There in the stillness and silence of this place
I open my eyes and find myself standing face to face

There in the silence I think I feel you say
There in the silence that all will be okay
There in the silence I hear my heartbeat still
There in the silence you hold me and you always will

There in the quiet a word of blessing and peace
There in the quiet there is freedom and release
There in the quiet I sing and praise and dance
There in the quiet a part of the sacred romance

There in the rest a river of life overflows
There in the rest a fruitful garden grows
There in the rest I am anchored and secure
There in the rest is a joy so real and pure

There in my life a battle day and night
There in my life a war between darkness and light
There in my life the Lord is always by my side
There in my life my God be glorified

Praise and glory to God on high
Prayer and song fill the sky
Lift your heart and raise your eyes
Please dry our tears and hear our cries

Amen

Red is for the blood you shed for me and for your sacred heart
Brown is for the wood of the cross: the bridge from heaven to earth
Purple is for your kingship. In honor of your power and majesty
Gold for the richness of knowing you and a reminder of the value of our souls
Blue for sadness and the water that flowed from your side
White for the veil that was torn, for holiness and purity
Yellow is for the sun bursting forth on Easter morning
Green is for new life and for good pastures

Mary, in your life there was great sorrow and pain. From the very beginning you knew it was going to be a long hard road. Seven sorrows you endured during the life of your son. You bore them all with fortitude and divine grace. The number seven is for fulfillment and perfection and it is through our sufferings and trials that we are shaped, refined, and perfected. Not once did you give up or give in to despair; rather through grace and faith, you remained steadfast. How your heart must break for your children, Mary. There is so much pain, violence, and hate in our world today. Grant a deep peace and love in my soul Oh Blessed Mother, that I may do what I can to console your sorrowful heart.

Amen

Gift of Life

Mary, mother of Jesus the Christ my Lord and savior
Great is your name indeed and blessed are you among women
Blessed and holy is the fruit of your womb Jesus
You were pure and blameless giving birth to the one who gave us his life so we could have life with Him forever
Breathe your sweet breath upon my soul and fill me with your virtues
Care for me and love me and pray for me Oh Holy Mother of God.
In my weakness help me fly to you and cry to you
Help me reach for you always and hold my hand. Be with me as I try to follow your son.
Bathe me in you soft light and help me to be ever open to Jesus and his will in my life
Thank you for helping me love Jesus better,  know him deeper and follow him closer
Your "Yes" has allowed me to be where I am today and do what I am able to do
I plead for your intersession and help as I struggle to be pure and chaste
I yearn to be free of these shackles but it has given me a humility and requires me to stay closer to Jesus
Everything I think about right now is life in some way when I think about you tonight.
The gift of life and what a gift and how great is truly is.
Mary I give honor and praise to your most holy name. It is an honor to come to you today
You have many titles and honors, but I believe the greatest honor and title of all is that of "Mother"
It fills me with a warmth and peace, a gentleness and love
It is a great embrace it is a the sweetest song I know
They say that behind every great man is an even more amazing mother
They would be right in this case.
Your husband Joseph is not to be forgotten either
A holy righteous and honest man was he and I'm sure he taught Jesus a great many things
I can imagine that every decision big or small was made in love, with prayer, together
That is how we should be doing things, but sometimes it seems that we have forgotten how
I pray for the world and its peoples that there would be peace and love across the nations
I pray for our families and relationships that they would reflect the loving and holy nature of your Most Holy Family
I pray for our heath especially our spiritual health
I pray for those who have said yes and for those who haven't yet that they would be open to walk where he leads
I pray for us sinners that our hearts would be changed and we could live a life of purity and grace
I pray for your protection and help in all things but especially for mothers and for those in difficult situations
I pray that I would bring joy and peace to your heart and do the things that make you smile
I thank you for the opportunity to stay here with you and your son for a while.

