Let me serve you the best that I know how
Every word and every page devoted to you now
How can I best serve you in the world today
Use me as your instrument: this is what I pray
I’m waiting for a tug, a gentle little leaning
Hoping for an answer to give my life some meaning
Then I wonder if I should STOP...
And just listen to the silence
I might feel that quiet breeze
I might hear the spirit whisper
Father let me serve you the only way I can
By being open, listening, and saying yes to your plan
Wherever the road may lead, may it lead me straight to you
Whatever the outcome, may the outcome let me be made new
By your will, through your love, in your grand design
I am yours: your humble servant until the end of time

Abba, bless me, so in all that I do
In all things, I may give glory to you
Grant, I pray, the peace and the grace
Content to be still and gaze at your face
I love to sit by your side and listen to your voice
But so often I'm restless: distracted by noise
Rushing around in perpetual motion
When I need to be in perpetual devotion
God be my joy, come and be my light
Come to my aid; rescue me in my plight
By rising to life, the flesh, you glorified
In the shadow of your cross I will hide
In death, you overcame both sin and grave
Your love for me was strong enough to save
Be my one love, my God, my King, my Prince of Peace
Satisfy this holy hunger and ever increase
You take us back even when, your love, we spurn
You come running out to meet us on our return
You are my inheritance and my worth Oh Lord
You reconcile us to yourself with one accord

We fall down at your feet Lord
Humbled in your glorious presence
We fall down in awestruck wonder
When you split the sky with lightning and thunder
Before you we lay down all we have and are
And arise with so much more by far
There are walls built up around us
In our hearts and in our lives
Brothers from sisters husbands from wives
Some to keep in, some to keep out
Some because of fear, others in doubt
But these barricades provide little comfort
No way to leave, communicate, relate
And walls close in on us siphoning life
Lord let the walls crumble let them all fall down
Turn our world and our thinking all the way around
Break down these walls find the cracks in our armor
Leave us vulnerable and needy
Let us build from the rubble bridges instead
Let out minds and hearts in harmony be wed
Joshua marched for 9 days around Jericho’s wall
And on the power and mercy of God Joshua would call
Let us march and pray for 9 months and 9 days
And sing songs to our Lord who is worthy of praise
We trust in you Lord, but in all things, your Will be done
And we give glory to the Father, the Spirit and the Son

By the light of a million candles burning
A million hearts, for you, are yearning
A million stars up in the heavens shine
As you tell me "I love you, and you are mine"
You are my Light and you are my Love
You are my Life: my Lord above
Come and find rest, come and find peace
Come to the table and join in the feast
For the Lamb that was slain is alive in us once again
No one left in darkness and sin can remain
In the light of grace and in glory resplendent
Behold, the triune God, fully ascendent
My soul shakes as the light breaks
Over the hills that come alive with song
And I know in my heart, this is where I belong
Here with you in prayer and praising
In silent wonder at Christ my Savior gazing
Grace and mercy, water and blood
Drown me in this Holy Flood
Streams of life from love outpoured
When they pierced the heart of Christ my Lord
In your great goodness may I never grow tired
Of looking upon you, and being inspired
To look with awe and wonder as a child
Come back to you and be reconciled
You do not condemn me, but you say "Sin no more"
A chance to come clean: what are you waiting for?

Lord, into your presence I come
Singing songs of worship and praise
I come to give glory and share in your story
Of sinners and saints throughout the age
Our lives our stories are as sacred hymn
Precious gifts; music unto him
Shine your face upon us rain down your love
Holy Fire of God fall on us from Heaven above
I sing for you as words pour from my tongue
I dance for you as if you are the only one
I live for you every hour every minute
I try to love for you without limit
I lift up my voice and raise my hands to the sky
Offering up all to the one enthroned on high
To what shall we compare you when nothing comes close
When the greatest eloquence is nothing more than verbose
But in your goodness you have blessed us to express
A vivid if fleeting glance of your glory and grace
A moment of heaven revealed in this place
We come with heads bowed on bended knee
That in our humility we may start to see
The gravity of what you did and what it means
This changes everything turning life upside-down
But he is our rock our anchor our solid ground
Hold fast to Him when life is all sound and fury
Cry out to Him and be not afraid you need not worry
I stand here today to speak as one who understands
Both fear and uncertainty, and still the peace from his plans

Seasons change, sunny skies turn to rain
Joy and laughter turn to heartache and pain
But, sure as the seasons are bound to change
There is one thing that is forever the same
The Love that God has never falters or ceases
Even when our lives are falling to pieces
Winter will yield to Spring, and Summer now will Fall
And we find ourselves swept on by time's relentless crawl
Things of this world are temporary, our lives: fleeting
And yet, in good and bad, our hearts keep beating
Not all that glitters is true and pure
Traps are disguised to hold allure
But his love will endure, his hope will secure
And, in our faith we are assured:
This too shall pass. And in this way
We can move forward day by day
To seek and ask and knock and pray
To live our lives and hear you say
"Well done my good and faithful one.
You've run the race and now you're done.
Well done my child, welcome home,
It gives me joy to see how you've grown.
Seasons will change and time will pass,
But my love for you will always last.
My love for you never falters or ceases
So much that, on the cross, I loved you to pieces."

