December 2014 Prayers

John 1:1-181 In the beginning was the Word: the Word was with God and the Word was God.2 He was with God in the beginning.3 Through him all things came into being, not one thing came into being except through him.4 What has come into being in him was life, life that was the light of men;5 and light shines in darkness, and darkness could not overpower it.6 A man came, sent by God. His name was John.7 He came as a witness, to bear witness to the light, so that everyone might believe through him.8 He was not the light, he was to bear witness to the light.9 The Word was the real light that gives light to everyone; he was coming into the world.10 He was in the world that had come into being through him, and the world did not recognise him.11 He came to his own and his own people did not accept him.12 But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believed in his name13 who were born not from human stock or human desire or human will but from God himself.14 The Word became flesh, he lived among us, and we saw his glory, the glory that he has from the Father as only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.15 John witnesses to him. He proclaims: 'This is the one of whom I said: He who comes after me has passed ahead of me because he existed before me.'16 Indeed, from his fullness we have, all of us, received -- one gift replacing another,17 for the Law was given through Moses, grace and truth have come through Jesus Christ.18 No one has ever seen God; it is the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known.

Psalms 96:1-2, 11-12, 131 Sing a new song to Yahweh! Sing to Yahweh, all the earth!2 Sing to Yahweh, bless his name! Proclaim his salvation day after day,11 Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad! Let the sea thunder, and all it holds!12 Let the countryside exult, and all that is in it, and all the trees of the forest cry out for joy,13 at Yahweh's approach, for he is coming, coming to judge the earth; he will judge the world with saving justice, and the nations with constancy.

First John 2:18-2118 Children, this is the final hour; you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, and now many Antichrists have already come; from this we know that it is the final hour.19 They have gone from among us, but they never really belonged to us; if they had belonged to us, they would have stayed with us. But this was to prove that not one of them belonged to us.20 But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and have all received knowledge.21 I have written to you not because you are ignorant of the truth, but because you are well aware of it, and because no lie can come from the truth.

First John 2:12-1712 I am writing to you, children, because your sins have been forgiven through his name.13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you have come to know the One who has existed since the beginning. I am writing to you, young people, because you have overcome the Evil One.14 I have written to you, children, because you have come to know the Father. I have written to you, parents, because you have come to know the One who has existed since the beginning. I have written to you, young people, because you are strong, and God's word remains in you, and you have overcome the Evil One.15 Do not love the world or what is in the world. If anyone does love the world, the love of the Father finds no place in him,16 because everything there is in the world -- disordered bodily desires, disordered desires of the eyes, pride in possession -- is not from the Father but is from the world.17 And the world, with all its disordered desires, is passing away. But whoever does the will of God remains for ever.

Luke 2:22-3522 And when the day came for them to be purified in keeping with the Law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord-23 observing what is written in the Law of the Lord: Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord-24 and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is prescribed in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.25 Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to the restoration of Israel and the Holy Spirit rested on him.26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord.27 Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the Law required,28 he took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said:29 Now, Master, you are letting your servant go in peace as you promised;30 for my eyes have seen the salvation31 which you have made ready in the sight of the nations;32 a light of revelation for the gentiles and glory for your people Israel.33 As the child's father and mother were wondering at the things that were being said about him,34 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, 'Look, he is destined for the fall and for the rise of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is opposed-35 and a sword will pierce your soul too -- so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.'

First John 2:3-113 In this way we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.4 Whoever says, 'I know him' without keeping his commandments, is a liar, and truth has no place in him.5 But anyone who does keep his word, in such a one God's love truly reaches its perfection. This is the proof that we are in God.6 Whoever claims to remain in him must act as he acted.7 My dear friends, this is not a new commandment I am writing for you, but an old commandment that you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the message you have heard.8 Yet in another way, I am writing a new commandment for you -- and this is true for you, just as much as for him -- for darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.9 Whoever claims to be in light but hates his brother is still in darkness.10 Anyone who loves his brother remains in light and there is in him nothing to make him fall away.11 But whoever hates his brother is in darkness and is walking about in darkness not knowing where he is going, because darkness has blinded him.

Luke 2:22-4022 And when the day came for them to be purified in keeping with the Law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord-23 observing what is written in the Law of the Lord: Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord-24 and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is prescribed in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.25 Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to the restoration of Israel and the Holy Spirit rested on him.26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord.27 Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the Law required,28 he took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said:29 Now, Master, you are letting your servant go in peace as you promised;30 for my eyes have seen the salvation31 which you have made ready in the sight of the nations;32 a light of revelation for the gentiles and glory for your people Israel.33 As the child's father and mother were wondering at the things that were being said about him,34 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, 'Look, he is destined for the fall and for the rise of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is opposed-35 and a sword will pierce your soul too -- so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.'36 There was a prophetess, too, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well on in years. Her days of girlhood over, she had been married for seven years37 before becoming a widow. She was now eighty-four years old and never left the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer.38 She came up just at that moment and began to praise God; and she spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem.39 When they had done everything the Law of the Lord required, they went back to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.40 And as the child grew to maturity, he was filled with wisdom; and God's favour was with him.

