Belong totally to God. Think of Him, and He will think of you."
~ St. Francis de Sales
One of the earliest descriptions of prayer comes from St. John Damascene who said: “Prayer is
lifting up mind and heart to God.” When we pray, we dedicate time to being in the presence of
God who created us and loves us. Below we offer two prayers that we use often here at Holy
Family Parish.
The Direction of Intention
My God, I give you this day. I offer to you all the good I shall do and I promise to accept for love
of you all the difficulties that I shall meet. Help me to conduct myself during this day in a
manner that pleases you. Amen. Live Jesus!
Parish Prayer
My parish is composed of people like me;
I help make it what it is.
It will be friendly, if I am.
It will be holy, if I am.
Its pews will be filled if I help fill them.
It will do great work, if I work.
It will be prayerful, if I pray.
It will make generous gifts to many causes,
if I am a generous giver.
It will bring others into its worship,
if I invite and bring them.
It will be a church of loyalty and love,
of fearlessness and faith,
of compassion, charity, and mercy,
if I, who make it what it is,
am filled with these same things.
Therefore, with the help of God,
I now dedicate myself to being
all the things I want my church to be.
Amen.
May God be praised!