Memorial Day

This prayer was specially written for the National Moment of Remembrance.

Almighty God,
You loved humankind into being
and you bless us now with each precious moment of life.
Our hearts are grateful for your loving faithfulness.
Grateful, too, are we for the millions of loving acts
that blossom from human hearts around us every day

On this Memorial Day
help us to remember, with deepest gratitude and awe,
the extraordinary men and women who, out of love, gave their lives
to protect our beloved country and preserve our liberty.

Keep these fallen heroes in your loving care.
Help us to be ever mindful also of the wounded heroes in our midst
who, with valorous hearts, risked their lives that we might prosper
and that our children’s futures be secured.

Amen


Prayer written by
Rev. Lawrence Madden, S.J.

Resurrection Prayers

From Out of the Ordinary: Prayers, Poems and Reflections for Every Season by Joyce Rupp

So they left the tomb quickly with … great joy, and ran to tell his disciples (Mt 28:8)

Risen One, Bringer of Joy, plant the seeds of great gladness deep in the soil of my being. May I enjoy life, begin each day with enthusiasm, and become ever more aware of you.

And the women came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him (Mt 28:9)

Risen One, Beloved, draw me ever nearer to you. I offer you my love and devotion. I embrace you and bow to your beauty. May I commit my entire life ever more fully to you.

Mary Magdalene went out and told those who had been with him, while they were mourning and weeping. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it (Mk 16:10-11)

Risen One, Truth-Bringer, open my heart to hear your voice. May I listen deeply even when tears of sorrow moisten my heart. Erase my resistance to the surprising ways you choose to enter my life.

They found the stone rolled away from the tomb … (Luke 24:2)

Risen One, Tomb-Opener, you are the power I need. Roll away the stones of unloving. Push back the rocks of discontent. Shove aside the boulders of worry. Untomb me and set me free.

You can read more of Sister Joyce’s spiritual reflections here.