A Prayer to God in Anxious Times Rev. In the meantime, we've been given a time of retreat to meditate upon what Holy Communion means to us all and we've been given new opportunities and new pastoral strategies. If you are a person of faith, take a moment to pray with it. So, what can we do to fete people at this time and hold on to those benefits? Shine onmy friendsmay the bright flamesof our spiritsburning in unisoncreate a bonfirethatsparks hopeignites faithilluminates loveand lights the way. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love. Admittedly, the answers we seek sometimes are not readily clear. Neighbors have turned into crazed killers. Lives perishwhile the flamesof leadersaround usdance erraticallyin the blisteringwinds of changetheir lightsflickerto near extinctiontheir sparksbarely visiblestruggleto light the way. Throughout my life, you have showered me with love, laughter, and support. Seventeen-year-old An-lin S. of Flemington, New Jersey, organized a driveway party that involved friends gathering at the birthday girls house and hanging out together to chat, gossip, and share cake. Happy birthday, friend. Keep your friends sense of humor in mind as you compose your fun-filled greeting. We are not meant to do life alone. Day and night, you are my refuge. Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations from working together and neighbors from helping one another. Youre not old. May we join ourselves more closely to you on the cross and in your suffering that through them we may draw our patience and hope. Fill us with your joy and the peace of your Spirit. For patience and perseverance.For calm in the midst of fear.For the grace to overcome adversity. Birthdays are kind of a big deal in my house. Editor's note: This essay is one in a series of first-person narratives by members of the Duke community reflecting on a year living with COVID-19. May we who settle in for a quarantine at home remember those who have no home. This has been a peculiar year, and so taking some moments, one year from when the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic, may give you some insight on how to keep moving forward. Thank you for your healing power, thank you for bringing us into this new semester that will undoubtedly be filled with many challenges and opportunities. 7. In place of our anxiety, give us your peace. Sahih Muslim, a book on the sayings of the Prophet records: "When the Messenger of Allah intended to combine two prayers on a journey, he delayed the noon prayer till came the early time of the afternoon prayer, and then combined the two. If you are a person of faith, take a moment to pray with it. To how little control we really have. Were all going to celebrate a birthday (or possibly two or three) under the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. Will we see, Lord, that what we think of as your mask is really also our own, our inability to find you in the rush of our lives, our failure to see you in all the wonders you show us, our incapacity to hear your gentle voice in the tumult that surrounds us. 55 Pandemic Birthday. Celebrating a birthday while under stay-at-home and social distancing orders can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be boring! } Heres to hoping all your candles this year dont set off the fire alarm. Make time to reflect and be thankful for what is ending. Read more Practices for Observing Lent We grieve precious lives lost and vulnerable lives threatened. Every time Im starting to feel bad about not being able to see friends and do the things I want, I just watch this and it lifts my spirit, says Amber. Open my eyes and let me see them as You see them! Promise this world your lovefor better or for worse,in sickness and in health,so long as we all shall live. We come in prayer today. On this wonderful day, I wish you the best that the world has to offer. Cornelius Plantinga, Jr. wrote this prayer in March 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. And then we collected ourselves. May they be at rest with you in your eternal peace. You are the Powerful Creator of all people - each one unique, special, precious in your sight, and greatly loved by you. If you can, picture the faces of these people. Weve celebrated birthdays together from our diaper days as kids, and I look forward to our diaper days as adults. 1There is a season for everything, a time for every occupation under heaven. Some tossed her thoughtful gifts, like potting soil and toilet paper, which were hard to come by in the early days of the lockdown. Note the emotions you feel when you think of these individuals without judging or overanalyzing. Since this was the first time that everyone was out of their house and socializing, it made it special.. And recently in this ordinary time we have seen our fellow citizens rise up in anger and violence, destroying, injuring, even killing others to push their narrow agendas. Be with the leaders of all nations. Whether we are home or abroad, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few, Jesus Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. If being calm is hard, acknowledge it. I love my country. As we transition through this time we pray: One day at a time sweet Jesus.That's all that I ask of you.Lord help me today.Show me the way.One day at a