Lord, in every need let us come to You with humble trust saying, “Jesus, help us.”
In all our doubts, perplexities, and temptations, Jesus, help us.
In hours of loneliness, weariness, and trials, Jesus, help us.
In the failure of our plans and hopes; in disappointments, troubles, and sorrows, Jesus, help us.
When others fail us and Your grace alone can assist us, help us.
When we throw our self on Your tender love as a Father and Savior, Jesus, help us.
When our heart is cast down by failure at seeing no good come from our efforts, Jesus, help us.
When we feel impatient and our cross irritates us, Jesus, help us.
When we are ill and our head and hands cannot work and we are lonely, Jesus, help us.
Always, always, in spite of weakness, falls, and shortcomings of every kind, Jesus, help us and never forsake us.

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning.
3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. . . . 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. . . . . 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only Begotten, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. . . . . .17 grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only Begotten, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.

Prayer for Peace in Troubled Times

Dear Lord, in these troubled times make your presence known to all the peoples around the world so that they may see peace as the only way to salvation. Replace the anger and violence in our hearts with joy and tranquility and help us to seek the good in everyone. Cause us all to realize that without you we can do nothing that will bring us peace and joy. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayers. Amen.

I Took Your Place

One day, a man went to visit a church. He arrived early, parked his car, and got out. Another car pulled up near him, and the driver told him, “I always park there. You took my place!”

The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat, and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, ”That’s my seat! You took my place!” The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing.

After Sunday School, the visitor went into the church sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, “That’s where I always sit. You took my place!” The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still said nothing.

Later, as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, “What happened to you?”

The visitor replied,  “I took your place.”



A Prayer of Gratitude for God’s Blessings

O Lord and Vivifier,
Your grace has achieved for us
all that You had spoken and promised.
Grant us access to the place of Your peace.
For You are our Vivifier,
You are our Consoler,
You are our life Remedy,
You are our Standard of Victory.

Blessed are we, O Lord,
because we have known You!

Blessed are we,
because we have believed in You!

Blessed are we,
because we bear Your wounds
and the sign of Your Blood on our contenances!

Blessed are we,
because You are our great hope!

Blessed are we.