Lord, in your ultimate wisdom, you have given us seasons in our lives that are reflected in creation. We go through dry or hard times in a desert. We feel that spring and relief will never come. Help us to lean on you and the strength you give us to make it through and see the light and life once again. Like nature's seasons, the seasons in our life are also temporary, both the good times and the bad times. Remind us of this Lord and be with us. You have made the seasons to be in such a way that we can appreciate them because we have the other. Light and Dark, Good and Bad, Spring and Fall, Summer and Winter, Heaven and Hell. There is a divine balance and symmetry which is so beautiful Lord. Thank you for this. Finally, Lord, we implore you, remind us that when nothing else seems constant, You are the one constant. Let us rest in that certainty and in your unfailing love always Lord. Amen.

Sometimes what you say is hard to swallow
And there are days when it is all I can do to follow
The way you walk is never easy and rarely pleasant
And sometimes it feels like you’re not present
But through it all I know that you are there
In spite of it all you still love and still care
Lord you have the words of Spirit and Life
You spoke into the darkness and created the light
We will walk by faith; in your promises we believe
And so it is in the Eucharist that we receive
The body and blood of Christ crucified
Through this love and sacrifice, we are truly alive
Consume my heart with love for you
I feel in my heart what I know to be true
By the Sacred mystery this miracle of love
I have your life within me: Heaven’s gift from above
Lord you have the words of life eternally
You became a prisoner so I could be free
I never could repay you for this second chance
You looked at me with more than a passing glance
By your grace I live my life in a way I hope will show
The change in me and how I hope to grow
Where else could we go? To whom else could we look
Where one so great came down and in our form took
So we might see and come to understand
What it means to love and lend a hand
Can we believe in something greater than ourselves
Don the cloak of humility and put pride upon the shelves
Lord you are the way that leads us to the father
You are the shepherd and you are the potter
Lord you are the truth in a world of lies and deception
The banquet is prepared for the wedding reception
Lord you are the life that shines in me today
And though sometimes it’s hard my faith in you will stay

Gracious God I come to thee
Meditate on mystery
To fully know and understand
Impossible for mortal man
Still, we may by grace, attain
Deeper wisdom of the same
You call me to deep water
Where narrow faith is broader
Draw me nearer than before
As I worship and adore
Shine your light upon my soul
Always learning is my goal
Whisper words of love and peace
To thy devotion increase

You take me as I am: broken and weak
You bless me and I am made strong and whole
You find me as I am: blindingly I seek
You love me and restore my heart and soul
There is nothing I can give you Lord of everything
No words to speak nor song to sing
You want my life, you want my love
You want me with you high above
You break me and bless me Oh Lord you multiply
Without you I will never be enough no matter how hard I try
I lay this offering at your feet
I lift it up and it is complete
Whatever I give, I receive seven-fold
The feeling of joy and wonder never gets old
Sometimes I must break so I can heal properly
Shaped and changed like a piece of pottery
There can be miracles for those who believe
To those who are open, they will receive
I the Lord God, am your portion, provision
Come to me in your every decision
See for yourself I am not lacking in abundance
My love for you is more than just a passing glance
I bless you my Child forever and a day
I want to bless you in every little way

My faith is in the Lord where my help comes from
When darkness surrounds me and the enemy is closing in
I cry out to the Lord and I know he will answer
He protects me from danger and wraps me in his tender love
Trust in the Lord and his Goodness
Do not tremble do not fear my Soul
For He who brought you here will see you still whole
Your God is the Lion and the Lamb
Prince of peace, He is the great “I Am”
You are my rock, my refuge, my strong tower
Come Oh Lord and show us your mighty power
You make the strong weak and the brave cower
The enemy like lions are hungry and they roar
But you shut the mouths of lions you are the one true Lord
They are made as kittens so gently do they purr
The change from one so wild and fierce a miracle to be sure
You Oh Lord have delivered me to safety from the Lion’s Den
Praise and Glory and Honor to you until the world’s end

Mary surrendered her heart to do God’s will
She was ever present then and she is with us still
Help me be obedient and follow where you lead
Use me as your instrument to serve those most in need
Kindle the burning passion deep within
And by your grace help me avoid more sin
Help me be humble so I might not fall to pride
Through these gifts may your name be glorified
Bless and perfect them bring them to your son
That, in all things, Your holy will may be done
I try to fight on my own, but I am weak
In all things it is your quiet strength I seek
One way to know Jesus is to know and love you
You are our Holy Mother ever faithful, ever true
Turn your eyes of love on us in your mercy have pity
Heal our world our land, heal our broken family
Soften our hearts shatter our defenses
Open our eyes, bring us back to our senses
Give us the courage to share in your “Yes”
And, in doing so, we walk the talk that we profess

"I think I know the right thing for me
I think I know what will make me happy
I think I know why and when and how
And I think that this is what I need right now
Lord you must be mistaken. Surely, I know best!
I got this Lord. You just take it easy and rest".

