Prayers by Parishioners

The absence of your presence haunts me.

Strands of your hair curled on the bathroom floor,
your impression still formed on the cushion where you used to sit,
your dreamy image rounding the rooms with me in puzzled pursuit.

I feel the breath of your soft laughter on my check, your smiles
winking at me, praises encouraging, discover your candy stash,
and balled up hankies in various pockets.

And yet, when God called you, you left - so suddenly it was as if
I barely caught my breath from a sneeze and you were gone. And
now I feel lost, like a child left alone in a busy playground
wondering what to do next.

Your life left a mark on so many people. You had a way to gather
people around you, sprinkled them with a generous dousing of
love and kindness, mirth and hugs, supplied them with food and
laughter, added a batch of merriment, stirred frequently, and
everyone always left full and happy.

You loved Luke, you loved us, you loved opera and
dance, Italian culture and Jeopardy, travel and chocolate,
living independently and sharing time with those you loved.

Despite your medical burdens, you never complained,
rather, you offered peace and consolation to others.

And I find myself writing in the past tense and so
wanting it to be in the present tense so I could tell you
one more time how much I love you and that I really
mean it, not that I loved you and really meant it.

You are still with me though. You’re reading over my
shoulder. It’s really your hand on my shoulder, you
wiping away my tears, stroking my cheeks and gently
whispering you’ll be with me always.

So, best to say, Arrivederci...a presto.

- Your loving daughters, grandchildren, sons-in-law, and numerous relatives.

Morning Prayers

When I was born I was dropped off at the very edge of the earth; My life is seeking and staying on the road, The one that will guide me until I am home again into the arms of my heavenly Father. Amen
-By Paula Cipolla

Thank you for another day, for life itself, for every breath I take. Please walk with me today and help me to show Your love to all those I encounter. Guide me in Your ways, 0 Lord, and be my constant companion throughout this day. Amen
-By Dick Malloy

Thank you God, for making birds that sing. Thank you God for making people different. But most of all, thank you for making the world fun.
-By Jackson Studzinski

Dear Lord, As the sun rises on this day let us be mindful that it is setting on another part of the world, much of which does not share our faith. We pray that, while we are faith-filled, may we not be fearful of those whose faith is not ours. And let us always remember that if we are all God’s children, then we are all brothers and sisters. Amen
-By Larry Cali

My God, I praise you and thank you for this new day of life. Thank you for placing me right here. Please be at the center of my heart, my words and my actions this day. May I offer them as a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to You. Please help me be aware of your presence in each person I meet this day and to be truly present to each of them. Amen.
-By Molly Malloy

Blessed be you, Lord God of all creation. Thank you for this beautiful little planet and my place on it. Oh Lord, I love the beauty of Your house and the place where glory dwells. May I respect your earth this day. Jesus, my love, I love you. I repent for having offended you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me as you will. Holy Spirit of God, be with me in every breath I take this day. Amen.
-By Monica Bradley

Lord, thank you for this day. I pray I’ll be mindful of your many gifts and blessings as I go about my tasks. Also help me to see you in all the faces I meet and please continue to watch over me and guide my steps along the way. Amen.
-By Valentina Visscher

This morning, in this moment. As I awaken with eyes still shut, let me see you, feel your presence, hear you in my breath. Please, God, stay with me as I rise and as I kneel
down. To thank you for this morning, this moment, just this. Amen.
-By Tamara Smith

Dear Lord, thank you for another day, for life itself, for every breath I take. Please walk with me today and help me to show Your love to all those I encounter. Guide me in Your ways, O Lord, and be my constant companion throughout this day. Amen.
-By Dick Malloy

Evening Prayers

My Lord and my God,I praise You and thank You for this day and your unconditional love and abundant blessings. Once again, I ask You to please enfold each of our loved ones in your loving arms. Please continue to hold close all the sick we have been praying for. Once again we ask you to show us how to bring peace to our world. And please bless us with a good night’s rest. Amen.
-By an anonymous parishioner

Oh, Lord, this day is done. I kneel, tired. I give thanks for the many blessings of the day and ask for Your grace on those who this night are in special need of your presence. I pray always – keep me on your path. Amen.
-By Paul Kramer

Dear Lord, be with me at day’s end. Hold me through
tomorrow’s dawn. Be with me at the end of days.
Keep me yours now and forever. Amen.
-By Paul Martin

O God, thank you for getting me through today okay. Please keep me safe through tonight. I know if you ever quit thinking about us we would all cease to exist. Thank you for everything you’ve done for us, particularly the gift you give us through Jesus, your Son. Until
Tomorrow. Amen.
-By Rich Schneider

Dear Lord, as I close my eyes tonight, help me to look back on this day with peace in my heart. Peace from the knowledge that I have done my best, that I have made someone smile, that I acknowledged Your presence in my life. Allow me to sleep softly, knowing
that You are holding me, watching over me, taking care of me and doing what You think is best for me. Restore me tonight so that I may awaken with energy and focus to make tomorrow joyful and positive. Help me to live in the present and to enjoy the individual moments of each day. Amen
-By Irene Hopkins

Thank you for this day – for its challenges, blessings and promises for tomorrow. Help me be ever mindful that each day is a gift t be accepted and used with great care. Thank you for walking with me today, for guiding me through triumphs and disappointments, the joys and sorrows. I pray for a restful night’s sleep, that I may wake ready to face the challenges of the new day. And I pray that I will be mindful of You and Your blessings – this night, tomorrow and always. Amen.
-By Diane Carroll

As the sun goes down, God bless us and our homes. Bring good sleep to the earth and make us comfy. Amen.
-By Keegan White

Dear Lord,
Thank You for today and the gift of giving and receiving love. Thank You for the people who have been and will be a part of my life. I pray that tomorrow and each day I will take the time to look for You and listen for Your voice in every person I meet. Amen.
-ByMarianne Bichsel