Amen

There is power in the prayer laid before the king
From my joys, fears, hopes, dreams and every little thing
Although I don't feel an answer or hear a word or see a sign
I get a sense that still he hears me and things will work out in time
There is power when we get specific about our needs
There is power when we humble ourselves on our knees
There is power in the stillness and the calm
There is power in the praying of the psalm
There is power in the silence in between moments
There is power that can be found in seeking atonement
Prayer doesn't change God's heart
It changes ours to see his art
Prayers have been answered in more ways than one
And I get the feeling God is far from being done
It's up to me: do I believe and trust his plan and will
Do I become anxious when he seems to stand still
Or do I trust him enough to let it go and he will see it through
Sometimes he may be testing us wanting to see if we'll be true
Is my heart open enough for him to work and move
Once again it is an opportunity for me to prove
My love, and hope and strength are found
In Christ whom mercy and grace abound
Here I struggle to stay awake and keep watch for an hour
There is power in the prayer as I pray for strength and power
We should never have to go through things alone
With prayer and good companions we are never far from home
A place of peace, refreshment and rest
And I have to smile when I remember that God knows what's best
I need to lean on God and ask him in my weakness
For peace and healing that I can't do and so I will seek his
The power in the prayer is simple yet strong
And gets better the longer we walk along
The picture isn't always clear sometimes shrouded in mystery
But every time I pray I get a little more of his-story

Take me where I am, meet me where I am
Shepherd me Oh Lord like a little lamb
You are my protector, you are my defender
Help me run to you when I hear the voice of the pretender
You are my salvation and my Rock
An open heart and mind has many a door unlocked
You are my fortress and my strong tower
When I am weak and worn you have the power
You are my shield in front and my sword beside
You are my armor Lord you are big when I am small inside
You lift me up and take me in
You run to me when I confess my sin
You are my healer my balm and salve when I am sick
You have never left my side through thin and very thick
You care for me and love me. You send me your Spirit
You never gave up on me even when I wanted to quit
I love you I praise you I give glory to your name
Your words are living and dynamic yet ever the same
I bless you and thank you for all that you are
Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Morning Star
Many names for one so high
But above all else you love me so much you would die
No greater love there is than to lay down one's life for a friend
I will do my best to live that out loud till my time is at an end
In all things Lord be my life and breath
Keep me ever in your sight from now until my death
When I join with you in heaven I will forever sing your praise
But until that day I'll be content just to daily lift my gaze

Amen

Hope is a very potent thing
It can cause the blind to see and the mute to sing
It can break chains and tear down walls
It sees the silver-lining and gets up again after every fall
It is a light in darkness when we have lost our way
It never gives up can't be quenched and recharges when we pray
Hope will keep you moving when you can't move any more
Hope is the fire that burns deep down in your core
Hope will spread like wildfire all across the land
Hope will keep a light on and is hard to understand
Hope can keep a man alive when the rest have given in
Hope can take what would be loss and turn it into win
Hope is something beautiful that shines so bright and true
It burns in me hot and steady: now I pass it on to you!

Hope alights like a new dawn
Springing forth on young legs like a fawn.
We are yet in darkness and despair
So, unseeing, we are not yet aware
Of the light that lies just beyond.
Before too long a new day has dawned.
Hope flies on the wings of tomorrow
Where we begin to let go of our pain and sorrow.
A single ray of light in the darkest night can pierce,
And a single small flame can burn all the more fierce.
Like a river will eventually find its way to the sea,
We follow our hope to the source that makes our hearts free.
Brighter days are soon to come;
Spreading hope to everyone.

