Prayer intentions of Pope Francis for April 2013

Pope Francis prayer intentions announced by the Vatican Information Services on 30 March 2013, being the first of his pontificate.

General intention, April 2013

"That the public, prayerful celebration of faith may give life to the faithful."

Missionary intention, April 2013

"That mission churches may be signs and instruments of hope and resurrection.�

The Lord Will Provide

Though troubles assail and dangers affright, 
Though friends should all fail and foes all unite; 
Yet one thing secures us, whatever betide,
The scripture assures us, the Lord will provide

The birds without barn or storehouse are fed, 

From them let us learn to trust for our bread: 

His saints, what is fitting, shall ne'er be denied, 

So long as it's written, the Lord will provide 

We may, like the ships, by tempest be tossed
On perilous deeps, but cannot be lost.
Though Satan enrages the wind and the tide,
The promise engages, the Lord will provide.

His call we obey, like Abram of old, 

Not knowing our way, but faith makes us bold; 

For though we are strangers we have a good Guide, 

And trust in all dangers, the Lord will provide

When Satan appears to stop up our path,
And fill us with fears, we triumph by faith;
He cannot take from us, though oft he has tried,
This heart-cheering promise, the Lord will provide

He tells us we're weak, our hope is in vain, 

The good that we seek we ne'er shall obtain, 

But when such suggestions our spirits have plied, 

This answers all questions, the Lord will provide

No strength of our own, or goodness we claim,
Yet since we have known the Savior's great name;
In this our strong tower for safety we hide,
The Lord is our power, the Lord will provide

When life sinks apace and death is in view, 

This word of his grace shall comfort us through: 

No fearing or doubting with Christ on our side, 

We hope to die shouting the Lord will provide

from All I Owe by Matthew Smith

Genesis 22:14

Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means "the LORD will provide"). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided."

Philippians 4:19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Ascension of the Lord (Solemnity)

The Solemnity of the Ascension falls on Thursday, 9 May 2013 (it may be transferred to Sunday, 12 May 2013 in some countries). The celebration marks Christ Jesus's bodily ascension into heaven after 40 days from Easter Sunday, when He rose from the dead.  Christ Jesus, takes his place at God�s right hand so that he can pour out the promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit, upon his disciples. The 40th day after Easter Sunday always fall on a Thursday.

Go and Teach All Nations, 

Says the Lord; 

I Am with You Always, 

until the End of the World.

Ephesians 4:10

10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.

Mark 16:14-20

14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.

15 He said to them, �Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.�

19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. 20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.

Luke 24:50-53

The Ascension of Jesus

50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

Acts 1:1-11

Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven

1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: �Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.�

6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, �Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?�

7 He said to them: �It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.�

9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 �Men of Galilee,� they said, �why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.�

"Today our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven; let our hearts ascend with him. Listen to the words of the Apostle: If you have risen with Christ, set your hearts on the things that are above where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God; seek the things that are above, not the things that are on earth. For just as he remained with us even after his ascension, so we too are already in heaven with him, even though what is promised us has not yet been fulfilled in our bodies."

~ The great western Bishop Augustine ~

Philippians 2:6-11

6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death�
even death on a cross!9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.


Galatians 2:19, 20

For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

John 15:4

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

Humble yourselves to God and Cast your Anxieties on Him

1 Peter 5: 5 - 14
5	Likewise you that are younger be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
6	Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you.
7	Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you.
8	Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour.
9	Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world.
10	And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you.
11	To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

James 4:10 

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Psalms 37:5 

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:

Jeremiah 1:8

Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,� declares the Lord.

Why and when to pray?

As written in the scriptures.

Acts 6:4

4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.�

John 14:12-14

12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

Philippians 4:6

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Ephesians 6:18

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord�s people.

Romans 12:1-2

12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God�s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God�this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God�s will is�his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Seven Hour of Prayers

"Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws." 

Psalm 119:164

6:00 am - First Hour

Psalm 5

For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David.

1 Listen to my words, Lord,

consider my lament.

2 Hear my cry for help,

my King and my God,

for to you I pray.

3 In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;

in the morning I lay my requests before you

and wait expectantly.

4 For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;

with you, evil people are not welcome.

5 The arrogant cannot stand

in your presence.

You hate all who do wrong;

6 you destroy those who tell lies.

The bloodthirsty and deceitful

you, Lord, detest.

7 But I, by your great love,

can come into your house;

in reverence I bow down

toward your holy temple.

8 Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness

because of my enemies�

make your way straight before me.

9 Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;

their heart is filled with malice.

Their throat is an open grave;

with their tongues they tell lies.

10 Declare them guilty, O God!

Let their intrigues be their downfall.

Banish them for their many sins,

for they have rebelled against you.

