Prayer Service: Becoming the People of God
A prayer service.
In Class Prayer Services
188 results
Video
Children Pray the Lord's Prayer
This video is an example of the video you can create with the children for an additional activity.
Document
Guided Meditation before the Blessed Sacrament
An outline and script for a guided meditation before the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle. Have you explored Go Seek Find: Discover God’s Treasures yet? This one-of-a-kind sacrament prep program will help children discover how preparing for the sacraments is …
Document
Friendship and Forgiveness Prayer Space
An activity, including a discussion and a craft, on forgiving friends and family members, based on The Catholic Children’s Bible featured story “Jesus Teaches Us to Forgive”, Matthew 18:21–35.
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Walk with Me
The song/video "Walk with Me," by Jesus Culture, available on YouTube (10:22) with lyrics, is simple and powerful. It is best used on day 3.
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Make Me a Channel of Your Peace
The song/video "Make Me a Channel of Your Peace," available on YouTube (3:39) with images, photos, and lyrics, is best used on day 3.
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Let There Be Peace on Earth—Sing Along
The song/video "Let There Be Peace on Earth—Sing Along," available on YouTube (2:41) with photos and lyrics, is best used on day 2.
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Open My Eyes
The song/video "Open My Eyes," by Jesse Manibusan, available on YouTube (2:54) with lyrics, is best used on day 1.
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Take, Lord, Receive
The song/video "Take, Lord, Receive," by John Foley and the Saint Louis Jesuits, in Memory of Fr. Bob Bedard C.C., available on YouTube (4:27), is best used on day 1.
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Be Not Afraid—St. Louis Jesuits & Bob Dufford, S.J.
The song/video "Be Not Afraid—St. Louis Jesuits & Bob Dufford, S.J.," available on YouTube (4:36), is best used on day 4.
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A Mighty Fortress Is Our God—Haven of Rest Quartet (Acapella)
The song/video "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God—Haven of Rest Quartet (Acapella)," available on YouTube (2:46) with lyrics, is best used on day 2.
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Palestrina—Sicut cervus
The song/video "Palestrina—Sicut cervus," performed by the Cambridge Singers, available on YouTube (3:17) with lyrics, is best used on day 1.
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Gregorian Chant
The song/video "Gregorian Chant," performed by the Monastic Choir of the Abbey of St. Pierre de Solesmes, in 1930, is available on YouTube (45:19). The Abbey of Solesmes is a Benedictine monastery renowned for its teaching of chant. The first …
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Christ Be Our Light
The song/video "Christ Be Our Light," by Bernadette Farrell, is available on YouTube (3:34) with lyrics and nature scenes. It is best on day 3 or day 4.
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This Little Light of Mine
The song/video "This Little Light of Mine," by Harry Dixon Loes (University of New Hampshire), is available on YouTube (2:34). It is best used for closing prayer on day 1.
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We Are the Light of the World
The song/video "We Are the Light of the World," by Jean A. Greif, available on YouTube (2:58) with lyrics, is the Beatitudes set to music. It is best used for opening prayer on day 1.
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Love Knows No End
The song/video "Love Knows No End," by Hillsong Live, available on YouTube (5:24) with lyrics, is best used on day 4 as a closing prayer.
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Forgiveness
The song/video "Forgiveness," by Matthew West, available on YouTube (4:26) with lyrics, is best on day 3
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Let It Go
The song/video "Let It Go," by Tenth Avenue North, available on YouTube (3:19) with lyrics, is best on day 2.
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Abba Father
The song/video "Abba Father," by Klaus Kuehn with Kari Jobe, available on YouTube (6:01), is best on day 3.
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Come Worship the Lord
The song/video "Come Worship the Lord," by John Michael Talbot, is available on YouTube (7:58). Point out that this song is based on Psalm 95. Commentary includes an explanation of the liturgy as a dance, with gestures. You may want …
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10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
The song/video "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)," by Matt Redman, available on YouTube (4:22), encompasses the entire day in worship. This song/video may be used as the hymn with Midday Prayer on day 3.
