May our prayers be as incense rising up
Our joys and sufferings, our longings, be a sweet perfume unto you
We bow our heads, we bend our knees
We lift our hearts and we begin to find peace.
We lift our voices and our hands
Sing together across seas and land.
Lifted up as we fall down
We, the nail in your hands, a thorn on the crown.

You are loved more dearly than you'll ever know.
Hold my hand, follow me into the light, we'll take it slow.
You're walking on the water while the waves and wind rage on
But fear not, I'll never let you go.
I have heard your cries, I have heard your prayers.
Though you forsake me, I will never forsake you.
I hold you in my hand, I hold the sun in place,
I know you, I love you, I give you my life:
Will you do the same for me?
Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, welcome the sinner and the saint.
Welcome the poor into your home and into your heart.

You do the same for me;
You make me all I am.
You raise me up to more than I can be on my own.
You fill my soul with your song,
You sing your love over my life and I'm amazed.
I'm aware of your presence, but sometimes I can't see
The greatness of your master plan and why it has to be.
But I trust you, Lord help me to believe.

Some day I'll understand the wisdom of your plan
When all will be revealed and all will be made new
When I'm finally home where I can be with you.

But until that time Lord, be with me today.
Free me from these chains that bind, be here with me always.

Amen

What was it like that very first Christmas? Cold, dark, ***** and smelly, but through all of that, the shining light, the fire of the Holy Spirit and the one who would reach through our dirtiness and smelliness to cleanse the world was born. There was peace, there was joy, there was love and most of all there was hope. Shepherds came from the fields nearby who, upon seeing the star and hearing the heaven's proclaim the good news of great joy, came swiftly to pay homage to the baby king. Born so low so to connect with us and our humanity and in order that he might one day be raised so as to raise us up to more than we can be. The journey to Bethlehem was long and hard. Did you know, did you have any idea what was going to happen to your baby boy? All that he was to do and all that he had to suffer? All of this happened so quickly. There wasn't any time to process any of it. Thinking about t, I am so overwhelmed and I didn't even go through it. But you, a young simple girl, kept all these things and silently reflected on the in your heart. How often do we hear news of something good or bad and simply react without thinking? Or how many of us take the time after a retreat, after being on the mountaintop with God, take the time to keep all these wonderful powerful moments and reflect on them in order to bring them with us back to the valley of our everyday lives? How many of us take the time to reflect on what we learned and try to apply that to our lives and help us to mature and grow as your son did at the home in Nazareth in stature and favor with both God and man? Mary, mother of God, help us to imitate your example and pause for a few moments to take in all that is around us and reflect on these things in our hearts and in our lives. Be with us, pray for us, and hold us in your arms and close to you always. We love you Mary. Thank you for your "Yes" and your incredible faith. May we have the grace and strength and courage to do the same. We ask this and all things through Christ our Lord, AMEN.

A new year is upon us, another time around the sun
A year full of faith and fellowship and fun
A year of family and friends and joy and dreams
Laughter and tears, hopes and fears.
Every year there is a cause for hope for things to come and things to change
Some things we do differently, but most just stay the same.
This year is  a year of Hope! A year to believe in miracles and dreams
A time to walk by faith and not by sight; to quest for the unseen.
It is a year of big things happening, changes great and small
The year may not reveal all the answers, but leads us all to hope.
Hope for families, hope for peace, hope for jobs, for freedom and release
If we come together in love and unity
We can make this world a little better and a little brighter than when it first arrived
Come to the water, let it wash over you and take the dive.
The spirit is moving swiftly and roaring like a lion
Stirring our hearts and starting fires in our souls
Breathing the spark of life back into these flickering coals.
Dry bones will come alive and the earth itself shall cry out
And God's people will have no doubt:
He is Risen, He is Alive, we have been set free
And that knowledge alone is Hope enough for me!

Amen!

Trumpets will play at the sound of your name
All of creation will echo the same
Angels will sing out the praise of the king
Victor over sin and death; let freedom ring!
Shining star, Lord of Lords and Prince of Peace,
We come to you now. Let hope arise and faith increase.
Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God of Hosts,
Sharing in perfect communion: Father Son and Holy Ghost.

Hail Mary our Mother, how great was your "Yes"
Through your faith, and we are blessed.
Comfort and protect us oh Mother of ours
Be near us and save us. Before you, evil cowers.

Oh Joseph most Holy, be with us this day;
In our obedience and adherence to do as Jesus says.
May our hands and our feet be gentle yet strong,
Guide us and teach us as we walk along!

AMEN!

When we hear Jesus say "I give you this day" that's Amore
When I'm having a blast Jesus says "Not so fast" that's Amore
When I just want a drink Jesus says "Stop and think!" that's Amore
When I look up above and trust in Your love (that's Amore) X3

There is a place where mercy flows
A place where an eternal garden grows
There is a land of love and truth
Where the lame walk and the old become as youth

You are the River of Life
A stream that flows down from on high
Washed by the love that comes from above
Eternal spring from the father

Come dance in the meadows
Come sing to the wind
Come shout from the mountains
And laugh joyously

Come to the place of forgiveness and grace
Come to the place of healing and rest
Come feel the warmth of a tender embrace
Come to be healed and come to be blessed

You are the River of Life
A stream that flows down from on high
Washed by the love that comes from above
Eternal spring from the father

L is for the way He looks at me

O is for overdoing it by myself you see

V is very, very changed maybe

E is trusting Him with everything and God's Got This

LOVE for you and me

I am a pencil in the hand of a writing God
I am the paint with which he colors the world
I am the voice he uses to sing his song
Praise and thanksgiving in daily living
Prayer to the God of this whole universe
He is the author creator healer
The spirit is moving can you feel her?
Composing a beautiful melody
When we come together it's plain to see
The one who created the heavens and earth
Gave up his life to show us our worth
The same one who made the mountains and seas
Lives in the hearts of you and me
He loves us so much calls us each by name
God first loved us so we might do the same
Build up the Kingdom of God and let his will be done
We are all his adopted children let your lives shine like the sun

It's been a long day; I'm stressed and worn
A little frayed around the edges but not quite torn
Someone makes a comment, I hear some bad news too
And my world, perpetually sunny, sees a touch of blue

It's not the end of the world, it's not really a big deal,
It doesn't usually bother me, but that's not what I feel
This will not stay for long, this feeling soon will pass
To dissolve and to disperse on the wind like gas

The light will give these clouds a chase
The negative feelings are soon replaced
Peace, love, and joy will once more embrace
And a smile sweeps widely across my face

As I remember
My great Defender

He is stronger and bigger than my problems big and small
I recline at table in the great feast hall
I come running and He holds me close to His chest
Sometimes I cry and stay there a while I confess

The sun is beautiful and it hardly ever rains,
But peace and healing are found after the pain
And this I also know:
A little rain makes the flowers grow

So here I stand in the sun once again
I give thanks to God and then say: AMEN!