11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;

let them ever sing for joy.

Spread your protection over them,

that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

12 Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous;

you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

9:00 am - Third Hour

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done,

On Earth, as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,

For thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, Forever and ever. 

 Amen.

Noon Prayer - Sixth Hour

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for his name�s sake.

4 Even though I walk

through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

forever.

3:00 pm - Ninth Hour 

Psalm 117

1 Praise the Lord, all you nations;

extol him, all you peoples.

2 For great is his love toward us,

and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.

Praise the Lord.

6:00 pm

Psalm 150

1 Praise the Lord.

Praise God in his sanctuary;

praise him in his mighty heavens.

2 Praise him for his acts of power;

praise him for his surpassing greatness.

3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,

praise him with the harp and lyre,

4 praise him with timbrel and dancing,

praise him with the strings and pipe,

5 praise him with the clash of cymbals,

praise him with resounding cymbals.

6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord.

9:00 pm

Psalm 4

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

1 Answer me when I call to you,

my righteous God.

Give me relief from my distress;

have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame?

How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?

3 Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself;

the Lord hears when I call to him.

4 Tremble and do not sin;

when you are on your beds,

search your hearts and be silent.

5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous

and trust in the Lord.

6 Many, Lord, are asking, �Who will bring us prosperity?�

Let the light of your face shine on us.

7 Fill my heart with joy

when their grain and new wine abound.

8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,

for you alone, Lord,

make me dwell in safety.

Midnight Prayer

Psalm 119:62

62 At midnight I rise to give you thanks

for your righteous laws.

Psalm 134

A song of ascents.

1 Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord

who minister by night in the house of the Lord.

2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary

and praise the Lord.

3 May the Lord bless you from Zion,

he who is the Maker of heaven and earth.

Chaplet of the Precious Blood of Jesus

Chaplet 

of the 

Precious Blood of Jesus

* Each bead of the Precious Blood Chaplet is, as it were, a chalice filled with the Divine Blood of Jesus, uplifted by Our Lady to the Eternal Father, imploring every grace necessary for your soul and body. The seven mysteries in which we meditate on the seven principal blood-sheddings of of Jesus. The beads number thirty three in honor of the thirty three years the Precious Blood flowed in the veins of Jesus before it was all poured out on the Cross for our salvation. To pray this chaplet, recite the Our Father on each of the thirty-three beads, completing each of the seven groups with the Glory Be, as thanksgiving to the Holy Trinity for this great gift of the Precious Blood.

Oh Precious Blood of Jesus, infinite price of sinful man's redemption, both drink and laver of our souls, Thou who dost plead continually the cause of man before the throne of infinite mercy; from the depths of my heart, I adore Thee, and so far as I am able, I would requite Thee for the insults and outrages which Thou dost continually receive from human beings, and especially from those who rashly dare to blaspheme Thee. Who would not bless this Blood of infinite value? Who doth not feel within himself the fire and love of Jesus who shed it all for us? What would be my fate, had I not been redeemed by this divine Blood? Who hath drawn it from the veins of my Savior, even to the last drop? Ah, this surely was the work of love. O infinite love, grant that every heart and every tongue may be enabled to praise Thee, magnify Thee and give Thee thanks now and for evermore. Amen.

V. O God, come to my assistance!

R. Lord, make haste to help me!

V. Glory be to the Father...

R. As it was in the beginning...

1st Mystery

Jesus shed His Blood in the Circumcision

Let us ask for chastity of soul and body. 

Say the Our Father five times then say: 

"Incline unto my aid, O God. O Lord, make haste to help me." 

Say one Glory Be, and complete the mystery by reciting: 

"We beseech Thee, therefore, help Thy servants whom Thou has redeemed by Thy Precious Blood."

2nd Mystery

Jesus shed His Blood whilst praying in the Garden of Olives

Let us ask for the spirit of prayer. 

Say the Our Father five times then say: 

"Incline unto my aid, O God. O Lord, make haste to help me." 

Say one Glory Be, and complete the mystery by reciting: 

"We beseech Thee, therefore, help Thy servants whom Thou has redeemed by Thy Precious Blood."

3rd Mystery

Jesus shed His Blood in the scourging

Let us ask for the grace of mortification. 

Say the Our Father five times then say: 

"Incline unto my aid, O God. O Lord, make haste to help me." 

Say one Glory Be, and complete the mystery by reciting: 

"We beseech Thee, therefore, help Thy servants whom Thou has redeemed by Thy Precious Blood."

4th Mystery

Jesus shed His Blood in the crowning with thorns 

Let us ask for contempt of worldly honors. 

Say the Our Father five times then say: 

"Incline unto my aid, O God. O Lord, make haste to help me." 