time. I love my planet Earth. And always feel your spirit surround me in safety. For others its from a deep sense of your true self. When I wanted to hide, Ive faced the day. For firefighters, police, and emergency medical workers.For doctors, nurses, and all health care professionals.For those who serve in the armed forces. Us garbagemen are gonna keep collecting the garbage, doctors and nurses are gonna keep doctoring and nurse-ering. I continue to welcome and be open to your presence in my life and in this work. (You could hardly deny it now. - Reflection by Aarti Jaisinghani- Offered by Rashmi Assudani. As more Catholics around the world find themselves unable to receive the Eucharist due to the coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis provided an example of a spiritual communion prayer that can be. And this is my birthday, so it seems fitting that I would read this passage. Going old happens. A plan which has been long been needed, but is only now being reckoned with. } Every day I learn something new from your kindness, your compassion, and your sheer brilliance. Happy birthday to the best friend there is. For each of the five decades, announce the Mystery - Written by Rev. And I would not recommend an international move in the middle of a global pandemic. Its a tough job, from getting up pre-dawn to the physical toll it takes on my body, to the monotonous nature of the job, at times its hard to keep on going. I can barely keep up with everyones birthdays these days, but you better believe Id never forget yours. We adjusted. Another birthday, another year older. It isnt what it will be. - ByEllen Hurst, Senior Teaching Professor, Economics. Youve earned it, and you deserve it. Researcher Eranda Jayawickreme offers some ideas that can help you be more open and less defensive in conversations. } This ordinary time is marked by masked faces, social distancing, and germ circles. Headlines shout out frightful numbers of individuals who have contracted Covid-19, thousands every day. Heres to another year of invaluable life lessons. This is the cake and this is the buttercream.Also there is a thin brownie layer on the bottom, so here is the recipe I used for that as well (only used 1/3 to 1/2 the batter, made the rest into two-bite brownies).. Surprises can make people feel a burst of energy and give them a sense of vitality that might be particularly helpful during this time. Once more, in troubled times when public worship has tobe restricted, we are called to pray in "the domestic church", always aware of the promise of Jesus, "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them." (Matthew 18:20). May we who have to cancel our trips remember those who have no safe place to go. Birthday Prayer Thank you, God, for giving me another year of life. I am praying that your special day brings you lots of love, peace, and . Jesus Christ, you traveled through towns and villages curing every disease and illness. At your command, the sick were made well. The year we cried. - ByAshley Henkes, Hall Director, Residence Life. Spark a smile with a custom birthday card greeting to anyone celebrating a birthday during quarantine, and bring all the joy in the world to them on their special day! We pray for those who are suffering with sicknessand all who are caring for them. As we prepare to walk into the future we pray for the "new normal" to come. Even as we are being asked to distance ourselves from one another socially, ask yourself what connections you find yourself grateful for?Who makes you feel grounded and connected to God? We ask this through the Lord Jesus who healed those who believed. For this next year, I wish for all your wildest dreams to come true. Prayers for those with the Coronavirus, those who care for them, and those who are suffering from anxiety during this stressful time. As with weddings and other rituals, birthday parties are bigger than one person. This is a perfectly quaint way to celebrate your birthday. We hold in tenderness and prayer the collective suffering of our world at this time. Trust us, you'll be glad you found a way to celebrate your birthday during COVID. To compromise. Amen. It was a surprise for him and he loved that, says Anne. But there does not have to be disease of the soul. [CDATA[ Explore professionally designed templates to get your wheels spinning or create your birthday card from scratch. When I've done that emptying prayer, without expecting it, finding myself with an idea or a passage of scripture that's . Some are sad. Research shows that shared rituals make us feel a part of a larger social identity, suggesting that losing those rituals can be hard on us. . Hear our prayer. Our Father. They bring friends and family together, strengthening the ties that make up our society. Thank you for always providing me with hope, encouragement, joy, and support. Be grateful for what was learned and what was accomplished. On her 58th birthday, Mrs. Cole-Dai wrote "58 Pandemic Prayers," a collection of 58 simple, one-line meditations for a better life, better relationships and a better future. Happy birthday. Age disparity. May we who are merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at stake. Pope's Prayer for Protection from