Peace and healing be on you,
Strength and grace be with you too
Both now and forever Amen.
May you walk in the light that guides,
Your hand in his own and your footsteps besides
Both now and forever Amen.
Each day, you awake to greet the morning sun
And count the stars that blanket the heavens when day is done
Both now and forever Amen.
When will you see He is holding you and me?
Both now and forever Amen.
We will never have to fear, for our God is always near
Both now and forever Amen.
He died on a cross, sinless unto death
So we could live free and have life giving breath
Both now and forever Amen.
As long as there is life in me and my Lord is in this place,
I will praise with word and song and ask for His Amazing Grace
Both now and forever Amen.
When things are hard and life seems too much,
I need to call on Jesus and get in touch
Both now and forever Amen.
Sometimes I am led astray and my feet begin to wander
And other times I see glimpses that even angels can only ponder
Both now and forever Amen.
But you love me now, you loved me then
You love me always; both now and forever Amen!

Father into your hands I commend my Spirit
I seek to give my life to you
You, who hold the universe together, holds me in the palm of your hand
In your hands I find warmth and strength
In your hands I know I am safe and secure
Hold me and mold me into the man I'm called to be
Speak to me and keep me and wrap me tight
Bring me close to your chest and keep me safe through the night
Touch my heart oh God and change me from within
Wash over me, purify me and cleanse me from my sin
Help me put my hand in your hand and walk by your side
On passing earthly thing I have far too often relied
You are my walking stick, the light before me, and staff to guide
You are my legs when I am feeble and strength when I am weak
Grab me when I stumble in the dark and reach out for your hand I seek
With arms spread wide you reached across the world to bridge the great divide
With arms outstretched you welcomed me to life with you
And still sometimes I act like I haven't got a clue
Always and forever in your loving arms I remain
Even when I bind myself with all variety of shackles and chains
Use my hands to pour forth your mercy and healing
Grant me a joy and a glow that is all too appealing
Let my hands and feet be extensions of your own
In everything I say and do let your love and light be shown
Bless my hands and let them bless
Move my feet and help me to move
Make wise my mind and let me share wisdom
Fill my heart with love and let me live with all my heart
Grant my soul peace and let me grant peace to all souls
Let your Spirit settle upon me and may I be at rest in your Spirit
Put your word on my lips and let my lips proclaim your word
Set a song in my veins and may I be an instrument for your Glory
You hold me in the palm of your hand, allow me to do the same for others
Father I desire to give my whole life to your hands
Into your hands I commend my spirit

I wish they understood how I see the world
I wish I understood how the world sees me
I wish they knew how hard it is sometimes to smile
I wish I knew why I smile no matter how hard it sometimes is
I wish they could feel the joy and peace so real
I wish I could feel ever full of passion and zeal
I wish they heard the cries of the poor and unspoken
I wish I could give the voiceless and unspoken a way to be heard
I wish they wanted to provide and care for the least
I wish I could provide and care so the least feel wanted
I wish I could do for for the world what I can do for one person
I with the world could do for one person what one person wants to do for it

We bleed the same, we breathe the same, we hurt the same, we hope the same
Some seem to try their hardest to tear this world apart
I try to show love, give love, live love, be love and bring the world together
Some choose to see what divides us
I choose to see what unites us
Some would see the world on fire
I would see our hearts on fire
Some would seek to change another
I would seek to understand my brother
Some might say all hope is lost
I might say we are lost and search for where hope is found
Some might feel only rage and hate
But I feel that peace and love will dominate
Some might believe that I'm a dreamer or a fool
But I believe that hope and dreams will never be uncool
Some might wonder and ask why should I care?
I wonder how they don't see it everywhere

Shine the light of Christ for all to see
Living in love and peace and charity
Spread the good news to every people and land
See the good and the work of human hands
What God can do with and through an open heart
Broken can be made whole ad changes can truly start
Though your heart may be as hard as stone
I pray you remember you are never alone
For we are all children with one Dad
We have a safe haven when things get scary or bad

I come before you now and I lay down at your feet
I come before you now with the weight of this day
I come before you now in Humble praise and joyful Adoration
I come before you now to show honor and thanksgiving

I praise you for your goodness and for another day of living
I praise you for your love and mercy brand new every sunrise
I praise you for your grace and peace that stills my restless soul
I praise you for the gifts you give and blessings from my life's role