Love one another clothed now in Christ
Morning draws near to cast out the night
Things done in secret no longer can hide
Thorns in his brow and spear in his side
Love beyond measure, peace like a flood
Washed white as snow by his precious blood

Love your neighbor as yourself showing kindness to all
Work together in unity lest we may fall
Wrap yourself with truth and justice put on peace and grace
With wisdom and understanding we might know and see his face
The Word is our sword and faith is our shield
On our knees we steel ourselves on the holy battlefield

Clothed now in Christ we look to the sky
And together, with one voice, we cry
Lord, banish the darkness and show us the way
The sun is rising bringing forth a new day
The war is over Jesus has won
But here once again the battle’s just begun

Whatever you do, do it in the name of love
Whatever you do, do it in the name of peace
Why doesn't the war and violence and anger cease?
We build walls, we build bombs, we prepare for war and bloodshed
We isolate ourselves from others
We elevate ourselves and push others down
Forcing thoughts, beliefs, and ideas aggressively, I wonder why it doesn't work

Maybe there's another, better way to get people to listen
Maybe it has to start with me
I don't agree with everyone about everything; that's fine
But do I even try to UNDERSTAND?

Whatever I do, I do it in the name of love
Whatever I do, I do it in the name of peace
Whatever I do, I do to help the lowest and the least
Wherever I go, I tear down walls and build up bridges
Wherever I go, I try to pull others up and help the lost get found

I try to look beyond our differences to what makes us the same
A string that links us one to another
Though many hearts we are all one family
Our similarity makes us united
Our differences are part of what makes us great

Whatever we do, we do it in the name of love
Whatever we do, we do it in the name of peace

What if I were president? What party, what values would I hold?
If I were president would I be humble, honest, and bold?
When I talk about greater justice for immigrants, I'm a Democrat.
When I speak out against abortion, I'm a Republican.
When I talk about racism and racial inequality, I'm a Democrat.
When I mention small, localized government, I'm a Republican.
When I support the common good and solidarity, I'm a Democrat
When I say the family should be strengthened, I'm a Republican.
When I speak up against the death penalty, I'm a Democrat.
When I refuse to fund contraception, I'm a Republican.
So, where does this leave me? You have to pick right?
Well in some ways I'm both, and in some ways neither.
You see, if I pick Democrat I'm going against my Republican values
And the same is true of my Democrat values if i decide Republican.

If I were the president I'd work for peace, love, truth, understanding
I would work to build bridges between the peoples and the nations
Walls and fences do not, the best neighbors, make.
I won't convince you with anything I say, but if I do my best to live and
To reflect love, to give hope, to find joy maybe you'll want it too
To lift up the lowly, help others help themselves, to forgive and to love
That's some of what I hope to do.

In truth, I'm a member of an institution that teaches that freedom is when a person no longer acts under the influence of someone else. An institution that encourages free will and free thought. An institution that doesn't fit inside a man-made box.

This is being true to myself, this is who I am.

I'm Catholic

In the arms of the angels you will be safe and warm
In the arms of the angels there is shelter from the storm
In the arms of the angels you will fly far away from here
In the arms of the angels there will be nothing to fear
In the arms of the angels you will dance across the stars
And find a place of healing and rest and no more nasty scars

Help me Lord to see your face
When I am in the desert place

I am safe and warm
I find shelter from the storm

I know I'm alive and free
Because you are with me

So in life or death I know
There is a place I can go:

Down on my knees
There is a longing, a strength and peace

Your love is the anchor to which I hold
When the sea of life is stormy and the wind blows rough and cold

You are my fortress, and my rock, my refuge, my strong tower
You are with me always, now and in my final hour

You are a lighthouse beacon to light my way and guide me home
It reaches me wherever I hide, wherever I roam

(Jesus) You Are


You are a light in the darkness and hope in despair

You are a friend when it seems no one else cares

You lift me up when I am down, you are strong when I am weak

When I am scared and alone it is you that I seek

It is you that I run to or sometimes just crawl

When it's too much to bear and I can't carry it all

You take it away or give me grace and strength to endure

Nothing will happen today that you and I can't handle together I am assured

I trust you Lord, but I often doubt

Sometimes I wish you wouldn't whisper, you'd shout

My faith, like young legs, are eager but unsteady

You tell me to take a leap of faith and fly, but I'm not sure I'm ready

You are the wind beneath my wings

You lift me up so I can soar

In you I experience what true joy and peace brings

I live like the mountains grounded yet reaching

Like the mighty trees who drop roots to drink deep of life giving springs

Help me thirst mightily for your teachings and the water of life

You are my healer when I'm injured, a sword to help me fight

You go before me as a shield you're angels guard me through the night

Sometimes I can't understand the wisdom of your plan

I am small and I am only one and I don't know that I can

The future is uncertain and I don't know what's in store

But Jesus be my shepherd and I'll want for nothing more

AMEN

I pray for the world that we would be instruments of love and peace. That we would cultivate forgiveness and equality and strive to understand each other better so that we would be made more tolerant and less angry and afraid.

I pray for the nations of the world and their leaders that they have respect for you and for the many they lead. May they lead with wisdom, understanding, compassion and justice. I pray also that they lead with integrity and honesty.

I pray for our cities, towns, and communities that we would be good stewards of the gifts we have each been given to reach out and help those around us. Help us be generous and honest. Help us be leaders and role models for our children, grandchildren and all the youth who will one day do the same.

