A Mother's Prayer

Father in heaven,

grant me the grace to appreciate the dignity

which you have conferred on me.

Let me realize that not even the Angels

have been blessed with such a privilege—

to share in your creative miracle

and bring new Saints to heaven.

Make me a good mother to all my children

after the example of Mary,

the Mother of your Son.

Through the intercession of Jesus and Mary

I ask your continued blessings on my family.

Let us all be dedicated to your service on earth

and attain the eternal happiness of your kingdom in heaven.

Amen

A Child's Prayer

Dear Blessed Mother Mary,

help my mom to be a good mother.

Give her peace and wisdom,

strength and courage,

grace and happiness.

Be nearby when she needs help.

Keep her close to your Son, Jesus.

Help me to always show my mom

how very much I love her.

Amen.

From the Loyola Kids Book of Everyday Prayers

Help Online, from Around the World

Ten years ago, Andy Alexander, S.J., and Maureen McCann Waldron created the Online Ministries web site, through the Collaborative Ministry Office of Creighton University. "While building a ministry online, initially for our own faculty and staff at Creighton, we discovered that the World Wide Web could be a tremendous way to provide support for the lives of busy contemplatives in action".

Access some of their favorite online partners in ministry from around the world:

Sacred Space

Center for Liturgy Sunday Web Page

Pray-as-you-go: The English Jesuits

Orientations for Spiritual Growth: Canadian Jesuits

Daily Prayer Online: The Australian Jesuits

The Daily Word of God: The Jesuits of Singapore

Jesuit Saints and Martyrs: The Jesuits of Singapore

Daily Reflections:
By Creighton Univ. staff and faculty

Daily Reflections:
By Creighton Univ. students

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer:

Online Retreat for Busy People

Audio Retreats

The Beatitudes Matthew 5:3-11 are the Gospel's commentary on "attitude". The following are "Commonsense Be-Attitudes" written by Fr. Joseph Folliet and found in A Canopy of Stars: Reflections for the Journey, by Fr. Christopher Gleeson, S.J. [David Lovell Publishing 2003]  

v Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves; they will always have entertainment.

v Blessed are those who can distinguish between a mountain and a molehill; they will save themselves a lot of trouble.

v Blessed  are those who can rest and sleep without looking for excuses; they will become wise.

v Blessed are those who are intelligent enough not to take themselves too seriously; they will be appreciated.

v Blessed are you if you can look seriously at small things and peacefully at serious things; you will go far in life.

v Blessed are you if you can admire a smile and forget a scowl; your path will be sunlit.

v Blessed are you if you can always interpret the attitudes of others with good will, even when appearances are to the contrary; you may seem naive, but that is the price of charity.

v Blessed are those who think before acting and who laugh before thinking; they will avoid foolish mistakes.

v Blessed are you if you know how to be silent and smile, even when you are interrupted, contradicted or walked on; the gospel is beginning to take root in your heart.

v Blessed are you especially if you know how to recognize the Lord in all those you meet; you have found the true light, true wisdom.

Five Finger Prayer

1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis said, “a sweet duty."

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president no matter how you voted, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.