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I Lift Up My Soul
The song/video "I Lift Up My Soul," by Tim Manion and the Saint Louis Jesuits, available on YouTube (3:00) with lyrics, shows views of Catholic liturgy and prayer as well as natural scenes. It is best used on days 1 …
Video
Everyday God—Be with Us
The song/video "Everyday God—Be with Us," available on YouTube (4:54), is appropriate as an opening or closing prayer on any day. There are several videos of "Everyday God," by Bernadette Farrell, on YouTube. One, uploaded by Weng Daquilanea, uses slides …
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God Has Chosen Me
The song/video "God Has Chosen Me," by Bernadette Farrell, is available on YouTube (2:12). It is best used on day 1 or day 2.
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If God Be for Us
The song/video "If God Be for Us," by Zeal for Zion, available on YouTube (2:00), is based on Romans 8:31. It is best used on day 4.
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Jesus the Lord
The song/video "Jesus the Lord," by Roc O’Connor and the Saint Louis Jesuits,” available on YouTube (6:24) with lyrics, is best used on day 4.
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Day by Day
The song/video "Day by Day," performed by the cast of Godspell, available on YouTube (3:27), is a musical setting of the Prayer of Saint Richard of Chichester. The students might like seeing the recording studio ambience. Appropriate for any day, …
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Top 40 Worship Songs—United States (by CCLI popularity)
The playlist "Top 40 Worship Songs—United States (by CCLI popularity)," by Stone Family Church-Home, available on YouTube with lyrics, is a compilation of forty songs/videos by various contemporary artists. It is useful as a reference for various prayerful songs on …
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Just Say Jesus
The song/video "Just Say Jesus," by 7eventh Time Down,” available on YouTube (2:41) with lyrics, is best used on day 4, perhaps as the opening or closing prayer.
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Holding Nothing Back
The song/video "Holding Nothing Back," by Ryan Stevenson, is available on YouTube (3:36) with lyrics. Mary holds nothing back from God. It is best used on day 2.
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Magnificat (with Wexford Carol)
The song/video "Magnificat (with Wexford Carol)," by Keith & Kristyn Getty,” available on YouTube (4:53) with lyrics, is a song based on the Magnificat. It is best used on day 2.
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Magnificat—Mary’s Song
The song/video "Magnificat—Mary’s Song," composed by Todd Agnew & performed by Christy Nockels, available on YouTube (5:08) with lyrics, is the Magnificat in contemporary language illustrated with scenes from nature. It is best used on day 2.
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Magnificat
The song/video "Magnificat," by John Michael Talbot, available on YouTube (5:53), includes a slideshow of Marian art. It is best used on day 2.
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As Morning Breaks (Ps. 63)
The song/video "As Morning Breaks (Ps. 63)," by John Michael Talbot, available on YouTube (4:07), is a good opening prayer/psalm for day 1.
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Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)
The song/video "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)," by Chris Tomlin, available on YouTube (4:29), teaches the greatness and power of grace all around us and provides a good opening song for any day this week. "
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Burning in My Soul
The song/video "Burning in My Soul," by Matt Maher, available on YouTube (3:45), provides a nice connection to Pentecost and the modern listener and is appropriate for use on day 4.
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Spirit of the Living God
The song/video "Spirit of the Living God," by Far from Home, available on YouTube (3:09) with lyrics, offers a nice opening prayer for day 2.
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Forever (Live)
The song/video "Forever (Live)," by Kari Jobe, available on YouTube (6:50) with lyrics, is a good opening prayer for day 4. The video can be shortened to 4:38.
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With Every Act of Love
The song/video "With Every Act of Love," by Jason Gray, available on YouTube (3:35) with lyrics, is used on day 3.
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You Are God Alone
The song/video "You Are God Alone," by Phillips, Craig, and Dean, available on YouTube (4:01), is a good opening song for any day.
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Mighty to Save
The song/video "Mighty to Save," by Hillsong United, available on YouTube (7:06) with lyrics, is a good opening song for any day. The video can be stopped at 4:52 as time allows.
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Isaiah 53
The song/video "Isaiah 53," by Sovereign Grace Music, available on YouTube (5:14), is appropriate for prayer on day 3. It can be shortened to 3:49.
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Lamb of God
This song is presented in the video "Lamb of God—Twila Paris," with images of the life of Jesus, available on YouTube (4:04) and is used on day 2.