I pray for our families and friends, and for those who are hurting. I pray that you would be with them and heal them or give them the strength and courage necessary. Keep our families and friends close to you and may you be at the center of their relationships so that peace, love, and joy would prosper and their lives would flourish.

I pray for those who serve us and by whose service keep us safe and well. I pray for their safety Lord. Send your angels to guard and protect them and help us support and thank them however we can. Let their hands and feet and all they do be extensions of you. Bless them Lord, bless the little ones, the least ones and the last ones.

I pray for us Lord. Help us remain faithful and fixed on you. Don't give up on us: for we are broken, but we are also so strong. Be with us Lord and help us to live by your example and let us be a light for all to see.

Bless us all Lord that we may care for each other and in doing so, care also for you.


Amen

Jesus come to us; we are gathered here this day
We are listening, let us hear what you would say
Quicken our hearts Lord and let your spirit rain down
As praises and singing and dancing fill our cities and towns

Jesus be with us; while we pray as one tonight
Fill us with peace and wisdom, fill us with your light
By the cross and by your grace you have set us free
Take the blindness from our eyes so we can finally see

Jesus consume us; move and have your will
Flood our veins and our souls; ever moving, never still
Saturate the very air until all we breathe is you
Change us from within until we are made new

Amen

Devil just can't get a hold of me
'Cause God's life and death has set me free
Devil just can't keep me down
'Cause not even death could keep Jesus in the ground
Devil won't take my eyes
'Cause Jesus has power over the prince of lies
Devil don't own my heart
'Cause God made me his right from the start
Devil can't bind my hands
'Cause God has my life under his commands
Devil won't hold my feet
'Cause Jesus stood strong when taking heat
Devil won't steal my soul
'Cause Jesus is he who fills the hole
Devil can't steal my strength
'Cause Jesus is my rock, refuge, and with him I'll go great lengths
Devil don't bind my chest
'Cause when I'm at my weakest, God's at his best
Devil just can't hold me back
'Cause God will protect me from attack
Devil can't control my *****
'Cause God satisfies  fully when, to his, our hearts we join

Blazing hot with the Holy Spirit
The devil runs for fear of it
To God I give my entire being
His power sends the devil fleeing
When Jesus is present on my mind
I can leave the devil far behind
In Christ's eternal perfect love
Devil says: "Aye, there's the rub"
In faith and trust I hold to hope
Feet are firm against the devil's steep *****
In God I take great joy and delight
That the devil can't hope to steal my light
Jesus is my source of peace
Devil won't win but he doesn't cease
To God I sing hymns of praise
To fend off the devil's cold embrace
To serve the Lord is a great honor
My life was saved by a blood donor
To God be power and wonder and glory
Spoiler: The devil loses at the end of the story!
Jesus is the lover of my soul
Devil just don't have any control

"Where I Belong"

Sometimes you lead me in green meadows and quiet gentle streams
Sometimes you take me into the desert for a while
I will go where you walk before me, where you lead I will follow.

Some days I feel at peace with my life
Other days I feel lost and all alone
And I'm reminded that this is not my home.

I know one day I'll find a place where I belong
I'll be home at long last, I'll be happy and free
All the people living in perfect harmony.

While I'm here Lord living for the moment
Guide me use me show me where I belong
Doing my best to serve you by serving my neighbor.

Help me with the faith to trust in your perfect plan
To believe that all is well when I just don't understand.

When I am lost and wandering you bring me back home
When I crawl back to you humble and broken
You run out to me and hug me and kiss me

And you take me back:
Back where I belong

My soul is restless until it rests in you
And that's where I belong

And one day I'll leave this space to be called home
Back to the place where I belong

Wild weary wanderer come to me rest your heavy head
Tired hungry travelers all come to the table and be fed
When the burden is too heavy and the load too much to bear
Stay with me and know just how much I care

Come give me your doubts and worries and fears
Be assured I will answer and that I am all ears
Listen now, be still and hear the whisper faintest voice
Earnestly I seek you I call your response is a choice

Come Saint come sinner come young and old
The ends of the earth and the four winds are the flock of my fold
Come together in love and unity
Strive for greater peace and harmony

Out of the many we find a place all as one
Together turning from darkness and learning to face the sun
In a beautiful family so many strong
All find a place they can belong

There is a peace and love far beyond compare
To which, when exposed, you cannot help but share
Caught up in the world there is never enough time to do
Because it was not for the purpose of doing that I created you!

I created you for love, with love, in love from the dawn of creation
You see, I created you to be: be with others and with me in right relation

You are my children and I love you more than you can conceive
Enter into the song, join in the feast, receive and come to believe
Sense the love coursing alive and warm through your veins
In the final analysis love has won; only love remains.

You who are lost, you who have found
You who are seeking find your feet on sacred solid ground
Here there is a place of truth and light
Light a blazing beacon in the blackest night
Here is a place of refreshment and rest
Here I take you in my arms and hold you close to my chest

I have written my name upon your heart burned my word into your mind
In the Father Son and Holy Spirit you have been SIGNED

Just relax and try to let go of the ill you feel
Let me in and slowly begin to heal

I have set my SEAL upon your heart I have marked you as my own
From now on you will never be alone

I died to conquer sin and death and so DELIVER
Life in abundance and healing river

So SIGNED SEALED and DELIVERED now I SEND
Send you out to be fishers of men

You are mine and I AM YOURS
Always and forever from present day to eternity's shores

You are an angel sent from heaven to us
You are a gift for which we are grateful and by which we're blessed
There is a purpose a plan a place just for you
The world had a need and from the beginning God knew
The perfect time the perfect family to raise you as their own
To look back ta amazing to see how much you've grown
From the little baby girl to the young woman you are today
For all the missions throughout time and for you I dare to pray
That you would know God's providence and provision
The Lord provided us with you and now to the world given
By your love and your light to you they shall be drawn
Hold them close and take them in let them hear your heartsong
You are a gift from heaven sent down upon the earth
To show every man woman and child what a human life is worth
For this and many other reasons I think of you at night
And ask the Lord to hold you close and keep you always in his sight.