Psalms 128:1-2, 3, 4-51 [Song of Ascents] How blessed are all who fear Yahweh, who walk in his ways!2 Your own labours will yield you a living, happy and prosperous will you be.3 Your wife a fruitful vine in the inner places of your house. Your children round your table like shoots of an olive tree.4 Such are the blessings that fall on those who fear Yahweh.5 May Yahweh bless you from Zion! May you see Jerusalem prosper all the days of your life,

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-142 for the Lord honours the father above his children and upholds the rights of a mother over her sons.3 Whoever respects a father expiates sins,4 whoever honours a mother is like someone amassing a fortune.5 Whoever respects a father will in turn be happy with children, the day he prays for help, he will be heard.6 Long life comes to anyone who honours a father, whoever obeys the Lord makes a mother happy.12 My child, support your father in his old age, do not grieve him during his life.13 Even if his mind should fail, show him sympathy, do not despise him in your health and strength;14 for kindness to a father will not be forgotten but will serve as reparation for your sins.

John 20:2-82 and came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. 'They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,' she said, 'and we don't know where they have put him.'3 So Peter set out with the other disciple to go to the tomb.4 They ran together, but the other disciple, running faster than Peter, reached the tomb first;5 he bent down and saw the linen cloths lying on the ground, but did not go in.6 Simon Peter, following him, also came up, went into the tomb, saw the linen cloths lying on the ground7 and also the cloth that had been over his head; this was not with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself.8 Then the other disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in; he saw and he believed.

Matthew 10:17-2217 'Be prepared for people to hand you over to sanhedrins and scourge you in their synagogues.18 You will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, as evidence to them and to the gentiles.19 But when you are handed over, do not worry about how to speak or what to say; what you are to say will be given to you when the time comes,20 because it is not you who will be speaking; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you.21 'Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will come forward against their parents and have them put to death.22 You will be universally hated on account of my name; but anyone who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Psalms 31:3-4, 6, 7, 8, 17, 213 You are my rock, my rampart; true to your name, lead me and guide me!4 Draw me out of the net they have spread for me, for you are my refuge;6 you hate those who serve useless idols; but my trust is in Yahweh:7 I will delight and rejoice in your faithful love! You, who have seen my misery, and witnessed the miseries of my soul,8 have not handed me over to the enemy, but have given me freedom to roam at large.17 I call on you, Yahweh, so let disgrace fall not on me, but on the wicked. Let them go down to Sheol in silence,21 Blessed be Yahweh who works for me miracles of his faithful love (in a fortified city)!

Luke 2:15-2015 Now it happened that when the angels had gone from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let us go to Bethlehem and see this event which the Lord has made known to us.'16 So they hurried away and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger.17 When they saw the child they repeated what they had been told about him,18 and everyone who heard it was astonished at what the shepherds said to them.19 As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.20 And the shepherds went back glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as they had been told.

Those who love peace will die exercising it. Those who speak of peace but in their hearts love war will always find a reason to keep controversies alive. A true lover of peace has visited the Heart of Jesus. For Christ is peace, and without Christ there can never be peace.If you love Christ Jesus, seek to be a peace maker. Love where there is hatred; be generous in all your dealings with those around you; forgive whenever you have been wronged. Let people find your heart as welcoming as you find the Heart of Jesus when you come to Him for forgiveness and reconciliation. Let us pray: Jesus Christ our Lord, your Heart is Holy; your Heart is Perfect; your Heart is Love. There is no heart like yours. For that reason, your Heart is the Sacred Heart!Let us enter into your Sacred Heart so that we can experience true peace. Allow us to live in your Sacred Heart so that we can go into the world filled with your love, mercy and compassion. Let our hearts stop beating for worldly things and help our hearts beat for you alone. For You alone are the Holy One; You alone are our Lord; You alone are our Savior. Amen.

Genesis 49:2, 8-102 Gather round, sons of Jacob, and listen; listen to Israel your father.8 Judah, your brothers will praise you: you grip your enemies by the neck, your father's sons will do you homage.9 Judah is a lion's whelp; You stand over your prey, my son. Like a lion he crouches and lies down, a mighty lion: who dare rouse him?10 The sceptre shall not pass from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until tribute be brought him and the peoples render him obedience.

Matthew 21:28-3228 'What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He went and said to the first, "My boy, go and work in the vineyard today."29 He answered, "I will not go," but afterwards thought better of it and went.30 The man then went and said the same thing to the second who answered, "Certainly, sir," but did not go.31 Which of the two did the father's will?' They said, 'The first.' Jesus said to them, 'In truth I tell you, tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom of God before you.32 For John came to you, showing the way of uprightness, but you did not believe him, and yet the tax collectors and prostitutes did. Even after seeing that, you refused to think better of it and believe in him.

Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-131 Disaster to the rebellious, the befouled, the tyrannical city!2 She has not listened to the call, she has not bowed to correction, she has not trusted in Yahweh, she has not drawn near to her God.9 Yes, then I shall purge the lips of the peoples, so that all may invoke the name of Yahweh and serve him shoulder to shoulder.10 From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia, my suppliants will bring me tribute.11 When that Day comes you will never again be ashamed of all the deeds with which you once rebelled against me, for I shall rid you of those who exult in your pride; never again will you strut on my holy mountain.12 But in you I shall leave surviving a humble and lowly people,13 and those who are left in Israel will take refuge in the name of Yahweh. They will do no wrong, will tell no lies; nor will a deceitful tongue be found in their mouths. But they will be able to graze and rest with no one to alarm them.