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Lamb of God (Lyrics)
The song/video "Lamb of God," by Sarah Reeves, available on YouTube (3:22) with lyrics, is used on day 2.
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For The Cross
The song/video "For The Cross // Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, & Bethel Music // Tides Official Lyric Video," available on YouTube (5:37), provides a good opening prayer for any day. It can be shortened to 3:47.
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The Kingdom of God
The song/video "The Kingdom of God," like many Taizé songs, is available on YouTube (4:15) and is a meditative chant that would work well as an introduction to chant and an opening prayer. It is appropriate for use on day …
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Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
The song/video "Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God" (3:03) is a popular song about seeking the Kingdom of God. Many versions are available on YouTube. It is appropriate for prayer on any day.
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By Faith
The song/video "By Faith," by Keith and Kristyn Getty, available on YouTube (5:08) with lyrics, also provides a good opening prayer for any day. The song can be stopped at 3:08 if time is a consideration.
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Consider the Lilies
The song/video "Consider the Lilies," performed by Sings Sampaguita, available on YouTube (3:59) can be used for opening prayer on day 2. In this version, the only visual is the performer, but the words are easier to understand.
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Christ Is Risen
The song/video "Christ Is Risen," by Matt Maher, available on YouTube (4:55) with lyrics, can be used for prayer on day 1.
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I Will Rise
The song/video "I Will Rise," by Chris Tomlin, available on YouTube (5:02) with lyrics, is good for prayer any day this week.
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Blest Are They—The Beatitudes
The song/video "Blest Are They—The Beatitudes," available on YouTube (8:19), is used for the Engage activity on day 2. The segment between 6:01 and 6:50 focuses on the lesson’s topic of persecution. The first 6:50 is worth showing for context …
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Go Make a Difference
The song/video "Go Make a Difference Lyrics," by Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomaszek, available on YouTube (3:03), can serve as opening prayer any day.
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Hands and Feet
The song/video "Hands and Feet," by Audio Adrenaline, available on YouTube (4:04) with lyrics, enhances the Pray It! activity at the start of day 2.
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Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)—The Nativity Story
The song/video "Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song)—The Nativity Story," by Amy Grant, available on YouTube (5:20), tells of the calling of Mary to bring Christ into the world. A video with scenes from the movie The Nativity Story illustrates the …
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Big House
The song/video "Big House," by Audio Adrenaline, available on YouTube (3:29) with lyrics, offers an alternate, more upbeat opening prayer for any day.
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One Spirit, One Church
The song/video "One Spirit, One Church," by Kevin Keil and Maryanne Quinlivan, available on YouTube (3:56), offers a good opening prayer for any day this week.
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Run the Race
The song/video "Run the Race," by Paul Taylor Smith, available on YouTube (4:28), can be used for prayer any day and also complements the "Go the Distance" activity on day 4.
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Your Grace Is Enough
The song/video "Your Grace Is Enough," available on YouTube (4:30) with lyrics, is based on 2 Corinthians 12:9 and can accent the song for prayer on day 1.
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I Am The Way, the Truth, and the Life
The song/video "I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life," by John Hardwick, available on YouTube (1:34) with lyrics, can be used for prayer on any day this week.
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Holy Spirit, Come Now
The song/video "Holy Spirit Come Now," by Jesse Manibusan, available on YouTube (4:09), is appropriate for day 2.
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My Soul Rejoices
The song/video "My Soul Rejoices," available on YouTube (8:34), enhances the praying of the Magnificat on day 2. The performance begins at the 2:38 mark.
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I Want to Know You
The song/video "I Want to Know You - Jesus Culture w/Lyrics," available on YouTube (8:50), shows gratitude for the sacrificial, unconditional love of Christ and a desire to get to know him. It is a good supplement for day 4. …
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Thy Word
The song/video "Thy Word (with lyrics)," by Amy Grant, available on YouTube (3:13), provides a good focus for any prayer before classes focusing on Scripture.
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Healing Rain
The song/video "Healing Rain," by Michael W. Smith, available on YouTube (4:31), can be used for prayer on any day. It offers powerful imagery about God's healing love.