Here I am take my hand lead me along the way
I will hold you, I will catch you, by your side I'm gonna stay
Reach out in the darkness feel safe with my stronghold
When you run away or go astray I'll carry you back to the fold
Put your hand in my hand feel the nail scars there
Hold my hand and understand just how much I care
They can show mercy forgiveness compassion and peace
Create or destroy cause distress or bring relief
Take my hand and hold it tight
When you are weary take my hand don't give up the fight
The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few
Why won't someone lend a hand? I gave this world you!
Take some time to help out and lend a hand
Set a good example among your fellow man
Reach out and enter in to touch the heart of love
A shower of goodness and blessing rains from above
Take my hand do not fear I have already won
Walk with me and you'll see all that love has done

Prayer For Called and Gifted

Jesus you are the savior of the world author of salvation and creator of the universe and all good things. We are so small and frail and yet in your goodness you saw it fit to give us so much and to raise us up to more than we can be. You bestowed on your people different, beautiful gifts and call us to use them for others and for you. You have called us each by name and given us unique gifts, each with an integral part to play. You have given us a purpose and a reason. You have given us a passion for life. We are called to be beacons of hope, bearers of light. As wheat only produces fruit once it dies, may we also die to the things that hold us back from experiencing the fullness of your love for us. Help us Lord to be good stewards of the gifts you give so abundantly and so freely that we would be diligent, responsible, and humble as we try to live your love out in the world. You said to your apostles: "Go forth and make disciples of all nations; proclaiming the gospel by your lives and baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit". Lord, bless the people in this room; send your Holy Spirit and let it come to rest in our souls. Guide and lead and teach us along the journey of life to use our gifts that you gave us "for the greater glory of God". Just as we pray for ourselves Lord, we also pray for all those in the church and throughout the world that you would help them realize and utilize what they have been given to make this world a little better and to further your kingdom right here and now. May we all be a "blessing for life and a blessing for Christ"! We ask this and all things in your most beautiful and precious name. AMEN.

You Lead Me Still

When the sun is at my front and the wind at my back
When all is calm and lovely and there is nothing that I lack
When we treat each other with love and respect
Everyone is care for and there is no more neglect

You led me then you lead me still
Lord lead me now somehow I know you will
Live in me and give me the grace I need for the mission
Lord warm me conform me open my ears to listen

When the enemy surrounds me and my back's against the wall
I place my trust in you I don't have to fear at all
When the storms are raging and I'm blinded by the spray
I think of you and find the strength to say

You led me then you lead me still
Lord lead me now somehow I know you will
Lord take me remake me help me speak what's true
Lord grow me and show me how to point to you

I'm standing on the front lines in a holy battleground
A war for the heart of man with victims all around
It rages always without end both day and night
In the darkness all I am is a small ray of light

You led me then you lead me still
Lord lead me now somehow I know you will
Lord hold me enfold me keep me safe from harm
Lord send me defend me hold me in your arms

Throughout my life you were always leading me
All of this seems very clear to see
In sun and rain in joy and pain you were always right beside
Your word is a lamp to my feet and on the path you guide

So Lord right now please hear my prayer
You know I am earnest, my soul is laid bare:
You led me then you lead me still
Lord lead me now somehow I know you will

Make my heart beat for you and you alone. I want to spend every moment with you and when I’m not, I want to be thinking of you. Your love is greater than life itself. It’s a miracle that you could fall in love with a fool like me. You know all of my deepest secrets there is nothing I can hide from you my love. To feel you near me is to know peace and rest and when I’m scared, I feel safe when you hold me close to your chest. I’m not perfect and sometimes I fall, but know that I am sincere and earnest when I proclaim that I want to love respect and treat you like you really deserve. I want you to be the only one for me and I want for your happiness more than anything else. Help me to be all that you see in me and help me to see it too. I want to be your friend, your confidant, your other half. I want to be wholly yours. May our two hearts be joined so as to beat as one and share a bond so strong it cannot be undone? I want to wake up each morning with you next to my side and fall deeper in love with you each day. I want to keep learning about you all the time; I want to be able to be surprised years from now. I never want to be bored with loving you. I want to be so comfortable with each other for silence to not be awkward. I want to find a million different ways to show you how much I love you not just tell you I love you. I want to live selfless love and give myself up for you. I want to die to who I was and all of the obstacles that hold me back from giving me to you completely. I also know there is no such thing as perfect and there will be tough times, and I want to learn how to communicate well so that we can make it through together and come out stronger. I vow to stay by your side and help you in every way I can. All of this I want, and I am willing to do whatever it takes together to make this dream a reality forever. I love you.

Sitting in the dark waiting for the light
Tears flowing down you’ve been up all night
Remembering the way you felt all those years ago
Desperate to hold on never letting go
The pain and sadness come flooding back
It paralyses you like a bad heart-attack

The sun was a little brighter and colors were more vivid
Wishing to go back to the life you once liv-ed
The innocence is gone but not all hope is lost
Dream, believe, love and don’t count the cost
They say the first step is the hardest, though I think
It’s easier to walk with someone if you start to sink

A companion for the journey someone to hold you close
Tell you it is okay and be a supporting dose
You will never be all alone you never were before
You will never find happiness and peace if you try to keep score
Let my light go before you and may you find a friend so true
A Guardian Angel to be there always for you

When skies are grey and hope seems far away
See a smile that turns up a sunny day
When heart is heavy and frozen in fear
Love will drive it out let love live here
There is so much more to life than what you see right now
Keep moving forward, we’ll make it through somehow

The sun is on the rise a new day is starting
Joy and hope appear as the clouds are slowly parting
Today is the first day of the rest of your life a new beginning
So dare to take a step out and you’re already winning
I can see clearly now a light in you brighter even than the sun
Take heart my dear for great are things to come!