I sit at your feet and listen to all you have to say
You walk by my side and give me the spirit to illuminate my way
I sit at the table and take in the great feast and try to go out and to share with the least

I lay down my burdens my stresses my troubles and tears
You raise me up with strength and peace give me rest and quiet my fears
I lay my heart before you bruised, broken and unclean
You lift my eyes towards Heaven and to yourself bruised and broken so I could be redeemed

I fight surrender even though surrendering is the only way to win the fight
I don't let go of the chains that bind me
When you don't let me go and I cling to the one who sets me free
I don't trust you enough to completely be open
But you can be trusted completely, trust me, I know

With all of my faults I try to run away and hide
But you love me the same and run to me to bring me by your side
How great this love that I don't deserve
It's painfully obvious how much you love us if we stop to observe!

Lord, how good it is that we are here! How wonderful that we should have the chance to glimpse your power and majesty. Here we are at the summit on the mountain of God. Our souls soar free with the eagles so high above the earth. We are awestruck and fall to our knees so afraid and unworthy. Softly, you call us and bring us back to our feet. Whenever we see you up here, we can't help but be transformed by the encounter; by our mountaintop experience. How good it is that we are here Lord! We want to stay up here with you forever right now. You know that we can't, at least not right now. Soon enough, we have to come down from the heights. Sometimes you lead us to the depths to test us. Do we trust you? Will we turn to you? Do we find our anchor, hope, and strength in you? Sometimes you call us to go into the world and share with our neighbor what we have gained. We are called to show them love; show them your love and to testify to our transformation.

Lord, help us to remember that you are God of the Hills and Valleys, good times and bad, sickness and health. You are the Lord of Life. You are the Lord of our lives. We love you Lord. Help us please to remember that you are in control and that you have plans to prosper and help us. Help us remember how much you love us; both now and forever. How good it is that we are here Lord!

AMEN!

Lord, I’m longing to be in the light of your glory
I’m yearning to kneel at the foot of your throne
I hunger and thirst for your presence oh Lord
My soul longs for you, my spirit thirsts for you Oh Lord My God
How I wish I could spend just one day with you
To walk hand in hand down the heavenly streets
Just the two of us how beautiful and wonderful it would be
There is no greater feeling than the feeling I get when we are in sync
I can almost hear the trumpets blaring and joy fills the air
The feeling I get when you and I dance
Nothing compares Lord. Nothing comes close.
You are an oasis when I’m lost in the desert place,
You are a ray of light on a cloudy day.
Yours is the love of a father for his child
Yours are the hands that are rough and calloused with work yet soft, strong and gentle
Yours are the eyes that have taken in so much joy, so much suffering and everything in between
And still they are full of love, full of life and. They are kind eyes
Yours are the feet traveling many miles to find the lost again
Yours are the arms stretching out to hold the world close to you
Yours the heart with room enough for all and endless love
Yours is the way: the journey we take, the path we walk, the direction we try to follow
Yours is the truth: this is what we seek. We want to know truth, to know you. The truth that sets men free
Yours is the life: trying to imitate how you lived, loved. And the eternal life of a soul that rests in God.
You are peace when this world is at war
You are love when there seems nothing but hate
You are life for my soul like the air that I breathe
You are strength when I am at my weakest
You are good when my life is anything but
You are hope in times of great despair
You are light to drive away the darkness
You are true in the midst of many lies
You are perfect in my perfect imperfections
You are my God and I Am YOURS!