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Water of Life
The song/video "Water of Life," by Michael W. Smith, available on YouTube (3:37), provides strong imagery and biblical text related to water. It is used for the opening prayer on day 2 and could be used again as the closing …
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Remind Me Who I Am
The song/video "Remind Me Who I Am," by Jason Gray, available on YouTube (3:38) with lyrics, is a good option for opening or closing prayer.
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Behold the Lamb of God
The song/video "Behold the Lamb of God," by Matt Maher, available on YouTube (4:58), is used for opening prayer on day 2.
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Remembrance
The song/video"Remembrance," by Matt Maher, available on YouTube (5:16), is good for opening prayer for any day.
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Table of Grace
The song/video "Table of Grace," by Phillips, Craig, and Dean, available on YouTube (4:46) with lyrics, is suitable for any day.
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Thy Word
The song/video "Thy Word," by Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith, available on YouTube (3:13), is a setting of Psalm 119 with the appropriate refrain of "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" …
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St. Teresa's Prayer
The song/video "St. Teresa’s Prayer," by John Michael Talbot, available on YouTube (2:39), is appropriate for use on day 4.
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Remembrance (Communion Song)
The song/video "Remembrance (Communion Song)," by Matt Redman, available on YouTube (5:47), is recommended for prayer on any day.
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Call It Grace
The song/video "Call It Grace," by Unspoken, available on YouTube (4:00), is appropriate for use on day 3.
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Follow You
The song/video "Follow You," by Leeland and Brandon Heath, available on YouTube (4:29), is appropriate for use on day 2.
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Do Something
The song/video "Do Something," by Matthew West, available on YouTube (4:05), is appropriate for use on day 2.
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Open the Eyes of My Heart
The song/video "Open the Eyes of My Heart," available on YouTube (4:13), is appropriate for prayer on any day.
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Let Faith Arise
The song/video "Let Faith Arise," available on YouTube (4:39), is appropriate for prayer on any day.
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Open My Eyes
The song/video "Open My Eyes," by Jesse Manibusan, available on YouTube (2:54) with lyrics and as a live performance (3:05), used for prayer on day 2, invites us to be aware of the presence of God. The song is included …
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When We Gather
The song/video "When We Gather," by Brad and Rebekah, available on YouTube (4:04) with lyrics, is appropriate for prayer on any day.
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City of God
The song/video "City of God," by Dan Schutte, available on YouTube (3:11), complements the theme of day 4, and provides lyrics and visuals for reflection.
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Holy, Holy, Holy
The song/video "Holy, Holy, Holy," by Steven Curtis Chapman, available on YouTube (4:54), is a contemporary version of the classic hymn and can be used for prayer or meditation on day 2.
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Don't Give Up
The song/video "Don’t Give Up," by Calling Glory, available on YouTube (3:54) with lyrics, emphasizes persistence in faith as a prayer focus throughout the week.
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Do This in Memory
The song/video "Do This in Memory," by Chris Muglia, available on YouTube (9:54), is appropriate for use on any day. The song is found at the 3:48 point of an interview with the artist about the song.
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Song "Make Me a Channel of Your Peace"
The song “Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace” puts Saint Francis’ prayer about the various ways we can bring peace into the world to music. A variety of versions with excellent images can be found on YouTube. It is …
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Music Video: “Covenant Hymn” (Ruth)
The song/video “Covenant Hymn,” by Rory Cooney and Gary Daigle and Theresa Donohoo, available on YouTube (5:09), is based on Ruth’s words to Naomi. The Old Testament and the Trinity: It is appropriate for prayer on day 2. Revelation and …
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Song/video "Our God Is an Awesome God"
The song/video “Our God Is an Awesome God,” by Michael W. Smith, available on YouTube (4:32) with lyrics, recalls the awesomeness of God that the Israelites experienced at Mount Sinai. Use the version that includes the lyrics with dynamic visual …
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Song/video "Our God Is Greater"
The song/video “Our God Is Greater,” by Chris Tomlin, available on YouTube (5:21), recalls the need to put our faith in God. It is appropriate for use on day 3 as opening or closing prayer.
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Song/video "The Colours of God’s Love—Rainbow Covenant"
The song/video “The Colours of God’s Love—Rainbow Covenant,” available on YouTube (2:28), is based on the song “Giver of Life,” by Ann Laura. The video uses a variety of images of rainbows, while the song praises God for his gifts …
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Song/video "Lord, I Need You"
The song/video “Lord, I Need You,” by Matt Maher, available on YouTube (3:26), emphasizes our need for God’s faithful love and grace. It could be used for opening prayer on any day.
