Today's prayer ·
A Monday morning prayer as a living temple
Father of every new beginning, thank you for waking me this Monday morning. Before the emails, the traffic and the list of tasks, I pause to say that this breath, this light and this day are your gift. Today the Church celebrates the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the cathedral of Rome and mother of all churches. As I give thanks for that house of prayer, I remember your word: "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16). Holy Spirit, make your home in me today. Sweep out what is cluttered and resentful, and keep my heart a place where you are welcome. I offer you the work of this week: the meetings and the chores, the work I enjoy and the work I would rather avoid. Let my hands be honest and my words kind. Bless the people I will meet: my family at the breakfast table, my colleagues, my neighbours, the stranger who needs patience from me. Where a relationship is strained, give me the courage to take the first gentle step. In this month of remembrance, I commend to your mercy all the faithful departed, especially those I have loved and lost. Grant them rest and let them see your face. Lord, give me strength for the hours ahead and protect me from harm, from discouragement and from careless sin. When I grow tired, remind me that I am not alone, for your Spirit dwells within. When evening comes, let me return to you with a grateful heart. Amen.
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