I ask you to hear me when I speak. Not only to listen, but to understand. My child, you are always so eager and ready to tell me what you want- and this is good; I love to hear from you and I will always listen to you. Sometimes you ask for something and I give it to you. Sometimes I make you wait or I don't give you what you wanted. You become upset or angry at me for not giving you what you want. You want me to speak to you in a loud or clear way. You must understand child that I love you too much to interrupt. I often speak in stillness and quiet. Do you know what I want? I want you to be patient: to listen. I want you to be open. I want you to trust me. I want you to just be present. I want YOU. To hear me speak all I want is for you to be quiet, open, and present in this time and this place, in the Here and Now. That is where I am. I am not a God of the past: as on Easter morning outside the tomb. Mary Magdalene was looking for me in the past, but I wasn't there. I am alive. I am not a God of the future either: do not look for me in your tomorrows. You don't know if that tomorrow will come for you. Tomorrow might be too late. I am a God of the present, a God of life, a Gift given to you each today. Be still and know that I am God. Remember Child, I love you. Just be Present to me and I will present myself to you!

Forever Yours,
God =)

Hail Mary our Mother so gentle and true
For nine months you carried "God with Us" in you
Hail Mary our Mother so quiet and strong
Give us the courage to join you in song
Hail Mary our Mother free from sin and full of grace
Lead us to your son, help us see and recognize His face
Hail Mary our Mother of mercy and sorrow
Pray for us Mary in our todays and tomorrows
Hail Mary our Mother Holy Queen enthroned above
Teach us faith, and wisdom, teach us love
Hail Mary our Mother so tender and mild
Give us the vision to see with the eyes of a child
Hail Mary our Mother shining light, guiding star
Bring back your children wherever they are
Hail Mary our Mother pure and chaste
Quicken our hearts that we would make haste
Hail Mary our Mother look on us with compassion and favor
And one day lead us home to your son our Savior.

Amen

I'm longing to see this Jesus the Christ; the one I hear so much about. I'm very excited to meet the man who walked on water, the one who calmed the sea and the same, some say, who lives in you and me. But there seems to be a locked door of sorts to my heart's house and I miss all that's in store. So to Him I give my work, my joy, and suffering and I pray for the peace that He brings. The crowd parts and I see at long last the face of Christ the King. He smiles brightly and hugs me tightly and says "my beloved Child, I love you more than you could know." "I am staying at your house tonight. We shall rejoice and be glad." and I reply "My Lord and my God! I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof. Some rooms are cluttered with broken glass and things, windows boarded up and dust. But what I have is yours Lord: the good the bad and the fair. Though it hurts, I want my heart to be a place for you to stay"

Lord I want my heart to be a place you want to stay. I want to be able to say "Welcome Home Lord!" and be sincere and proud of this home that is my body this home that is my soul. There are places that are secret to others, things I am ashamed of, ugliness. Help me remember that you love me. You love all of me. You died for all of me not just parts of me. Thank you Jesus for that amazing gift! At Eucharist and Thanksgiving in communion with each other and connected by perfect love, help me to welcome you more fully into the temple of my body and to welcome you into my physical home. Give us the courage and the confidence to say "We Love you Jesus. Welcome Home!"

Just as we welcome you into our homes, Jesus, we are thankful that you continue to take us back and run out to us. Thankful that you are celebrating and welcoming us back home when we ask forgiveness and attempt, by your grace and strength, to avoid the things, to cut out/off the things that cause us to be tempted and to sin.

Amen

Jesus you asked your disciples: who do people say that I am? There were many different answers. You asked your disciples: who do YOU say that I am? Peter replied "You are Jesus the Christ. The savior." A good answer, but then when you talk about your death and what you must suffer and Peter rebuked you for saying such outrageous things, you scolded him for thinking as we humans do, not as God thinks. Then you said that to lose your your life for Christ and the gospel, you would gain eternal life in heaven, but those who love their lives would lose them. That in order to follow you we must deny ourselves and take up our cross. You said what profit is there to gain the whole world but lose our lives? For what can we give in exchange for the value of our lives?

Jesus, who do we say you are? Who are you to us? Forgive us, like Peter, when we get upset with you when bad things happen because we think not as God thinks but as humans think. We don't always see the bigger picture and purpose. When you said "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me" you were saying that we must cast off our old self, old habits and ways. We must carry our burdens (our cross) which create a way to connect to each other and to you. "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it." We must learn how to live selflessly and we must be willing to die to ourselves. If we lose or give up our old life for the sake of replacing it with a life for Jesus and the good news we will have eternal life. You remind us and warn us that the things of this life, their value could never come close to the value of our souls. You remind us not to fall victim to loving the riches of this earthly life more than we ought to love you and being with you forever one day. Finally, you tell us to be unashamed of Christ and the message and to share it with all we meet in a gentle and loving manner. We should not be worried about what others will do or say because it matters not as long as we are doing it with a right heart for you and the gospel. Thank you Lord for being our Savior, help us to die to the old ways that we might truly live with you. Give us the strength and courage to be unashamed of the gospel message and you so that we might bring another heart to you. Amen.

What can we give you that isn't already yours? What can we offer that you don't already possess? You don't ask for slaughtered goats or lambs. You don't need them to survive; they are yours anyway. You don't need us to call attention to outward sacrifice, you would rather our sacrifice be quiet and internal. Sacrifice a little of our time and spend it with you. Sacrifice our desires, our bad habits and make good habits. Sacrifice our selfishness and be a little more selfless. But the most pleasing of all sacrifices to you, you say: is a sacrifice of praise. To give thanks and praise and to glorify your Holy Name. You assure us that if we do this, then when we are in need and call upon your name, you will be there for us.

Lord, so often, as humans we focus on what is on the outside but what matters most to you is what is on the inside. We are often so busy and preoccupied with by the world around us that we forget to stop or slow down and we miss what is most important in our lives. Lord help us sacrifice a little of our time to deepen and strengthen our friendship. Help us Lord to step back and open our eyes to what matters most in our lives: friends, family, and faith and to take time to be grateful for them and really cherish what precious short time we have together.

Open our hearts Lord and fill them with the love you had and gave for the whole world so that we might be less selfish and more selfless. In being more selfless there is less of my self and there is more of you. We were all created in God's image and likeness. God is selfless love. The more we are selfless the closer we are to God and the more clearly we reflect the image and likeness of Christ to the world and those in it. We were created to be selfless, but like Jesus we must take the time to be alone, give thanks and praise for all the blessings we have and to eat, drink and rest that we might have Strength for the Journey.

