The troubles we have in life, if we see them as part of God's loving plan and accept them as being what he wants for us, will actually help us to grow in knowledge and love of him.

Even when things are at their worst, keep your peace of heart and accept whatever God sends you as being for your good.
St. Paul of the Cross

Morning

Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands;
serve the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful song.
Know that the Lord is God;
he made us, his we are;
his people, the flock he tends.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
his courts with praise;
Give thanks to him;
bless his name, for
he is good:
the Lord,
whose kindness endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100

Glory to the Father. . .

Reading

All of you should be like-minded, sympathetic, loving toward one another, kindly disposed, and humble. Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult. Return a blessing instead. This you have been called to do, that you may receive a blessing as your inheritance. 1 Peter 3:8-9

Intercessions

Lord, our refuge and strength, listen to our praise at the beginning of this day,
--teach us to praise you without end.
In you we place our faith and hope,
--that our waiting might be rewarded.
You know our needs and come to our aid,
--without you we can do nothing.
Remember the poor and unfortunate,
--may this day not be a burden to them.

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Evening

Lord, I thank you for the many times you gave me help,
always listening when I called.

In my darkest moments,
when all seemed to be lost,
there you were, at my side.

The Lord always listens and has pity;
the Lord always comes to our help.

Our mourning you change into dancing;
you always clothe us with joy. Psalm 30

Reading

There is cause for rejoicing here. You may for a time have to suffer the distress of many trials; but this is so that your faith, which is more precious than the passing splendor of fire-tried gold, may by its genuineness lead to praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ appears. Although you have never seen him, you love him, and without seeing you now believe in him, and rejoice with inexpressible joy touched with glory you are achieving faith's goal, your salvation. 1 Peter 1:6-9

Intercessions

We praise you, God our Father, for the life you give us today,
--blessed are you, O Lord.
We praise you for your Son who fills us with wisdom and knowledge,
--blessed are you, O Lord.
We praise you, Father of mercies, for preserving us from temptation,
--blessed are you, O Lord.

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Index for Lord, Teach Us How to Pray

Text and prayers by Victor Hoagland, C.P.
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