Say one Glory Be, and complete the mystery by reciting: 

"We beseech Thee, therefore, help Thy servants whom Thou has redeemed by Thy Precious Blood."

5th Mystery

Jesus shed His Blood while carrying His cross

Let us ask for patience. 

Say the Our Father five times then say: 

"Incline unto my aid, O God. O Lord, make haste to help me." 

Say one Glory Be, and complete the mystery by reciting: 

"We beseech Thee, therefore, help Thy servants whom Thou has redeemed by Thy Precious Blood."

6th Mystery

Jesus shed His Blood in the crucifixion

Let us ask for contrition for our sins. 

Say the Our Father five times then say: 

"Incline unto my aid, O God. O Lord, make haste to help me." 

Say one Glory Be, and complete the mystery by reciting: 

"We beseech Thee, therefore, help Thy servants whom Thou has redeemed by Thy Precious Blood."

7th Mystery

Jesus shed His Blood and water when His side was pierced

Let us ask for the grace of perseverance. 

Say the Our Father three times then say: 

"Incline unto my aid, O God. O Lord, make haste to help me." 

Say one Glory Be, and complete the mystery by reciting: 

"We beseech Thee, therefore, help Thy servants whom Thou has redeemed by Thy Precious Blood."

Final prayer

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in satisfaction for my sins, for the needs of Holy Church and for the relief of the souls in purgatory.

Mercy triumphs over judgment

"Mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:13)

God of mercy and compassion, how blessed we are to be redeemed by your love. We failed you by our sinfulness and we failed you all the more by refusing to see your mercy that was ever reaching out to receive us. Today O God, we place into your hands, our lives, our failures and our endeavours to be right before you. Cover us in your love. Hold us close to your heart and bind our wounds of unfaithfulness and loneliness. As your love flows into our heart we commit ourselves to live this mercy, to bless those who broke and to bow down before those who trample us. For we know O God then shall your mission of defeating evil and saving this world shall be accomplished. Jesus, we trust in you. Amen.

by Rev. Fr. Augustine Vallooran VC

Divine Retreat Centre

Muringoor

Lord that Healeth thee

Just open up our heart 

praise and say Thank You, Lord. 

Put away all our thoughts on this earth 

and lift our heart to the Lord. 

The good Lord has said, 

"I am the Lord that Healeth thee".

God will do Miracles in our life, 

just surrender all to Him, 

have Faith and Trust in the Lord.

Blessed are you, Lord Jesus, Saviour of the World

Blessed are you, Lord Jesus, Saviour of the world, for giving your life to save us,

by your precious blood we are saved.

You promised living waters to those who seek the truth,

give us that water to quench our thirst.

You sent disciples to announce the Good News to all people,

sustain those who proclaim your word.

To those who carry your cross today in anguish,

grant patience and courage.

AMEN.

O God, you are our blessed light,

awaken us this new day.

By the resurrection of your Son, you have enlightened the world,

and given us new hope.

By your Spirit you gave wisdom to the disciples of your Son,

send your Spirit upon us and make us faithful.

Light of the nations, shine on those who dwell in darkness,

open their eyes to know you, the only true God.

AMEN.

I cry to you

Out of the depths I cry to you,
Lord, hear my voice

From my fears, failures and sins,

I cry to you.

Lord, hear my voice.

From the depths of my heart I cry to you,
from the darkness of myself.
From life's shadow I cry to you.
Lord, hear my voice.

For you are merciful, Lord,

forgiving to us all.

And so I wait, Lord,

your mercy comes as sure as the dawn.

AMEN.

Prayer in Dark and Depressing Times

I asked for strength that I might achieve;

I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for health that I might do greater things;

I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

I asked for riches that I might be happy;

I was given poverty that I might be wise.

I asked for power that I might have the praise of others;

I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;

I was given life that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I had asked for,

but everything that I had hoped for.

Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered;

I am, among all people, most richly blessed.

AMEN.

JESUS my Saviour, Help Me

Humble yourself and cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you.

1 Peter 5: 6-7

Jesus help me, your servant whom you have redeemed by your Precious Blood.

In every need let me come to you with humble trust saying 

Jesus help me.

In all my doubts, perplexities and temptations 

Jesus help me.

In hours of loneliness, weariness and trial 

Jesus help me.

In the failure of my plans and hopes 

Jesus help me.

In disappointments, troubles and sorrows 

Jesus help me.

When I throw myself on your tender love as a Father and a Savior 

Jesus help me.

When I feel impatient and my cross is heavy 

Jesus help me.

When I am ill, and my head and hands cannot do their work 

Jesus help me.

Always, always, in joys or sorrows, in falls 

and short-comings 

Jesus help me and never forsake me. 

Amen. 

source: comeaside.com/help-me.html