The knowledge of God is like a mustard seed: tiny at first, yet it grows so tall
It takes time and love, faith and joy above all.
Spiritual growth is a journey; dangerous yet rewarding.
Each time we step, we grow a bit. Someday, on eagles’ wings, we’ll be soaring.
But we can’t do it alone. We need the one up above
And no matter what we do, he is looking down in love.
Walking with us in the good times and carrying us in the bad,
I look to the Lord as my brother, friend, and dad.
If we have the smallest bit of faith and find good water, soil, and light
We can take root and one day be a shelter for many in flight
With tenderness and care with patience and with peace
For one so small there is so much potential for growth and increase
See what God can do with so little and make it so grand
It’s astounding to image for you and me what God has planned

We live in a world where bad things and evil walk among the good and just
Sometimes the weeds and thorns choke out the good wheat
Other times, they grow together, wrap and intertwine and to pull out the **** is to **** the wheat
Jesus, you speak in parables to try and make the message more relateable, more easily grasped.
You also warn and remind us to repent and to be careful that we are not caught up in the temptations and wiles of this earthly life. Help us Lord to be open to your voice, to hear your word, and inter the message in our hearts and in our lives. May our eyes, ears, heart and mind be open and receptive soil to see, hear, love, and understand your love and truth. You are the Way to the Father, the Spirit of Truth and Light, and the giver of Eternal Life. Grant, we beseech you, faith and understanding the size of a mustard seed that we may grow in wisdom and stature before God and man and be a refuge for all those in need. We ask this and all things in your Most Holy Name, Jesus. AMEN

Thank you Lord for the gift of your love, and beauty, your power and your humility especially in the blessed sacrament of the most Holy Eucharist. It is here that you hide both in plain sight and reveal your divinity and humanity in a most profound and personal way. It is here that you meet us and here that you greet us as we fall on our knees to pray. You give us the sun to welcome us at dawn and send angels to guard at the end of the day. There is always something new and timely every time I am before you in this place. And every time I come away with a brand new look at your face. I look forward to the times we have together with such anticipation and afterwards am filled with jubilation! Help me cling to you, help me sing to you. In troubled seasons help me hold fast, and in stressful moments help me to relax. In sadness I ask for peace and the strength to rejoice, when I have a difficult decision help me to discern and make a good choice. We pray to you, we bring all we are to you. Our joys, sorrows, longings, praises and petitions. Give us eyes to see you, ears to hear you, a mind to seek you and a heart to love you. Help us also to see, hear, seek, and love others as you do for all of them and for each of us.

We ask this and all things in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Amen!

How do I love you? In word, in deed, in thought, in speech? How do I say I love you when the depth and height of Your Love can never be reached?  I say I love you, but sometimes my actions don't match. If I want to truly love and follow you, there is a catch. I must crucify my sin to the Cross of Christ and rise with Him to new abundant life! My Jesus, how much you love me! You took the wages of sin (death) and paid in full so I could live. I can't repay the gift you give, but I can show my gratitude in the way that I live. God, I want to fall in love with you more each day. Make my heart beat for you alone. How do I love you? I love you by loving all I encounter and loving myself, by treating all with dignity and respect Help me see through your eyes of love. Your love is a fire in my heart, a song on my lips and the light in my eyes. I know that you love me, but I ask for the grace to understand ever more deeply and ever more powerfully your endless love for me! How DO you love me Lord? How you DO love me!

I love you Lord I must confess
That so sinning still you bless
The grace you freely give
Your death so I could live
I don't deserve such love and care
But even when I push you away, still you are there
I want to love you like I say I do
Like I know I do
But in my humanity i struggle against the truth
I love the light but the dark is comforting or at least more familiar
Even the night is as bright as the day
There is nothing that you can't see
You also see deep into my heart and you know what lies there
There is a burning fire hot and alive with love for you and all of your creation
I would love to be set ablaze so I could start a fire the whole world over
Even now with darkness in and around my heart you have given me a joy, a love, and a faith that burns bright and hot and steady and touches other people and I am so grateful
Continue to be with me Lord this day and every hour of every day for the rest of my life
Never let me go Lord
Hold me to you and wrap me in your embrace
Let your will be done in me that I could be like a lighthouse for someone who is lost in the darkness
Keep your promise always Lord
Thank you for keeping your promises!
Amen.