But it turns out that I wasn't completely right
Not completely no. Pretty close, but not quite
I don't ever like to admit that I was wrong
That you really knew what was best all along

"Maybe I should listen a little more when you speak
Maybe I should try to be more humble and meek
You come when I need it most, at just the right time
And the feeling when you come to me is simply so sublime
Let Your Will be done Oh Lord in me, with me and through"

"Be open to my love and let me work miracles through you
My timing is perfect, my plan, definitely divine
Everything has a purpose everything is by design.
When the time is right trust that you will know
But until then, be content to live in my love and grow
I hear your prayers and answer you
But not always how you thought
This relationship requires not one, but two
It takes some skills that can't be taught
But with work, with patience, and with care
We create something beautiful beyond compare.

Oh! And there is one more thing... I know it's challenging
But child, I need you to have patience with me
I promise you, you'll love it! Just you wait and see!
Trust me when I say that what I have in mind is worth the wait
It will arrive just in time. I guarantee it won't be late
So take my hand and come with me as we walk for a while
By your side is where I'll be. I love to see you smile!"

What does it take to truly receive
To feel in your soul what you say you believe
To open yourself to a love so pure
To the power of true love's cure
You say: "Take this, all of you, and eat"
Enter in this house Lord, make me complete
I can be so full of myself sometime
Lord, take hold of this heart of mine
In order to give, I have to receive
I find and peace and my fears are relieved
To receive I have to be vulnerable, exposed
I have to be open wide rather than closed
Open to hurt and scars and pain
But, by your grace, my faith remains
Help me follow you and do your will
Help me receive love so I can give love
Help me know love so I can show love
Help me die for love so I can live love
Help me live in a way that pleases you
To live the Gospel of life and truth
Help me, Lord, to be humble and broken
To be receptive to love so softly spoken
By your grace Lord, I would ask you to allow
Your humble servant here and now
To be an instrument for love and in word
A channel of peace for all that have heard
Take Lord and Receive
All that is within me
Use it all as you see fit
Take it all, the smallest bit
All I ask is your love and grace
A chance to glimpse your face
I need nothing, no other stuff
Only this and it will be enough

Following star: God’s great light
Traveling far: Bethlehem night
Bearing gifts full of meaning
Little baby sweetly dreaming
On a journey far from home
Guided by the Spirit as they roam
So much unclear, so much unknown
Young girl and mother scared and alone
Come Lord Jesus from Heaven above
Make the space all aglow in perfect love
The path is long the road is hard
Angels sent in dreams to guard
The light of the world the hope of salvation
Watching with faith and finally joy and elation
Peace on earth let all creation ring
The coming of Him whom angels sing
Christ the King in helpless child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Not even death could keep us apart
Saved in the depths of your merciful heart

The world once in harmony fallen far from grace
The seeds of chaos and discord are seen in every place
There is trouble close by on the near horizon
And the people of the land are slowly realizin'
Something must be done to restore the world's order
For, if we don't, death will be at our very border
Who among us is brave enough to chance this perilous quest
To enter into realms unknown to bring us peace and rest
There are four: fast friends from the start
They don't yet work as one, but they've got a lot of heart
They will carry our hopes and dreams, our thoughts and prayers
They leave today as Humans and Eagles and Elves and Bears
We anxiously await their returning as we hold to hope steadfast
That the ties that bind us hold firm and we know peace again at long last

Crowned with glory like the sun
In robes of dazzling white
He is lifted up; the Holy One
Behold, the Ascension of Christ!

You have seen and you have heard
Bearing witness to the Living Word
Live your lives to reflect the change
And some people will think you strange

What hope to know Jesus goes before us
To intercede and prepare a place for us
Then sending down His love made manifest
His Holy Spirit by creation blessed

He empowers us to boldly proclaim
And do great things by the power of His name
Our hearts too small to keep the love inside
And must be shared high, far, deep, and wide

As Christ ascends to Heaven above
We too are ascended by His love
He lives within and we are lifted high
And on the wings of hope we fly

So shine upon the world so that all may see
Your true joy and come to believe
Go therefore and preach the good news
Be instruments for your God to use