How awesome is your name throughout the earth and your majesty is far beyond  the wonder of the earth and the heavens far above. It is exalted by all creation, even from the mouths of newborns. You have fashioned praise in defense against evil and chaos and render them powerless. I look to the heavens to marvel at your handiwork. The sun, the moon, the stars that you alone, by a word, have set in place. How is it that one as great and awesome as you would notice us, to care, and love us? But in all our frailty and mortality you have created us to be like you, a little lower than the angels. You gave us glory and honor. You have us power and authority to rule over what you have fashioned. You gave us dominion over the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and the beasts of the field. You have given us all of this. How awesome, how great, is your name Oh Lord My God throughout all the earth!

Lord, we exalt and we praise your name through all the earth. How great how marvelous are the works you have made. You have lifted us up from our smallness and weakness to be like you, to be close to you. You have given us power, authority, and dominion over your creation. Help us to be good stewards to take care of and nurture all of creation and all life. We are too prone to turn our thoughts to the evil one and we don't always protect and respect this gift as we ought. Forgive us Lord, look with love and compassion upon your beloved, and lead us back to yourself once more. Amen.

Up here on the mountain of the Great I Am
The one who reigns he is the same: the lion and the lamb
Up here on the mountain the sun reveals God's glory
With each step and every breath a part of my life's story
Up here on the mountain my spirit is set free
Up here on the mountain my Lord is changing me

Up here upon the mountain you call me: come follow, come walk
Here upon the mountain I listen and try to hear you talk
Silence isn't easy outer words and inner thoughts
Searching to fill a hunger when it's you I should've sought

Up here on the mountain of the Great I Am
The one who reigns he is the same: the lion and the lamb
Up here on the mountain the sun reveals God's glory
With each step and every breath a part of my life's story
Up here on the mountain my spirit is set free
Up here on the mountain my Lord is changing me

Now and then I feel the weight from sin and shame
I say sorry and ask forgiveness and every time the same
But you love me anyway I see you love me still
You loved me then, you love me now, and you always will

Up here on the mountain of the Great I Am
The one who reigns he is the same: the lion and the lamb
Up here on the mountain the sun reveals God's glory
With each step and every breath a part of my life's story
Up here on the mountain my spirit is set free
Up here on the mountain my Lord is changing me

There are days when I feel like I can fly
Other times I just want to break down and cry
I can't stay here forever and sometimes I must go
Out in the world or to the valley far below

Up here on the mountain of the Great I Am
The one who reigns he is the same: the lion and the lamb
Up here on the mountain the sun reveals God's glory
With each step and every breath a part of my life's story
Up here on the mountain my spirit is set free
Up here on the mountain my Lord is changing me

The journey's long, the road is hard and I want to give in
You teach me dependence and faith invaluable lessons

Up here on the mountain of the Great I Am
The one who reigns he is the same: the lion and the lamb
Up here on the mountain the sun reveals God's glory
With each step and every breath a part of my life's story

There in the beauty of a sunset, in a picture perfect day
I catch a little glimpse of You in a more amazing way
Up here on the mountain my spirit is set free
Up here on the mountain my Lord is changing me

A look at life through a child's eyes
Is pure and honest; without disguise
A life of joy and wonder and grace
And here we are: running in place

The miracle of a rainbow, the beauty of a blade of grass
Finding untold treasure where others see only trash
Listen. Here the thrum of wind on golden strings
The bells sounding clear and pure in the trees they sing

A look at life through a child's eyes
Is pure and honest; without disguise
A life of joy and wonder and grace
And here we are: running in place

Feel the complex dance around you come alive as you are filled
With a racing spirit and feet that won't be stilled
A song bursts forth just like the morning sun
And overflows and covers you until you and it are one

A look at life through a child's eyes
Is pure and honest; without disguise
A life of joy and wonder and grace
And here we are: running in place

We lose sight of what's important as we fight to survive
But if we stop to look through a child's eyes we learn to truly thrive

A look at life through a child's eyes
Is pure and honest; without disguise
A life of joy and wonder and grace
But here we are: running in place

A life of joy and wonder greets the sun in morning sky
A life of joy and wonder will run free and learn to fly
A life of joy and wonder finds gladness in the rain
A life of joy and wonder finds healing amidst the pain

A look at life through a child's eyes
Is pure and honest; without disguise
A life of joy and wonder and grace
But here we are running in place

A look at life through a child's eyes
Is pure and honest; without disguise
A child's eyes are bright and strong; they don't dull or dim
You might hear their quiet song if you stop and listen

There is a life of joy and wonder and grace
But here we are running in place
A life of joy and wonder takes patience, love, and care
It takes a long time, many years till we get there

But a life of joy and wonder is a precious thing I'm told...

Because a life of joy and wonder far surpasses the value of gold!

We are called to be the spirit of Nazareth. We are like a city on a hill: defending, protecting our families an communities as well as being and shining the light of Christ for all to see. As Christ is the vine and we are its branches which bear great fruit when rooted firmly in Christ, so too are we called to stand strong and secure in Christ's teachings so that those around us; our wives and children can grow and flourish. The spirit of Nazareth is a call to action. We were made to be courageous, to take a stand, to lead, to love, to light and guide. We are here to follow Christ who came before us and strive to set a good example for those who will one day do the same. We are men and we are the Spirit of Nazareth! AMEN

Father we come to you today in prayer an thanksgiving for the youth of our church and for all the youth around the world. We ask you Oh Lord to sen your Holy Spirit down upon them so that they may receive a holy spark to set their hearts ablaze with love for you, themselves and all your glorious creation! We pray for the youth that they would become today's great leaders, role-models, and guardians. Guide them, keep them safe and close to you Lord as they find themselves in who you are. We also pray for ourselves Lord. Those of us who gather here to lead, guide, teach, nurture. Fill us with a spirit of wisdom and understanding. Help us to be good stewards of the great task before us. Grant us, we pray, the strength, the courage, and commitment as we strive to change the world by changing our lives one heart at a time. With the understanding that you hear and answer our prayers in your way and your time and you know our hearts, we say: let your will be done Lord not ours. We pray this and all things with great confidence in your Most Holy Name Jesus. AMEN.