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Here I Am, Lord (Nature Scenes)
The song/video "Here I Am, Lord," by Fr. Daniel L. Schutte, performed by the Boys and Men of the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St. Alban, available on YouTube (3:04) with lyrics, features nature scenes. It is suggested as an …
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The Face of Christ (Black & White)
The song/video "The Face of Christ" by Chris Rice, posted by David Grove, available on YouTube (3:45), is artistically strong with black-and-white photography. It is best used on day 3.
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Come to the Water
The song/video "Come to the Water," by Matt Maher, available on YouTube (4:49) with lyrics, is suggested as an opening or closing prayer for any day but is best used on day 1.
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Words
The song/video "Words," by Hawk Nelson, available on YouTube (3:24) with lyrics and also on Spotify, is suggested as an opening or closing prayer for any day but may be best used on day 4.
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Wrecking Ball
The song/video "Wrecking Ball," by Sidewalk Prophets, available on YouTube (3:15) with lyrics, asks God’s help to knock out lust and greed and make the best of us. It can be used as an opening or closing prayer on any …
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Song "Grace Like Rain"
Use a song/video about God’s mercy, love, forgiveness, and grace, such as “Amazing Grace”—or a more contemporary version, such as “Grace Like Rain,” by Todd Agnew, available on YouTube (4:23) with lyrics. It could be used for opening prayer on …
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Video "God Created Humans in His Image"
The video “God Created Humans in His Image,” by Top Cheretien, available on YouTube (2:14), is a nice reflection on this concept by spoken word poet Amena Brown. It could be used for opening prayer on day 1.
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Song/video "God of Wonders"
The song/video “God of Wonders,” by Third Day, available on YouTube (5:09), is available as music videos with lyrics or images of creation that are appropriate for use as an opening or closing prayer. This could be used for opening …
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Song/video "We Delight"
The song/video “We Delight,” by Caedmon’s Call, available on YouTube (3:27), is a praise song about God’s Law. It is appropriate for use on any of the days.
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Song/video "How Great Is Our God"
The song/video “How Great Is Our God,” by Chris Tomlin, available on YouTube (4:27) with lyrics, is a contemporary song that gives praise to God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It would be a nice introduction to God’s greatness …
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"Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow"
“Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” is a song of praise to the Trinity. Contemporary versions can be found on YouTube and include one sung by Heidi Nadine with lyrics and images. It would make a nice opening or …
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Hold Me
The song/video "Hold Me," by Jamie Grace, featuring TobyMac, available on YouTube (3:33), can be used as opening or closing prayer on any day but works best on day 1.
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Servant Song
The song/video "Servant Song," by Richard Gillard, available on YouTube (2:59) with lyrics, supports the ideal that our purpose in life is to help one another, not to give scandal or lead others into temptation. It is best used on …
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Song "You Are Near"
The song “You Are Near,” by Dan Schutte (Oregon Catholic Press), is a contemporary musical setting of Psalm 139, which is partially printed on pages 38–39 in the Handbook. You might like to play the song at the end of …
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Hope in Front of Me
The song/video "Hope in Front of Me," by Danny Gokey, available on YouTube (3:40) with lyrics, is good for opening prayer on day 1.
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Song/video "Abba Father"
The song/video “Abba Father,” by Carey Landry, available on YouTube (4:24) with lyrics, is a good opening song for days 1 and 3 and is used on day 3.
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Live Like That
The song/video "Live Like That," by Sidewalk Prophets, available on YouTube (3:58) with lyrics, is best used for opening prayer on day 4.
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Speak Life
The song/video "Speak Life," by TobyMac, available on Spotify or YouTube (3:27) with lyrics, addresses the power of words. It is best used for opening prayer on day 3.
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Seek Ye First
The song/video “Seek Ye First,” by the Maranatha Singers, available on YouTube (3:08) with lyrics, can be used for opening prayer on day 2.