Mary, Queen of the Angels

Blessed Mary, Queen of the Angels
Guard us while we pray and keep us safe from harm
Holy Mary, Lady of the Blessed Sacrament
Intercede and let your graces flow through us
Hail Mary, full of grace and peace and light
Shelter us in our storms and guide us through our darkest night
Immaculate Mary, pure of heart and free from sin
Change our hearts and our lives from deep within
Merciful Mary, you showed us the way to your son Jesus
You bore the one who frees us
Sorrowful Mary, your heart was pierced and still you clung to hope
Comfort and hold us when we lose our hope
Mary, Queen of the new Evangelization stand with us
Give us the courage to stand in our faith or fall on Jesus and say "Yes"
Mary our Mother, of gentleness and Love
Help us reach out to all and fix our eyes on things above
Mary most high and queen of the heavenly host
Help us join in adoration the one we love the most

We ask your intercession that you bring this offering of Prayer and Praise to the feet of your son. We pray this and all things in your son Jesus' name. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

I Will Provide

When you're lost and alone and all on your own
I will provide
When it looks like too much and you feel out of touch
I will provide
When it's cold and dark and you've missed the mark
I will provide
When you're blind and can't see just reach out to me
I will provide
If the walls close in and you're stretched too thin
I will provide
If the words won't come and you can't find the sun
I will provide

You are Light, You are Truth, You are perfect and good. So here I come. Here I stand. Humble and broken. I fall down with my face to the ground. You lift me up, take me in, and wrap me in your arms of Amazing Grace. I cry to you, I crawl to you, I fly to you, Jesus help me give my all to you. Who am I that you should know and love me; one so small and weak. If I will be still and listen I hear you speak Body and blood, broken and shared, poured out and spilled: surround me. God of creation use me, work, move and live in and through me. There is love, there is beauty, there is love in the sacrifice, and while unworthy, you gave your life, deemed us worth the price: all so we could live in love and communion with you for all ages. We will dance and sing and shout for joy. The old will pass away and we will be made new. One day, all will be made clear, but sometimes I'd like a little clarity down here! Mary, our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, lead us to your son our Lord. Hail, full of Grace! The Lord is with you! Hear and intercede for us that through you, we may obtain some of this Grace for ourselves. Holy Spirit, bond of friendship and of love, let us be open. Rain down your love and truth upon my life. I hunger.

Prayer for Peace

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on us. Forgive and heal us, especially in the Holy Week leading up to Easter. We have fallen so far and turned away from you. There is so much death and suffering and sorrow. You know this pain intimately. We need you Lord more than we realize or care to admit. In your perfect love for us you gave us free choice and we need to accept the consequences for our choices good and bad. There are so many innocent and faithful who are suffering as a result. Take pity on them Lord and have mercy on us all. Lord let all be done according to your will not mine, but I would ask that through the intercession of your mother, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, through your Most Sacred Heart, the heart of the father Joseph, God the Father and by the power of the Holy Spirit, you would show this world a sign of your love. I pray that as the sun rises on Easter morning in the fulfillment of the hope of the Resurrection and new life that we would have hope and peace. Send your Holy Spirit to fill our hearts and flood our lives and move us to act with compassion and understanding toward all of our brothers and sisters in Christ and every one we come in contact with. Be with us always Lord help us to love one another and you as you first loved us.

I ask this and all things with confidence to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and through the intercession of Mary our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament and Joseph her most chaste spouse.

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. AMEN

You are the source, the spring, the living well
You are the summit, fulfillment,
Your breath is life itself.
Mercy and grace flow; as water and blood from your side.
You are my source of pure joy.
Perfect peace and rest I find 'neath your shadow.
My rock, my stronghold, my fortress;
You are my strength and my help.
Everything I am, everything I have, you gave me.
I am nothing without you, you make me what I am.
I am beloved, cherished, treasured,
I am worthy, I am loved, I am yours!
You are my joy, the fire in my soul, the light in my eyes.
Kindle the fire, let me never lose my joy!