Breathe, just breathe
Rest easy, and drift softly asleep
Heaviness and warmth surround
And I know this is where peace is found
Fill your lungs with the presence
Of the giver of all good things
Once weak and weary slowly dying
Now filled with the spirit of life
Release the tension, the impatience, irritation
Take in the calm, the quiet, the peace
Breathe in the sweet perfumed air
Of a space saturated with prayer
Breathe in and let the healing waters flow
Let the sunlight follow wherever you go
Let your breath chase away the clouds
Of despair and sorrow
And may the sun shine even more brilliantly tomorrow
Breathe in the love that casts out fear
And remember you are welcome here
Let go of the weights that bring you down
Until you fly with your feet on the ground
Breathe in the freedom and laugh with all your heart
For the joy of being truly alive is where it starts
Breathe in, breath in deeply
Begin to refocus and re-center
Begin to let peace re-enter
It hovers close though, at times, unseen
If you pay close attention you might see what I mean
So when things are stressful and getting out of hand
Breathe, just breath and remember who is in command

Jesus loves the little children. Some of the faith’s greatest warriors both literally and figuratively were children. The shepherd boy David, the great Joan of Arc, Therese of Lisieux, and the three young shepherd children from Fatima to name a few. David was in his late teens when he slew Goliath with a sling and a stone, Joan was 17 when she led an army to several impressive victories. Our Lady Of Fatima appeared to three young shepherd children. The “Little Way” and one of the great Doctors of the Church is St. Teresé and she was 24 when she died. Jesus said blessed are the little children. They are priceless treasures. Do you remember when you were a child? The sense of wonder, joy, love, faith you had? Everything seemed more alive, brighter, happier. Anything was possible and everything was amazing. When we look at life through the eyes of a child we see life with joy and wonder and grace. Beauty and music are everywhere around you if you can believe it to be so. The wind through the trees, the grass beneath your feet, the sun in the sky, the storms, all life sings for sheer joy of being alive. Worries are less, and grace is more, time is endless, excitement for what tomorrow has in store. Jesus loves the little children. The warrior is a child. We are God’s Children and we are called to be like the children. To trust completely in God, to see with the eyes of love and simplicity. Life doesn’t have to be complicated; we often make it so. When we are tired and scared, we can run to the fortress of our Faith and find safety, strength and rest. Our King does not stay safe in his castle, but fights for us, with us, He is always present and close at hand. When we fall he is there to help us up again. He gives us the strength to keep going and sometimes he holds us to him while we shake and cry inside our armor because the warrior is a child. Jesus loves the little children. As the great song says so simply: “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, they are weak but He is strong. Yes Jesus loves me, yes Jesus loves me, yes Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so.” It is crazy to think just how loved we really are. “There is no greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for a friend.” And that is exactly what God did for us by sending his one and only child to be killed and to die in the worst manner possible so that we who didn’t/can’t deserve it were given the opportunity to experience this perfect divine love. God our Father loves us in the same perfect divine eternal love that is expressed by the the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus loves the little children. We are His children. Never lose the child inside especially when life is dark and stormy. Jump and dance in the puddles and look with wonder as the sun breaks through and a vibrant rainbow stretches it’s arms across the sky. Life gets a little better when you don’t forget the child. Jesus loves the little children and He loves you and me!

How glorious this creature you have made
Not one more precious or more fair
Made with love her skin her body and her hair
Through sin and in our fall
We have marred the divine scene our hearts are scarred
Now we look at beauty only on the surface
Fail to see what is just inside
Mind and heart within mortal flesh hide
We look now, but Lord we fail to see
The true value of this stunning beauty
There is more to her than meet the eye
A mystery in an enigma in a sigh
Thank you Lord for this special gift
The flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone
Created specially so we would not be alone
Not a thing not an object but a partner companion
To love and to cherish to have and to hold
To talk and to listen and together grow old
In your love Oh Lord grant me your sight
To look upon women in a more holy light

The songs we sing and the words we write
Are like a family we hold so tight
History reminds us
Our past does not define us
Not after God has found us
We come to share our stories we come to break bread
We share a meal and a tale or two
A gift for me and a gift for you
Every story is specially unique
Each one touches people for different reasons
They are not bound by race or religion or language or place
Stories help us remember as well
The people and times in our lives
Even after death stories still survive
We pour out our heart we bare our soul
All we have and all we are blessed and broken
Given for all: love freely spoken
The words we write not only for our benefit
The stories told so we might not forget
Your story is dynamic growing and changing

Who am I, that I should stand
That I should speak as though I understand
That I should sing when words fail
That I should live to tell the tale
Who am I, that I should write
Of one beyond our mind and sight
Who am I, that He might save
When I should be the one in that grave
Who am I, that I should look on love
And feel him smiling from up above
Who am I, that I should gaze upon Him
Against whose radiance the sun is dim
In Him I find my identity, who I really am
A child of the king and a precious lamb

He calls us children and loves us the same
He knows us and calls us each by name
Who is He, that He should send His son to die
That He was earthly virtue personified
That He would serve and love and teach
That across the miles and years He would reach
That He would come again one day
Who sent His Spirit to us to stay
Who is He that considers me worthy
Who is He of endless grace and mercy
He is my everything: my beginning and my end
He is my strength and shield in whom I depend
He is mine and I am His
I am a child of Jesus!

