July-August 2022: Prayers and Reflections
The Pope’s Monthly Intention
July: For the elderly: We pray for the elderly, who represent the roots and memory of a people; may their experience and wisdom help young people to look towards the future with hope and responsibility.
August: For small businesses: We pray for small and medium-sized businesses; in the midst of economic and social crisis, may they find ways to continue operating, and serving their communities.
Prayer for a Blessing on a Long Life
God of mercy, you have given your children the gift of long life, and they ask for your blessing. Let them feel the tenderness and strength of your presence. As they look back to the past, let them rejoice in your mercy. As they look to the future, may they persevere in hope that does not fade. To you be praise and glory for ever.
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Prayer for Blessing of Grandparents
Lord God almighty, bless our grandparents with long life, happiness, and health. May they remain constant in your love and be living signs of your presence to their children and grandchildren. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Prayer to St Monica, Patroness of Mothers (Feast day 27 August)
Blessed Monica, mother of St Augustine,
we give thanks to our Father in Heaven
Who looked with mercy upon your tears
over your wayward son.
His conversion and heroic sanctification
were the fruit of your prayers.
Dear St Monica
we now ask you to pray with us
for all those sons and daughters that have wandered away from God,
and to add your prayers to those of all mothers
who are worried over their children.
Pray also for us that,
following your example, we may,
in the company of our children,
one day enjoy the eternal vision of our Father in Heaven.
Amen.
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Prayer of St Aidan of Lindsfarne (Feast day 31 August)
Leave me alone with God as much as may be.
As the tide draws the waters close in upon the shore,
Make me an island, set apart,
alone with you, God, holy to you.
Then with the turning of the tide
prepare me to carry your presence to the busy world beyond,
the world that rushes in on me
till the waters come again and fold me back to you.
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A Student’s Prayer at the Beginning of School Year
We give you praise, O God, for everything that is new and beautiful, for everything which holds promise and brings us joy.
Bless us as we start this new year with our friends and teachers Help us to make the most of every chance we have to start afresh.
May we show love to one another and to all. May the new beginning of this school year remind us that you give us chances to start over again and again.
Help us to forgive others as we receive your forgiveness. Help us to learn and to work together.
Help us to listen when we should and to know the best words when we speak and when it is better not to speak.
We thank you for our friends. Help us to be good friends this year.
Help us to be patient with ourselves and with others.
Bless our school and keep us safe. Be with us as we travel each day.
Help us to be aware of your love shown to us in the people around us.
Bless all those who care for us in school and at home.
Help us show our care for them and to say sorry when we need to.
May the Blessed Mother Mary protect us and help us to live as well as we can, giving thanks and glory to God as she did.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.