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Song "Word of God Speak"
The song “Word of God Speak,” by Mercy Me, is a beautiful song about listening for God’s Word. It could be used for opening prayer for any day of the week. Several versions can be found on YouTube. Use for …
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Video "God Speaks to Man: The Oldest Revelation"
This musically accompanied video “God Speaks to Man: The Oldest Revelation,” by David Huting, available on YouTube (4:53), offers young people a chance to explore the beauty of creation to better understand how God speaks to us through it. This …
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Song/video "God of Wonders”
The song/video "God of Wonders,” by Third Day, available on YouTube (5:08) with lyrics, praises God revealed in nature. It would make a nice opening or closing prayer for day 1.
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Ask Me
The song/video "Ask Me," by Amy Grant, available on YouTube (3:43) with lyrics, is about sexual abuse and survival with God’s help and strength. It is suggested for opening or closing prayer for any day but is best used on …
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Hey, World
The song/video "Hey, World," by Petra, sung by Caroline Chevin, is available on YouTube (4:03). You can find the lyrics online by searching on the phrase “Petra Hey World Lyrics.” The song tells the story of courageous choices—to choose life …
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The Color of Love
The song/video “Boyz II Men—The Color of Love,” available on YouTube (3:44), is best used on day 4.
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Here I Am, Lord
The song/video "Here I Am, Lord," sung by John Michael Talbot, available on YouTube (3:53), is suggested for use on day 4.
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I Will Exalt You
The song/video "I Will Exalt You," by Hillsong UNITED, available on YouTube (7:08) with lyrics, is best used on day 2.
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Awesome God
The song/video "Awesome God," by Hillsong UNITED, available on YouTube (5:19), is powerful and can help the students connect with the wonder that is God. It is an opening or closing prayer option for any day and is used on …
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I Pray
This prayer for a large group asks for our eyes to be opened to the injustices in the world and our souls to be strengthened by Christ’s presence.
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Prayer Service: Reflections on Relationships
This prayer service reflects on some of the aspects of relationships.
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A Prayer Service in Intercession for Ordained Ministers
A prayer service for ordained ministers including multiple readers, speakers, and responses.
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Roman Missal Activities
This resource provides activities to help you to prepare young people for the implementation of the Roman Missal, third edition.
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Fellow Prophets, Pray for Us
A short prayer service asking the Lord to grant us the gifts of the prophets before us.
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Prayer Service: Love One Another as I Have Loved You
A prayer service focusing on loving one another as God loves us.
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Living the Life of a Disciple: Prayer Service
A small-group planning sheet for a classroom prayer service on living the life of a disciple.
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Taize Prayer
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can work in groups to prepare various aspects of a Taize prayer service.
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Preparing a Prayer Service
This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers step by step details to consider when planning a prayer service.
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Preparing a Prayer Service Sample
This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a sample for how to use another LIC resource in order to successfully plan a prayer service.
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Prayerful Echoes
Class activity/method of prayer, like antiphonal prayer, grow appreciation for and familiarity with scriptural passages or familiar prayers
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Back-to-School Blessing: A Prayer Service for the Beginning of the School Year
A resource/handout for teachers or catechists. Something fun to do on first day of class, or during the beginning of the new school year.