Make me a channel of your peace
That wars might end and striving cease
Make me a channel of your word
And give me a way for it to be heard
Make me an instrument to sing so sweet
Of the place where Heaven and Earth shall meet
Make me less, so you are more
A call so strong: what are we waiting for?
Make me a channel of your love and grace
And faith so assured that I will one day see your face
Make me a channel of truth and light
To shine in the darkness to pierce through the night
Make me a channel for your life and your way
And grant me a channel to you when I pray
So often Lord, I pray for so many things
But my life overflows with all your blessings
I feel like patience and silence are the lessons to learn
And while others may benefit, I too will grow in turn
I wait with eager anticipation for the days to come
To watch you work will be so totally awesome

Have mercy on our souls Oh God
Your faithfulness and love go on forever
Turn our hearts back home to you Oh Lord
Hear us as we fervently pray
For healing and peace upon this scarred earth
For righteousness and justice to flourish
For wisdom and understanding above all
Restore our hearts and heal our lands
For, great is the love that flowed from your hands
You have blessed me with a gift: help me use it well
I am moved and touched, and my soul will dwell
In the house of the Lord all the days of my life
Have mercy on us and on the whole world
Amen

For what can I give the Lord
Who has given me everything?
How can I ever make a return for
The blessings He bestows on me?
The day you paid my debt in full
Unworthy and ungracious as I was,
Beneath pride and nature sinful,
You pierced me with undying love.

You breathed and I came alive.
And when you died to give me life,
You breathed out once again.
Let every breath I take, praise you
Let my spirit sing, my lips speak truth,
Everything I do, I do it for you.
My work, my play, my rise, my sleep
In joy, in fear, when I laugh, when I weep
When I follow and when I lead
When I tend to someone's need
In little ways and in big ways
On good days and truly awful days.
When I live with Jesus on my mind
I see that, through it all, He is kind.
So, at the end of it all at His feet I will fall
And I will say to Jesus my Lord and King
I have given you my all in everything

You are a Precious Pearl
A pearl begins with a bit of grit
Forged with the refining fires
Of passion persistence and pressure
It is a gift, a treasure beyond measure
The more costly for its journey
Through the crucible of life

Out on the shores by Galilee
I call you. Come, follow me!
Leave your nets and cast out in the deep
The harvest is ready its time to reap
Fishers of men you shall now be
I call you. Come, follow me!
Living a life of love and service of man
It won’t be easy, but I know you can
There will be sorrow, loss and pain
Days when there is no gain
Do you trust and have faith even when you can’t see?
I call you: come, follow me!
I came to call sinners to find the lost
I came to pay the un-payable cost
I came to heal the sick and set the prisoner free
I call you: come, follow me!
Take up your cross and walk the long dusty road
Come to me: easy is my burden light is the load
I have come to die so the world may live
My very life is the greatest gift I can give
Will you follow even to my death on a tree?
I call you: come, follow me!

Every good thing, Lord, comes
Every good thing comes from you
Every day is showered in blessings
Every morning your graces are new
Every night you watch over us
Lord, keep us safe from harm
Every thing I have is from you
Every thing I am is who you are
Every beat of my heart beats for you
Without your love I fall apart
So when life is only clouds and rain
And all I can feel is sorrow and pain
Give me the eyes to see your rainbow
Give me hope and help me to grow
For, in the ultimate act of derision
Came a far more perfect vision
You took the cross designed for shame
And made a bridge out of the same
In death you destroyed sin and death
And in the span of the very next breath
You restored us to life and made all things new
For, every good thing Lord, comes from you

In the soft and silent stillness
Of the soul the Spirit speaks
Of conviction and of comfort
And a heart that wholly seeks
The higher truths of Heaven
And the deepest truths of man
That form faith's firm foundation
And discern God's greater plan
The soul that finds repose and rest
To dwell so close to God's own heart
Indeed, that soul is richly blessed
My Lord, my God, how great though art!