(Angel Warriors)

Angel Warriors by our side
Be our lamp, our light and guide
Guardian Angels hear our prayer
Keep us in thy loving care

Guardians of light of love and of truth
Unseen warriors fighting for you
Though you can't touch them they are always close by
No need to fear so wipe the tear from your eye

Angel Warriors by our side
Be our lamp, our light and guide
Guardian Angels hear our prayer
Keep us in thy loving care

They guard and protect you they'll keep you from harm
Though you can't see them don't be alarmed
There is never a moment when you are all alone
They are present always; even when they aren't shown

Angel Warriors by our side
Be our lamp, our light and guide
Guardian Angels hear our prayer
Keep us in thy loving care

They walk right beside you wherever you go
I feel a calm, a peace; and in my heart I know
Watching over you all day and when you sleep at night
Surrounded by the enemy they stand and fight

Angel Warriors by our side
Be our lamp, our light and guide
Guardian Angels hear our prayer
Keep us in thy loving care

Joyfully sing a song of praise
Our hearts, our hands, our voices raise
Join with Angels high above
Giving thanks to the one who loves

Dance a dance both free and fun
Celebrate God's only son
Who lived to die and died to give
A way that we might truly live

Clap your hands and dance along
Join me in a Joyful Song
We bow our heads we lift our hearts
And on our knees the healing starts

All praise to Him the King of Kings
Creation alive as your name rings
Lord of Lords and Prince of Peace
The song we sing will never cease

From mountain to valley, river to sea
If I pause it is clear and plain to see
You sing a joyful song to celebrate
The goodness of life that you create

You dance with us across the sky
And lead us in a happy sigh
You are with us day and night
May we walk in your radiant light

Joyfully sing a song of praise
Our hearts, our hands, our voices raise
Clap your hands and dance along
Join us in the Joyful Song!

AMEN!

I don’t know how we clicked
I don’t know why we are this way
I don’t know why you confided in me
I don’t know if I’m dating right? Its friends until it’s special
I need some help, tell me what to do
I don’t know why God used us
I don’t know how things will work out
Would having a play date be a good idea?
I get daily suggestions and accusations from little Tom
I don’t know how to express my thanks to you and to God
I don’t show my feelings well at all
But it seems to me that opposites really do attract
I don’t know if any of my poems are more meaningful than
“Hope When None”.
You keep me aware that the most simple things are sometimes the best
Showing emotion, laughing, and jogging add years to your life
The simplicity, innocence, and heartfelt gratitude touch me
There are so many things I don’t know in life
So many things I never will
For now I have to “trust” God knows what he is doing with me
‘Cuz I sure as heck don’t!
I begin to doubt whether I loved you for the trouble you were going through
I’m sure there are many hundreds or thousands of verses in the bible saying not to doubt God
I need to accept that I’m not with you just because
That might just be for him to know and me to have faith
Please pray and I will too for good judgement and insight
I would appreciate it if you could help me open my ears and heart to God

There’s something about today I know
Like a present wrapped in a pretty bow
Like a little puppy just waiting to be
Shining like an angel for all to see
The second you open and I see you smile
Just brings me back several years for a while
That special love and trust that you have for all
When I hear you crying I can’t help but answer the call
You don’t know how special to me this moment is
For a few seconds now I am in show-biz
It means so much to me to know you
As I have ever ‘ere you were just two
Hoping hopes and dreaming dreams
Loving loves and loathing screams
All is calm and all is bright
Once again on this precious night
Together we remember the good and the bad
We’ve laughed together and made it through the sad

Everything but nothing has changed between us
Very different, but still the same: no more and no less
You are still you friend and I am still me
Sadly in a few short years our paths changed so drastically
Could it be I am sorry to speak, so instead I write words on paper?
Would I be embarrassed to stumble over words so I write them to be safer?
I truly wish I could express all my feelings to you
Should I write and then speak or stumble and act like a fool anew?
I have so many questions in my mind at the moment
Would it be foolish or really wise to try for a poetic enrollment?
So many questions to ask, so little time to ask them
So many it would go to mayhem or even pandemonium
So many raging, fighting thoughts in such a tiny space
Oh me Oh my! Could this spell disaster for the whole human race?
I have so many thoughts popping out of my ears, mouth, nose and eyes
You could take all my thoughts end to end and string them a mile in size
Do I go on pretending that nothing has happened or make some scene
Some days I wake up and feel like my whole life was just a dream
This changes everything, but nothing changes
It’s a difficult ride like traversing mountain ranges
There are highs and lows valleys and peaks
My head and my heart play hide and seek
I want to say something, but I know I can’t
I need to do something, but I’m stuck like a plant
Nothing, but everything is different now
If you only knew just how…

I live my life and I love it
If you think about your strikes you can’t hit
Time isn’t nice to those who waste their whole life
And when it passes on it cuts like a knife
Life is so short with so many things to do
But it helps to pass the time when I’m with you
People grow older and things go on
I feel lifted up when I see the rising sun at dawn
Friends make life much brighter
Don’t give up hope, you’re a strong fighter
Take a moment to reflect on the past
Life has gone by as it seems much too fast
If you don’t feel right don’t give up my friend
We are always with you until the bitter end
You are here to change lives and save some as well
When your gift is calling, soft and clear as a bell
Reach out and change someone’s life today
It will be so worth it in each and every way
Even though you don’t get money for doing something good
You get a good feeling from doing what you should
My friends have changed me so much I wouldn’t be myself
Personally, I put my pride on a shelf
I am very thankful for the friends I got
Don’t mean to order you, but this is a lot
Just expressing my feelings in this letter
I hope reading this makes your day better
I wish the best of life and all to come
I hope that some of you know where I’m coming from
I owe it all to my friends, all those people out there
I want things to be more right and fair
I wouldn’t have made it to where I am now
To try to keep growing and improving: this will be my vow