Article
Hourly Prayers for Ash Wednesday
Opening Prayer We begin this class as we begin all things: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Scripture Reading Working …
Article
A Pauline Prayer Service
Leader. Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. With these words Saint Paul greeted the believers of his time, reminding them of the great gift they had been given in Jesus Christ. Almost two thousand …
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Paul's Conversion
Background for the Teacher This session focuses our attention on Paul's conversion experience. Using a hard-boiled egg and a raw egg as focusing symbols, the young people reflect on the meaning of conversion. Then two or three of the participants …
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Paul: A Unique Person
Background for the Teacher Saint Paul has fascinated Christians throughout history. The combination of his Jewish upbringing, his exposure to Greek culture, his fiery personality, and his openness to God's grace uniquely prepared him to spread the Gospel. This session …
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Paul: Legacy of Love
[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:7) Paul preached that the central message of Jesus Christ was love. Without love, no amount of faith or religious piety has any meaning. Paul …
Article
Paul: The Journey to Rome
If God is for us, who is against us? (Romans 8:31) In Paul's last trip to Jerusalem to say farewell before leaving to preach in Spain, he was arrested by the Romans. As a Roman citizen, Paul exercised his right …
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Paul: Missionary
[Paul] had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles. (Acts of the Apostles 14:27) Known as the apostle to the Gentiles (non-Jews), Paul was a leader in taking the Gospel message beyond Israel. With his trusted companions--Barnabas, John Mark, …
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Paul: Theologian
They were attempting to kill [Paul]. When the believers learned of it . . . they sent him off to Tarsus. (Acts of the Apostles 9:29–30) After his conversion, Paul began to preach, but when it became too dangerous, he …
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Paul: Persecutor of Christians
Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women . . . To prison. (Acts of the Apostles 8:3) Convinced that following the teachings of Jesus was wrong, Paul pursued the early Christians …
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Paul: Religious Zeal
I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. (Galatians 1:14) A tent maker by trade, Paul's Jewish name was Saul. But because Paul …
Article
When Hope Is Needed
Overview This prayer service is intended to bring hope during times of despair, consolation in times of suffering, and light in times of darkness. It may be used during difficult personal, family, or communal times. It is appropriate for various …
Article
In Times of Crisis
Overview This prayer service provides an opportunity for prayer and communal support during times of crisis. It may be used when an unexpected death occurs, in the aftermath of a natural disaster (such as a hurricane, a fire, a tornado, …
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A Prayer Service For A New Pope
Preparation - Prior to the beginning of prayer, you may select three young people to assist: a presider and two readers. - You will notice that the response to the Litany of the Saints is in both English and Latin. …
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In Memory and Hope: A Prayer Service
Materials Needed incense charcoal brazier or some type of container to hold burning incense candles Music Suggestions "Be Not Afraid," Bob Dufford, Gather Comprehensive (Chicago: GIA Publications, 1994), no. 608. "Grant Us Peace, Lord," Tony Alonso, Fresh As The Morning …
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Peace Creed
Writing a Peace Creed (15 minutes) 1. Tell the young people that as much as we might want peace to become a reality in our world, being a peacemaker takes a lot of hard work. The first steps are to …
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Prayer: How Will You Know?
Reader 1: When do you decide how you will live? What goes into the thoughts that shape your dreams? Reader 2: For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, Reader 1: Do you know, at …
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For Love Is Stronger than Death
(20 minutes) Before the session have the all participants (including the facilitator) bring to the session a personal symbol. This symbol should be an object from among the participant's personal belongings that acts as a reminder of a much loved …
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Prayers for Reflecting on Christ's Passion
Before the Movie: Loving God, You sent your only Son to show us the way. As we recall and meditate on his crucifixion, help us to recognize the gift you place before us. On the cross Christ washed clean our …
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Gethsemane - Prayer Service
(15 minutes) Before the session have your students do the Reflection Exercise: My Least Answerable Questions. If you do not plan on reading the Scripture passage (Mark 14:32-42) yourself, use the break time to ask a young person to read …
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Prayer Service in Memory of Pope Saint John Paul II
Preparation For this prayer service you will need four candles, a presider, and two readers. The Summons to Prayer Presider: At the seventeenth World Youth Day, Pope John Paul II said to the young people: "When the light fades or …
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Back to School: Intentions for the Start of the School Year
Please respond "Lord hear our prayer" Let us pray for all Believers around the world and those who seek Christ, that they may receive blessings and open their hearts to God's word… We pray to the Lord For all experiencing …
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The Important of Process
I usually learn things the hard and long way. I have sponsored many prayer services, service projects and other such activities for teenagers. Prior to the event, I am usually consumed with details. Permission slips, transportation, food, and the schedule …
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Lectio Divina: Praying with the Scriptures