Many are the trials that will come to pass
Many are the hearts that are made of glass
The faithful will be tested, shaken to the core
In the coming in the presence of the Lord
Many are the sorrows and challenges ahead
Many will despair, I cling to hope instead
The days are coming when the world will be dark
And in the light of Christ the contrast is so stark
Many are the sufferings we will undergo
We have a chance for our faith and love to show
Soon and very soon we are going to see the King
He will come in glory, justice and peace shall ring
Hold fast to your anchor as the storm rages
Soon is the coming of a new golden age
When all will be made new and mysteries revealed
No sickness death or hunger and hearts will be healed
We will see his love perfected in the Holy Trinity
To see this Circle of Life it is as divine poetry
But until that day comes when we finally meet the Son
We must do our best and pray that His will be done
There will be trials but together we will overcome

Let's get back to basics
To find our origin our source
We have strayed so far away
The ship is now off course
Go back to the time that grace found you
Remember the joy your soul knew
There, in that moment, you ended
And God began
You are a new creation; so beautiful
You have a new life; so immutable
Where was it that we lost our way
When did we forget to play and pray
The devil may be in the details
But God has the whole picture
Satan tries and, ultimately, fails
Against the Living Loving Word of Scripture
Let's go back to where we were
Before the demands of life began
To have faith so great and pure
To rest knowing we are in His hand
Let's go back and try to relearn
The knowledge that love isn't something to be earned
It is a gift, a sacrifice; it is open and free
And it does something amazing for you and for me
Let's go back to when life was still simple
Where innocence could still be found
Where life's simple pleasures were routine
Where hope was full, and joy would last
Let's bring back the child-like faith
And let's get back to the basics

Grace flows through you Oh Mary our Mother
You are the living channel through which God came to save the world
Take us all into your arms and bathe us in the living water of Christ
Make us a channel of His love and peace
Through which the world comes to know Him
Bless us Mary for we are your children
Watch over us, protect us, pray for us and bless us
Help us not forget to honor you with the respect and care you deserve
Oh Mother of the world and Queen of Heaven
Come to our aid, we implore you
In our prosperity we have forgotten your son
And we are paying the price today
Have mercy on us and intercede on our behalf
In the Eucharist, we are channels of God’s presence
In a physical and spiritual way
Our hearts are a dwelling place for the Most High
We become as Christ-bearers
You bore Christ within yourself for 9 long months
When you were chosen and filled with the Holy Spirit
You said let it be done unto me according to Your will
Help us to say yes to God and his Will and trust that he will see us through
Lend us your grace and strength Holy Mother Of God
That we may reflect and imitate your virtues
Lead us ever into an ever deeper and more intimate relationship
With your son our Lord Jesus Christ
And by your grace obtain the fruits of the promises
Especially in the mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary
We ask this and all things through Jesus’ name and through your intercession Mary.
Amen.

In this day and age we seem not to remember
What it means to be humble kind and tender
There are many sleepers lost in their own dreams
And, if I’m honest, some days the world is lost it seems
Ship at sea: battered sails, no anchor, at the mercy of the wind
We are all in the same boat. All have fallen short, all have sinned
With the chaos and the noise it must have slipped our mind
That most things (including people) respond better when we are kind
Society, the media seem to have turned to what sells
Blurring lines between the heavens and hells
We have taken the easy road but it isn’t always best
Sometimes the narrow high climb is better than the rest
We seem to have lost the ability to communicate
We have lost the knowledge of how to debate
We don’t have to agree, but we do have to listen
Can we begin to get back all that we’ve been missing?
But there is hope; it’s not too late to turn around
To steer the ship so it doesn’t run aground
We didn’t get where we are overnight
It’ll be a while before we set things right
But it can start right here and now
With you and me and here is how:
We must listen, not just hear
Have courage, don’t give in to fear
We must see, not just look
Look inside ourselves and the good book
Bring joy and peace to all whom you meet
And, with a smile, those whom you greet
Stand for those who cannot stand, kneel if you must
Cry out for those who have no voice and trust
In the good you are doing.

If you stand, some will mock you and some may join you- stand still
If you believe, some will question and challenge you- believe still
If you pray, you may not get what you were asking for- pray still
If you live, though you may be threatened or killed- live still
If you cry, some may tell you it’s foolish others may admire you- cry still
If you dance, you may look foolish and silly- dance still
If you sing, you may be praised or criticized- sing joyfully still
If you love, you open yourself up and can be hurt- love still
If you give- and you have so little left to give- give still

For, in the end, it matters not what other people think
All that really matters is what’s inside your heart

Lord, first we thank you for the blessings you have showered upon your bride, the church and we ask that you continue to bless, guide, and govern her with love, in love, and through love now and forever. The church is not a building, but a people gathered together as one in your name. We are human, and in our humanity, we have sinned and caused great pain and suffering. We are wounded and scarred and some leave because of the pain it leaves behind. I pray that in the midst of these trials and sufferings that you would give us clean hearts and repentant spirits to do what is right and be honest. Lord it is often difficult to forgive, at least forgive truly. When we find it hard to forgive others, remind us gently that you first forgave us and you did not condemn, but loved. We don’t have to trust them, but we ought to forgive them. I ask for you wisdom and courage for those in authority, our priests and shepherds to be able to speak and act in an open and honest manner as they continue to minister to your church. Help us to love one another and you in a way that more closely resembles love as it was made to be. May we, together as one body begin to move forward and take the first step on Life’s Healing Journey. Amen