Someday soon we’ll lift our gaze
Someday soon we’ll sing the Lord’s praise
We’ll be welcomed through heaven’s gates
Everything there is all first rates
No more crying no more pain no more fear
Always sun and no more rain; always clear
Ever happy no more sad or anger no’s
Precious love is here in perfect beauty like a rose
All the bad things that exist are in your mind
You’ll only see nice things of every kind
Take shelter in God’s all-encompassing wings
Rest in ease safe from the evil shadow’s things
You are only one, but you have made a great change
That which is unknown is no longer strange
Do you fear God and also love him
Don’t try to fake for he is never asleep or dim
With God by our side we can never go wrong
Because of Jesus, I am writing this song
I truly hope my words reach out to you out there
That this paper travels across land, sea, and air
My goal right now is to teach about the Lord
So in the song of life you have the right chord
We are here to make a difference and to learn
With the right help, there is much we can turn
Happy are those who do not have much
But are rich in love and such

If you keep your face turned to the sun
Deal with some blisters, but you’re number one
Look up at the sky and see how it’s blue
That feeling of calm has you born anew
In a tornado you have deadly strong winds
God is like that: destroying our sins
After a storm the air smells so pure
If only to bottle one and find cancer’s cure
Rain makes the plants and flowers grow
And in the spring it’s an awe-full show
Then there is snow to cover the ground white
Get a chill in the air everything’s alright
On a cloudy day it’s dull and gray
Dampens the spirit and sends happy away
When the sand picks up in desert dunes
Feel like flying in the air like helium balloons
When the fog lifts up, a veil is gone
After the sunset you know there must be dawn
When a mist covers the sleepy city streets
Like lying in bed under soft cool sheets
When polluted air enters your lungs
It’s like climbing a ladder with unstable rungs
Sometimes you have a pipe that will leak
But any way out the evil will seek
Never let your guard down; always be prepared
A problem had is a problem shared

What is happiness?
Happiness is living, loving, and laughing
It is filling even the sad times with hugs and smiles
Happiness is many, many things
Among these things is love.
Happiness is having more than one family
Happiness is having a friend
A friend who shares your joy in laughs and your pain in tears
A friend who would gladly take the burden off your shoulders
And carry the weight themselves
A friend who would travel the whole world to find you again
A friend who would go to such lengths to keep you happy
A friend where everything they have is yours
A friend who would take each blow
So you might not know pain
A friend who would never leave you
A friend who is always by your side
A friend who is there both night and day
A friend who would even die for you
Happiness is knowing you will never be alone
Happiness is having a family all together
Happiness is a quiet time alone
Happiness is being among family and friends
Happiness is many things to many different people
But happiness regardless is a good thing indeed
Happiness is a smile or a hug when sad
Happiness is a rainbow after the storm
Happiness is the sun shining through a cloudy day

It was grace that found us together
God used me to help through stormy weather
When your lives were changed about a year ago
My gifts may have helped, but I was a tool you know
I needed a friend, you an ear and someone to care
If we need to talk will we be there
Words are past me, but a smile steals across my face
This is what you might call saving grace

When I look into your eyes I see a smile
When I see your smile I see thankfulness and love
You said you can tell when I’m around because of an aura
That may be true, but it’s not because of me. It’s someone else.
On my part I don’t feel an aura, but a calm and clean
Our relationship is only a slight bond formed of struggles
When you say “I love you” it’s not me, it that you’re in love with God
The only way you could tell me your life was because of God
I have needed a friend and you needed someone to care and listen
The way you can thank me is by loving and thanking Him
I don’t know how to dance, but I wonder if He does?
Your heart was open and you saw Jesus as me for help
Maybe I was Joseph to you help you carry the cross
I don’t know what will become, I am ready to be God for you

I can almost taste sweet spring upon my tongue
Light rays upon my face, I see the sun
Life everywhere I see all that He has done
Winter has been here long and will soon be gone
The birds and bees, the flowers and trees
All sing their own sweet song
Singing in full abandon as if it had been this way all along
Earth’s voice herself was never quite so strong

Jesus you came to set the captives free
To do that you were hung from a tree
Laid to rest you’d be back in three
All the earth, all of life sings joyfully
Their hearts all filled with glee
And humbly we bow down before thee
Your words written for man to read
So we might know and follow your lead

Lord there is beauty in the Ultimate Sacrifice
You my God paid our salvation’s price
And though I don’t deserve it you died
Because of your sacrifice the SMT has cried
Let us all be witnesses to you Oh God
Many take you for granted and I also nod
As I think about it, I see how blind I’ve been
My eyes are still veiled and I think when?
Lord let me be at peace like a hand on my shoulder
I’ve been bold, but not enough; I want to be bolder
If the tears don’t come, let it be my heart and soul
There is an emptiness in my heart and you alone can fill that hole
I know you’re out there so send me a sign
May it be the grace of a hand or the might of a line
I have given and given, but I don’t seem to receive
Lord, you’ve shown me miracles, now let me believe
Lord thank you for my gift of words and love
Cleanse and renew me from the rain up above
Come Holy Spirit, come work through me today
You gave your life, I give my all away
While I have breath I will not complain
I ask not just tonight, but forever this feeling remain
My hand is feverishly writing for the first time in a while
I take this as a sign from the Holy Spirit’s personal file
The time is near for things to come, the feeling is good
You spoke to me Lord and since then I understood
The angels praise you above while we praise below
As I look upon the Bread of Life, the Holy Host
I can’t come to think of what….

Here in this place is our God above all
All gathered together, the mighty, the small
We place it all on your alter before you
Lord, have mercy on us, make us many out of few
Please give us holiness and so much more
Thank you for everything sweet Jesus it is you we adore
Sweet Redeemer you are my King make me forever yours
Lord I give you my heart my mind and my soul
I am weak and I need your strength come fill this hole
Let me shout to the ends of the earth your love
Let me sing your name forever in the heavens so far above
Be with me wherever I go and in whatever tomorrow may hold
By your grace and power grant me strength to be courageous and bold
But not by my will but by your my oh my God and King
We put up our gifts you gave us and this we bring
We pray for healing for all but you answer in your way and time
Open us up to recognize your love and your signs