Amen

Jesus, I trust in you! Jesus, I trust in your Divine Providence. Allow me to be open enough to allow you to work and move in and through me.

Jesus, I trust in you! Jesus, I trust in your Divine Will in my life. Help me to follow and walk with you especially when I cannot feel you near or see the path before me.

Jesus, I trust in you! Jesus, I trust in your Divine Joy. Guard me to remain ever joyful and kindle in me to look at life with childlike faith and joy.

Jesus, I trust in you! Jesus, I trust in your Divine Peace. In a world with chaos and commotion at every side, remind me of the peace I find when I focus on you.

Jesus, I trust in you! Jesus, I trust in your Divine Mercy and Grace. I don't deserve it and can't earn it, but you give it anyway. Help me thank you by doing the same for others.

Jesus, I trust in you! Jesus, I love you! Jesus, I adore you! I need not fear because Jesus you are FOR me.

Jesus, I trust in YOU!

AMEN

Circular Baseball
With family 'round
Spring and school starting
Playing soccer
Baseball Diamond
Play Ball!

March is Saint Patrick’s Day and Green
March is still cold outside
March is trees
March is before April
March is springtime and tornadoes
March is in like a lion out like a lamb
And in like a lamb and out like a lion
March is rain and rainbows and sunshine
March is flowers
March is Black Women History Month
This is March

There's something bigger, there's something more
There's something greater than there ever was before
A difference so subtle I almost paid it no mind
Hard to put my finger on and harder still to define
Life goes on and time inexorably passes
It seems the same, but now and then there are flashes;
Glimpses of what was, what is, and what could be
There, I observe, I am alive and well and free
What I would need to change to make this future a reality!
I could never get there on my own; the gap is just too wide
I need someone to build a bridge to cross the great divide.
There is one who has the tools to do the task
But I need to take initiative and ask.
I like what I see, but do I really want to do this?
All the comforts and control of the vices, I would miss.
How could I live without them around?
It would be uncomfortable not to have them weighing me down.
I think this now, but there I saw real joy and peace
And if this could happen, I'd love that sweet release.
I could sing with all my heart, I could dance with every part
I could cross the great sea with the wind filling my sails
And anchored steady and secure in the storms and the gales.
I could fill the sky with words of love, with thanks and praise unceasing
Writing poetry and prayers, across the world reaching
If this is what could be, what reason do I have to resist
Open my hand, put it in yours and walk with you instead of making a fist
Lead me to this future and help me follow you
Help me if I stumble and guide me straight and true!

The First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden

Shortly before his death, Jesus goes to the garden to pray for grace and strength. He tells his disciples "Watch and Pray" Jesus enters into prayer so deeply that his sweat is as drops of blood mixing on the ground with his tears. Even in the great darknss and desolation, he finds strength to say: "Let this cup pass before me. But not my will, but as you will it Father."

Jesus tells us as he told his disciples "Watch and Pray". It sounds like a pretty simple task, but it's hard. In the midst of the darkness and despair, Jesus found strength and grace in prayer to his Father. In our darkest times, we can also call on our Father in heaven to sustain us. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane was as the Garden of Eden after the sin of Adam and Eve. Blood was used to cover sin and wash it away. The blood, sweat and tears in the garden are a reminder of our fallen state as well as an example of the Eucharist with blood and water.

We Pray: Jesus, help us to remember that whatever we go through in life, even and especially in our darkest times, remind us of the strength and grace we receive from our Heavenly Father. Help us also remember of your great love for us in your suffering and agony. Even when we fail, when we sin, when we turn away, you are with us. You love us, you forgive us, you run out to us and take us back. You counted up the cost and we are worth it. It cost everything and you paid the price so we wouldn't have to. Nothing we could ever do could amount to what you gave The best I can do is offer my life for you and my neighbor and try to die to myself daily. I am truly and eternally grateful, for by your amazing grace, I have the opportunity to be with you for all eternity. Thank you Jesus!