I hold you in my arms and close to my chest
Trust in me that Daddy knows what’s best
When the world is dark and closing in fast
Look to me and see that this darkness will not last
I love you my child more than you can conceive
Miracles will happen if you just believe
I hold you always I am always at you side
I stretched my arms to take you in the day that I died
No matter where you go or what you do
I am here and I will never leave you
I dance with you for joy when life is sun and flowers
I will be your shelter in the pouring rain showers
I take you by the hand and lead you to peace and joy
My love for you, nothing could destroy
In the moments of despair when hope is frail
Cling to me and you shall prevail
It will make sense these trials that you suffer
There is a purpose beyond making you tougher
I am here as you walk the road of life
Here in the joy and wonder as well as the strife
I wish you could know how much I care
How I wish you could be more aware
I want to be your safe haven; shelter in the storm
In the deepest cold come to me and I will keep you warm
I hold you in my hand and I work for your good
But I won’t always take bad away even if I could
If I lead you to it, I will get you through it
Eventually you see how the pieces fit
I cradle you in arms so strong and soft
Love takes flight and hope stays aloft
When the burden you carry is too much to bear
Just turn and see that I am right there
I will send you people who will carry you and give you a lift
To have such true friends is a rare and precious gift
Those who love and cherish you like a treasure
Their worth is a thing that knows no measure
They hold you and comfort encourage and bless
In in your discomfort they too feel distress
Be strong and be bold for in my hands I hold
A precious child so meek and mild
You will never walk alone for wherever you are
I am yours, I love you, and you are my own

Your beauty is more than a rainbow
Shines brighter than the stars in the sky
It surrounds you with a tangible glow
More powerful than to see an eagle fly
All the treasure in the world could never match
A brilliance that the sun can’t even catch
All you do and all you are
Is made with love crafted with care
We have our scars and our pain
Broken and ugly still you remain
We are beautiful in your loving eyes
Once we finally see and realize
Everything changes. A new way to see
To know, through it all, I’m still beautifully me

I may be imperfect and I fall into sin
But I learn, get up again, and it’s a win
The outside matters less that what is deep inside
He loves my heart and looks at me with pride
Here is my child my beautiful work of art
Crafted carefully by hand every single part
No being can fathom no mind comprehend
The beauty in creation causing the soul to ascend

The gifts we bring an offering
To place upon the table
You gave us these treasures
See what we have done
Take Lord and Receive
The work of our hands
The fruit of the lands
Break them bless them and multiply
Let all we do Lord glorify
We are your people called by your name
You showed us love and call us to do the same
We come together to pray and to dine
A place for all people to come and recline
Jesus gave thanks broke the bread
Then he blessed it and said:
This is my body the bread that sustains
Then with the wine a similar refrain
This is my blood I pour out my heart
The depth of my love from the very start
I find myself so amazed
How inadequate is all praise
When I catch but a glimpse of your face
I am drowned in a sea of amazing grace
How it is that you would choose someone like me
Like Peter I can only wonder what it is you see
But you are purposeful and though I may not see the end
I will trust and follow where you lead I will go where you send
You are the way you are the life you are the truth
I have seen the light of youth help me lead them home to you

Wake up in the morning get ready for school
Excited because learning is really cool
We have music and reading and arts and crafts
Painting and science are such a blast
Writing our own story is hard but fun
Feel a sense of accomplishment when we are done
We talk about history and current events
We work with money and it makes cents (sense) haha
We get our nails done and makeup and hair
We help each other out and show we care
We play games like cards and bingo
And before we know it, it’s time to go
But don’t be sad, we’ll see you real soon
Tomorrow we’ll hum another happy tune

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

Raindrops and dewdrops upon the lawn
Whisper sweet nothings until the dawn
I see in your eyes a light so subline
I get lost and found in them all the time
The wind moves your hair
And it moves my heart too
Now I know that you're aware
I get lost and found in you

They take the first steps on their journey full of strength and vigor
Eager to change the world and excited to be a part of something bigger
The four set out with heads held high
They look back once and wave to all the people saying goodbye
What adventures will they have together
And what trials will they have to weather
What challenges will they face to help them discover
Not to rely on their own strength, but depend on each other
What must they go through to finally understand
What to do when things don't go quite like they had planned
Will our heroes learn who they are and the crucial role they play
What will they have to overcome and, against all odds, will they finally save the day?