Coronavirus, episcopalrelief.org/what-we-do/us-disaster-program/faith-based-response-to-epidemics/, https://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=1822, https://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=229, https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2020/03/02/coronavirus-prayer, https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-03/pope-francis-prayer-our-lady-protection-coronavirus.html, Multi Faith Calendar of Religious Holy Days, Foundational Documents on Jesuit Catholic Education, Xavier University's Center for Mission and Identity. I dont know how I got so lucky to have a best friend like you. To those in pain. Happy birthday. A Prayer for an Adult Near Death to be Read by Staff (11) Prayers for an Adult Patient who has Died to be Read by Staff (12-13) Prayers for Staff Support during the Covid-19 Crisis A Prayer for the Medical Community (15) A Prayer for Team Members Struggling with Medical Decisions (16) A Prayer for a Respiratory Therapist (17) All over the world people are looking at their neighbors in a new way. Many recent events in my work here on campus got me to thinking about endings and beginnings about change. That God's hand would be with you, and keep you from harm so that you will be free from pain. Whether this card is for a new friend, a distant one, or anyone in between, take a moment to show them what they mean to you. Happy birthday. Yes there is panic buying. So, for her sons 14th birthday, Anne S. of Berkeley, California, invited his friends, family, and some teachers to send in a video clip of themselves wishing him a happy birthday. May these special people find lasting health and deliverance, and so join us in thanking you for all your gifts. May the tender moments of seeing someone again in person be all the more rich and treasured. Today, I go down on my knees to thank you from the depths of my soul for blessing me so lavishly with Your choicest blessings! Part must be the guardians of public safety who risk their lies and health, even give up that life, to keep order and peace. Pause to reflect and refresh. To improvise. We realized what we could do without. Can we know, Lord, that we put on many masks so we can cope, avoid, pretend, be acceptable? 5/17/2021. 20. My smiles, my thoughts, my mumbles, though these I know, but they are a greater mystery to others now. text: "I would like to share Xavier's Jesuit Resource - Prayers During the Coronavirus Pandemics" For the sick and infected: God, heal and help. New ways of learning and working were created. The Other Side of the Virus, an Opportunity to Awaken Litany of Solidarity and Hope During a Pandemic, An Examen for Times of Anxiety and Depression, Prayer for People Critically Ill or Facing Great Uncertainty. What connections to others are you becoming more aware of? Light a candle, pour a glass of wine or your favorite beverage, and make a list of five lessons from the past year . Just keep driving by. August 9, 2021 MARTHA'S VINEYARD If you're reading this, you probably aren't important enough to be invited to the massive party I just threw myself to celebrate my historic existence and. An amazing friend deserves an amazing day. Enjoy your cake, your party and your presents today but remember that your friendship is the greatest gift of all. May they know your protection and peace. Mothers and fathers have worked hard to provide for their families, and now their jobs are gone. Be good to each other and well get through this. [CDATA[ Of course, birthdays often give us the chance to participate in shared rituals: emotional group gatherings that can help us transcend the current moment and increase our connection to others. Where you are, the extraordinary tries to lift us up, to let us see beyond the everyday and catch hints of what can be, of who we could be if we gave room to our best selves, of what we could do if we banded together in common purpose and resolve. "We find ourselves afraid and lost . It does not always feel good to reflect on challenging times, suffering, or loss, but our Ignatian tradition constantly reminds us that reflection is a practice that can impact our present. Pause and reflect on where youre being invited to grow from that moment. You are the Mighty Heavenly Rock. I pray that the Lord would bless you and enlarge your territory! A Prayer for Pandemic Times The Misheberach is usually said for people with a temporary, acute illness. R: The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty has given me life. Dear Lord, please protect and guide him as he continues along the path you've chosen for him. Lives have been lost and upended. I'd like to consider myself a frequent . An English-language translation of the Pope's prayer is below: O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. As is said, When one door closes, another door opens.. Just wanted to take this opportunity to let you know I appreciate your friendship so much. Published: Apr 03, 2020 Praying the promises of God reminds us of the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Our church calendar tells us that we are back again in Ordinary Time. We ache for ourselves and our neighbors, standing before an uncertain future. Just to travel to a small funeral to say good-bye to a loved one and offer you our prayer leads to days of quarantine and extra separation. Sending you love on this birthday. You are the best person I know. Celebrating someones birthday is all about singing praise. Father of goodness and love, hear our prayers for the sick members of our community and for all who are in need. This month, nurture your relationships each day. who is our stability and strength in troubled times. For our. