Be as simple as a child: always see the best in everyone and with good intention, excuse the one who hurts you, seeing whatever harm he does as the result of some temptation.

What destroys community is judging other people's actions while losing sight of one's own. St. Paul of the Cross

Morning

Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.
A clean heart create for me,
O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
and your holy spirit take not from me.
Cleanse me of sin with hyssop,
that I may be purified;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness;
the bones you have crushed shall rejoice. Psalm 51

Reading

Never let evil talk pass your lips; say only the good things people need to hear, things that will really help them. do nothing that will sadden the Holy Spirit with whom you were sealed against the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, all passion and anger, harsh words, slander, and malice of every kind. In place of these, be kind to one another, compassionate, and mutually forgiving, just as God has forgiven you in Christ. Ephesians 4:29-32

Intercessions

We give you thanks, Lord, for you are rich in mercy,
--for the great love with which you have loved us.
You are acting always in the world by the power of your Spirit,
--making all things new.
Open our eyes today, and those of our brothers and sisters
--that we may see your wonders.

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Evening

My God, every day I praise you,
my voice blending with the prayer of every generation.

You are good and merciful,
slow to anger and of great kindness.
The Lord is faithful in all his words and holy in all his works.
The Lord lifts up all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look hopefully to you,
and you give them their food in due season;
You open your hand and satisfy the desire
of every living thing. Psalm 145

Glory to the Father. . .

Reading

Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Trial, or distress, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or the sword? Yet in all this we are more than conquerors because of him who has loved us. Romans 8:35-37

Intercessions

Jesus, who died on the Cross for us, forgive the sins we have committed this day,
--Lord, hear us! Lord, help us!
Jesus, conqueror of death, take our deceased brothers and sisters with you into paradise,
--Lord, hear us! Lord, help us!
Jesus, born of Mary, give us a readiness like hers to welcome your word,
--Lord, hear us! Lord, help us!

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Index for Lord, Teach Us How to Pray

Text and prayers by Victor Hoagland, C.P.
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