Reform me from a life of sin and shame
Conform me until only you remain
Refine me so I more closely reflect you
Redefine me with purity and truth

Oh you are changing yes rearranging
The pieces of my heart
And you are taking and even making
A priceless work of art
But it’s confusing what you are choosing
And I don’t understand
Come and find me and remind me
That it’s all part of your plan
I am waiting still hesitating
The path seems all unclear
The way to go I think I know
I’m having trouble leaving here
Is it fear that grabs my heart
Is it doubt that stills my feet
Is it sin that ties me up
Uncertainty that clouds my eyes
But perfect love drives out fear
And I trust that you are near
In your mercy you gave your life for me
I once was lost in darkness but I finally see
Your love is my life it’s where I can be found
And one day I know, I’ll know joy and peace profound

White as snow and blindingly bright
To look upon Jesus on that great height
Transfigured made new His radiant glow
His brothers and friends afraid of the show
It is good that we are here now let us remain
Let it wash over us and take away our pain

Concern yourselves not with others
Worry not about what they will do
I will concern myself with them
And you, for your part, follow me
You know nothing of my plans
My ways are higher than yours
Fix your gaze upon my light
And keep the goal in sight
Conduct yourselves in upright bearing
And, in robes of virtue gladly wearing,
I will mind my other children
They are mine to mold and guide
Do not be blinded to your own sin
How can you help someone else
When you can't first help yourself
I concern myself with you
I worry, but I so dearly love you
Stop comparing where you stand
I want your best and not your better than
Don't you know you are the one I love
Always and forever from Heaven above

I want to fall in love with you and then
Fall in love with you all over again
Rewind time to go back and relive
There is nothing that I wouldn’t give
To have the moment we first met
It’s a feeling I’ll never forget
You looked at me and saw right through
All my walls, disguises and masks
The smallest flaw in my suit of armor
Was more than big enough for you
You came and flooded and swept me off my feet
You settled in, put down roots,
My demise was now complete.
Now here I am and still you stay
You are there when I wake up each day
You stole my heart and gave me your own
So never again will I be all alone
Something you say or do and I’m falling in love
Everyday I raise my eyes to Heaven above
And I think: I want to fall in love with you and then
I want to fall in love with you all over again

Good morning AB
I hope you have a good day
We go home at 3

Trust me, I am all you need
Call out to me and know I will heed
Your cries. I will answer your prayers.
Come before me and cast your cares
Lay them down at the foot of the cross
Salvation and freedom I offer at no cost
They are a gift to you because I love you
I want what's best for you, I'm telling you the truth
Trust that I am right, and I won't lead you wrong
When you're at your weakest, I will be strong
Just be still and know this one thing:
Know that I am God, your friend and king

How precious are the little feet
That follow in his footsteps
How precious are the tiny hands
That are placed within his own
How precious the shining eyes
That watch with awe and wonder
The mouth that smiles bright
And ears that hear silent thunder
How precious and how lovely
Is the heart of a little child
It is so full of truth and light
A love that is so free and wild
The eyes that pierce the veil of night
How rich and how blessed
Are those children of the King
How pure the voice and spirit sing
How precious are the young
And those that are young at heart
How lucky they are from the start
How great the soul to see his face
How fortunate to see him in every place
How precious and holy and pure
It is to be loved and feel so secure
Let the children come to me
How blessed the life of simplicity

My life is a reflection like a piece of mirrored glass
The sands of time creep on and one day I will pass
From this world to the place of angels and saints
And for the joy of perfect wonder my soul faints
In my life may I reflect on God, reflect with God
May I reflect God himself and shine his eternal light
May I be filled with hope and love and find the strength to fight
What do I mirror and do my words match what shows
Between good and evil in moments of decision I froze
Was I good enough for God and does it even matter
Such doubts cloud my heart and make Him even sadder
The old is gone away and behold a new creation
And the clean start fills my heart with elation
It is a time to reflect on the events of the past year
To count our many blessings and recognize He was here
A time to thank God for all he has graciously given
And to be grateful for another year of livin’
When people look at me do they see the Lord instead
Do I live in a way that follows what Jesus in the Bible said
I pray that each of us would reflect love, peace and truth
That we would support the elderly and build up our youth
May our lives be good examples for our children to follow
That our promises and words would not ring hollow
Let us be careful for our youth are watching carefully
And in all answers great and small let us give them prayerfully
Help us see beyond the surface to the secret place inside
To the ember of life that never dies and where darkness hides
Shine in us shine through us and shine within our hearts today
Help us Lord reflect you more and more each day

It is in dying that we come to life
It is in giving that we receive
It is in surrendering that we are freed
It is in losing ourselves that we are found
It is in silence that we hear
It is in consuming that we are consumed
It is in failing that we succeed
It is in stillness that there is movement
It is in sorrow that we find solace

All have been given different God-given gifts
To choose to use to grow to show
The love that we receive and the faith that we believe
To bring His kingdom down right here right now
To change the world, to change the lives
To change our very hearts and minds
To speak and act and think and pray
To make the most of every single day
Let His light shine through you
That you glow for someone who
Was lost and wandering
Someone searching for something
And maybe your gift and offering
Is what picks them up off the ground
And turns their whole world upside-down
You could be the answer God sends
Upon your loving "yes" a soul's fate depends