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PRAYER FOR PRIESTS

(Contributed by Rev. Mike O'Sullivan)

FOR PRIESTHOOD

May the blessings released through your hands

Cause windows to open in darkened 

minds

May the sufferings your calling brings

Be but winter before the spring

May the companionship of your doubt Restore what your beliefs leave out.

May the secret hungers of your heart

Harvest from emptiness its sacred fruit

May your solitude be a sacred voyage

Into the wilderness and wonder of God

May your words have the prophetic edge

To enable the heart to hear itself

May the silence where your calling dwells

Foster your freedom in all you do and feel

May you find words full of divine warmth

To clothe the dying in the langauge of dawn

May the slow light of the Eucharist

Be a sure shelter around your future.

~ John O Donohue

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AN AGNOSTIC'S PRAYER

Father George Tyrrell SJ

"O GOD, IF THERE IS A GOD;

SAVE MY SOUL,

IF I HAVE A SOUL"

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I KISS THE WOUNDS

I kiss the wound on Your Sacred Head,

With sorrow deep and true;

May every thought of mine today

Be a thousand acts of love for You,

Of love for You, dear Lord.

I kiss the wound on Your Sacred Shoulder,

With sorrow deep and true;

May every cross I bear today,

Be a thousand acts of love for You,

Of love for You, dear Lord.

I kiss the wounds on Your Sacred Hands,

With sorrow deep and true;

May every task I do today,

Be a thousand acts of love for You,

Of love for You, dear Lord.

I kiss the wounds on Your Sacred Feet,

With sorrow deep and true,

May every step I take today,

Be a thousand acts of love for You,

Of love for You, dear Lord.

I kiss the wounds in Your Sacred Heart,

With sorrow deep and true;

May every beat of my heart today,

Be a MILLION acts of love for You,

Of love for You, dear Lord.

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