The Scriptures is one of the greatest riches possessed by Christians. Often attributed to Saint Jerome, there is the saying that "ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of God". However, Catholics are often less comfortable and deft with Scripture than Protestant …
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Worldwide Prayer
Overview This outdoor prayer exercise is based on the belief that prayer is effective and blessings can travel like ripples all the way around the world. The young people form four small groups as part of a wider circle that …
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Our Hands, God's Hands
In this prayer service, students consider the power of our own hands as the hands God uses, as well as the work of God's hands. 1. To prepare for this prayer experience, place some oil in a bowl. Cover a …
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September 11: In Memory and In Hope: A Prayer Gathering
Materials Needed newsprint masking tape markers reflective music candles Preparation Prior to the beginning of the prayer service, set up several areas for small groups of five to seven people to cluster around. Each area should have a piece newsprint …
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September 11: In Memory and In Hope: A Liturgical Gathering
Materials Needed incense charcoal brazier or some type of container to hold burning incense candles Music Suggestions "Be Not Afraid," Bob Dufford, Gather Comprehensive (Chicago: GIA Publications, 1994), no. 608. "Grant Us Peace, Lord," Tony Alonso, Fresh As The Morning …
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A Prayer Invoking Peace
(For use before a meeting or gathering of youth workers.) Song "Give Us Your Peace," by Michael Mahler, Give Your Gifts: The New Songs (Chicago: GIA Publications, 2001). Leader: As we begin this meeting, let us begin with peace. Please …
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A Listening Session for Teens on the Mishandling of Sexual Abuse by Clergy
Materials Needed * a 3-by-5-inch index card for each young person * a pencil for each young person * prayer materials (Select one of the "Options for Ritual Actions" below.) * 3 readers for the closing prayer * handouts …
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Burdened with Sin
Adapted from Psalm 65:2-3All of us sin. Virtue eludes us. As the psalmist says: "All flesh comes to God burdened with sin, overwhelmed with failings. Even so, God pardons human shortcomings." God, we do wrong in a million ways, some …
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Columbine High's Selfless Heroes
The stories of Columbine's heroes rise like a "tide of inspiration" for this Denver mother. Starting the third laundry load, I pause, puzzled by a pin on my daughter's t-shirt. At 14, she tosses shirts into the hamper with glad …
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Dance: An Awakening
Ms. Sawaya Lamb teaches dance at Judge Memorial Catholic High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mr. Wagoner, a former technical director at Judge Memorial Catholic High School, is now assistant principal at Saint Vincent School in Salt Lake City. …
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Litany of Forgiveness
Before the session, cut out each of the eight prayers and accompanying Scripture passages. Place each slip of paper in a separate small envelope and seal it. There are times at school, at home, at work, or in a group …
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Hands
Focusing Scripture I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands. (Isaiah 49:15–16) Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me, "Now I have …
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Glorious Nature
Theme: Francis proclaimed, "We are sister and brother to animals and plants, water and soil, earth and sky." Just as we meet the dancer in her dance, the painter in his art, and the poet in her finely crafted words, so …
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A One-Day Retreat on Service in the Inner City
Our sophomore class day retreat focuses on finding spirituality in the inner city. It is a kind of "urban plunge" experience within a spiritual framework, and students go on this retreat during the same semester that they take a social …
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Leading Students to Hermitage:
Editor's note: A few months ago I met (by mail and phone) Sr. Mary Farrell, SC, who has taught at Saint Peter's High School in New Brunswick, New Jersey, for thirty-six years. Much of that time, she taught French and …
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Growing as a Faith Community
Over the past nine years as a campus minister and theology teacher at Saint John's Jesuit High School in Toledo, Ohio, I have witnessed and been part of the growth of our school toward the ideal of being a Christian …
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Stations of the Cross by Students: New Light on an Old Tradition
A pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred place, undertaken for a spiritual purpose. A pilgrimage in our modern age could take many forms. For the season of Lent last year, I invited my junior ethics classes to make a …
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Community Service Courses:
This past semester, at the end of a year-long service program at a residential treatment center for emotionally disturbed youth, two students from my community service course wrote a poem to express the significance of their experiences. These are the …
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All Is Beautiful Before Me
The following prayer service, sent to us by Cheryl Erb, RSM, author of our feature article in this issue, was prepared by the Racism Committee of the Sisters of Mercy of Cincinnati as a way of commemorating the quincentenary. For …
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A New Look at the Sower and the Seeds
This is the text of a reflection given at the opening prayer service of the school year. The concept is interesting and could work well in a classroom or retreat setting. Scattered them wildly about (see Matt. 13:1-53; Mark 4:1-34; …
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Praying the Psalms
Remember the television show from the late 80's called "Doogie Howser, M.D.?" At the end of every show, Doogie would sit down at his computer and write a 2 or 3 sentence "blurb" that perfectly summed up his day and …