Psalms 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-94 DIRECT me in your ways, Yahweh, and teach me your paths.5 ENCOURAGE me to walk in your truth and teach me since you are the God who saves me. FOR my hope is in you all day long -- such is your generosity, Yahweh.6 GOODNESS and faithful love have been yours for ever, Yahweh, do not forget them.7 HOLD not my youthful sins against me, but remember me as your faithful love dictates.8 INTEGRITY and generosity are marks of Yahweh for he brings sinners back to the path.9 JUDICIOUSLY he guides the humble, instructing the poor in his way.

Matthew 18:12-1412 'Tell me. Suppose a man has a hundred sheep and one of them strays; will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go in search of the stray?13 In truth I tell you, if he finds it, it gives him more joy than do the ninety-nine that did not stray at all.14 Similarly, it is never the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.

Job 9:1-12, 14-161 Job spoke next. He said:2 Indeed, I know it is as you say: how could anyone claim to be upright before God?3 Anyone trying to argue matters with him, could not give him one answer in a thousand.4 Among the wisest and the hardiest, who then can successfully defy him?5 He moves the mountains, though they do not know it; he throws them down when he is angry.6 He shakes the earth, and moves it from its place, making all its pillars tremble.7 The sun, at his command, forbears to rise, and on the stars he sets a seal.8 He and no other has stretched out the heavens and trampled on the back of the Sea.9 He has made the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the Mansions of the South.10 The works he does are great and unfathomable, and his marvels cannot be counted.11 If he passes me, I do not see him; he slips by, imperceptible to me.12 If he snatches his prey, who is going to stop him or dare to ask, 'What are you doing?'14 And here am I, proposing to defend myself and select my arguments against him!15 Even if I am upright, what point is there in answering him? I can only plead for mercy with my judge!16 And if he deigned to answer my citation, I cannot believe he would listen to what I said,

Genesis 3:9-15, 209 But Yahweh God called to the man. 'Where are you?' he asked.10 'I heard the sound of you in the garden,' he replied. 'I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.'11 'Who told you that you were naked?' he asked. 'Have you been eating from the tree I forbade you to eat?'12 The man replied, 'It was the woman you put with me; she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.'13 Then Yahweh God said to the woman, 'Why did you do that?' The woman replied, 'The snake tempted me and I ate.'14 Then Yahweh God said to the snake, 'Because you have done this, Accursed be you of all animals wild and tame! On your belly you will go and on dust you will feed as long as you live.15 I shall put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; it will bruise your head and you will strike its heel.'20 The man named his wife 'Eve' because she was the mother of all those who live.

Isaiah 26:1-61 That day, this song will be sung in Judah: 'We have a fortress city, the walls and ramparts provide safety.2 Open the gates! Let the upright nation come in, the nation that keeps faith!3 This is the plan decreed: you will guarantee peace, the peace entrusted to you.4 Trust in Yahweh for ever, for Yahweh is a rock for ever.5 He has brought low the dwellers on the heights, the lofty citadel; he lays it low, brings it to the ground, flings it down in the dust.6 It will be trodden under foot, by the feet of the needy, the steps of the weak.'

Psalms 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 61 [Psalm Of David] Yahweh is my shepherd, I lack nothing.2 In grassy meadows he lets me lie. By tranquil streams he leads me3 to restore my spirit. He guides me in paths of saving justice as befits his name.4 Even were I to walk in a ravine as dark as death I should fear no danger, for you are at my side. Your staff and your crook are there to soothe me.5 You prepare a table for me under the eyes of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup brims over.6 Kindness and faithful love pursue me every day of my life. I make my home in the house of Yahweh for all time to come.

Isaiah 11:1-101 A shoot will spring from the stock of Jesse, a new shoot will grow from his roots.2 On him will rest the spirit of Yahweh, the spirit of wisdom and insight, the spirit of counsel and power, the spirit of knowledge and fear of Yahweh:3 his inspiration will lie in fearing Yahweh. His judgement will not be by appearances. his verdict not given on hearsay.4 He will judge the weak with integrity and give fair sentence for the humblest in the land. He will strike the country with the rod of his mouth and with the breath of his lips bring death to the wicked.5 Uprightness will be the belt around his waist, and constancy the belt about his hips.6 The wolf will live with the lamb, the panther lie down with the kid, calf, lion and fat-stock beast together, with a little boy to lead them.7 The cow and the bear will graze, their young will lie down together. The lion will eat hay like the ox.8 The infant will play over the den of the adder; the baby will put his hand into the viper's lair.9 No hurt, no harm will be done on all my holy mountain, for the country will be full of knowledge of Yahweh as the waters cover the sea.10 That day, the root of Jesse, standing as a signal for the peoples, will be sought out by the nations and its home will be glorious.