Lord Jesus, today we bring to You each man, woman and child seeking You. We pray that those who desperately wish to attend a retreat can do so soon. Remove the hindrances, anxieties, people and negative circumstances that are blocking their plans. We surrender each person and their desire to know You fully, at the foot of the cross. May their cries reach Your ears today and may they get the deliverance only You can give. Amen.
Lord Jesus, we pass people every day who need a demonstration of Your love – friends, family, strangers. May we search for ways to show extravagant gestures of gracious love, and outlandish acts of kindness. Make us people who set a primary goal – of doing daily deeds for which we cannot be repaid but in heaven. Set our hearts on fire for people who do not know You. Precious Savior, consume us with compassion for the desperate and downtrodden. Let us pour our lives out into Your kind of love. Amen.
Lord Jesus, on this day we bring to You leaders of our churches, countries, organisations and homes. We pray that they are fine men and women who always listen to their conscience and have the guts to obey it, whatever may be the price. May Your Holy Spirit be with them every step of the way, building groups and people, not breaking them. Bring Your qualities of mercy, justice and honesty into their daily lifestyles. Strengthen those of us who are called to be leaders. Bless in a special way those who are following helplessly, especially an unjust regime. Amen.
Lord Jesus, You taught us a valuable lesson about loving those who hate us. We now pray for each person whom we have harmed and who has harmed us in any way. Sweet Jesus, let Your healing and love flow. Let peace be established. May Your children stop hurting each other through their thoughts, words and deeds. Bless each one of our enemies mightily today. Specially bless our family and friends – our dear ones who treat us like enemies now. Amen.
Lord Jesus, today we bring to You, the Fountain of all Holiness – a desire for our purification. Cleanse us of all iniquity; keep our souls holy, our minds clean and our bodies chaste. When evil tries to taunt and entice us with sin, keep us protected. Let today be the beginning of our sanctification. Create in us clean hearts and seal our senses with Your Precious Blood. May we be ready to receive You, the babe in the manger, all over again, with all the true honour You deserve. Amen.