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. We asked for prosperity, and you gave us purpose and brains to use. God gifted us with limitless creativity and imagination. In Jesus' name, Amen. Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, Pastoral Letter to the Clergy, Religious and Lay Faithful of the Archdiocese of Sydney during this COVID-19 Pandemic, 24 April 2020. Youre just old enough to know better but not old enough to care. Three years ago, the Covid-19 pandemic began here in our city, killing thousands of New Yorkers, and eventually . For public officials.For business leaders.For educators.For innovators and inventors who provide new solutions. Help us to remember that the gift of Christ, Immanuel, is our greatest treasure, not just at Christmas, but for the whole year through. For the challenges, the emotions, the struggle. Sorry, the work you have done for us is not needed any more. Why go to all the trouble? Help me to offer them your tenderness. Will the Pandemic Have a Lasting Impact on My Kids? Even as we are being asked to distance ourselves from one another socially, ask yourself what connections you find yourself grateful for?Who makes you feel grounded and connected to God? I pray that the year ahead brings many beautiful blessings to your life. These birthday prayers and blessings should be the first things you say on that particular day. It was one of the most delightful things that ever happened to me in my life, says Amber. We pray that our eyes be open to see the needs of those who struggle to provide for their families and that if we can help, we do help in ordinary ways. Thank you for always providing me with hope, encouragement, joy, and support. During pandemic times, keeping our hearts and minds focused on the truth of God's word eases our anxiety and fear. For peace in our city and in our world.For renewed friendships among neighbors.For solidarity and unity among all peoples.For a greater appreciation and love of all humanity. Corporate Prayer: Great God, in a world that is divided by ethnicity, gender, race and . Take a moment to settle. Even in this time of separation and possible isolation, what is one way you can maintain meaningful connection to otherswhether directly, through technology, or intentional focus and attention? We asked for love, and you gave us troubled people to help. Heal those who are sick with the virus. So glad I can celebrate with you on this special day. Though some may not mind having birthdays pass unnoticednever liked birthdays, never willresearch suggests that they can be a special opportunity to nourish positive emotions and fortify our relationships. And as I celebrate, Lord, help me to be "God with skin on" to those in need around me. Economic disparity. Who make our lives worth living? Take a moment to think about how COVID-19 has impacted your life. This mask takes away power the power of clear communication but also the possibility to infect. 50. Acknowledge how you are feeling in this moment. Like a fine wine, we get better with age. Happy birthday. Cant imagine my life without you. 5. Thank you that you came to give new life, peace, hope, and joy. Your birthday is gonna be lit. 2020. Amen. My faith that keeps me steady as our entire country wakes up every morning to wage war on an invisible enemy. Cant wait to see what the next year has in store for both you and our friendship. 3. Collaboration, innovation and cura personalis were our touchstones. Touch only thoseto whom you commit your life.Center down. Help me see it as a human response that keeps me conscious of the seriousness of this moment, but do not let it overwhelm my spirit. You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need. )Do not reach out your hands.Reach out your heart.Reach out your words.Reach out all the tendrilsof compassion that move, invisibly,where we cannot touch. Love you. Take a deep breath and moment of quiet. When this ends,may we findthat we have becomemore like the peoplewe wanted to be we were called to bewe hoped to beand may we staythat way--betterfor each otherbecause of the worst. Direct our hearts and minds towards you. They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise You can hear the birds again. - By Rebecca L. Cull. So to celebrate his big day, Dave Laden, a director repped out of Hungry Man, did the next best . Please watch over everyone as times and routines are about to change once again. Prayer Emphasis for the day: Global Relations. Be with those who have died from the virus. Act on what we can control, but recognize and move on from what we cant control. For the unnecessary deaths. For me, receptivity is the essence. Sustain bodies and spirits. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. May my anxiety be transformed into love. Sometimes life gets tough, but I always rest assured that I can make it over any obstacle in my way with you in my life. As Mother Teresa once said: "Prayer in action is love and love in action is service.". Learn more about Jesuit Resource. Immune system disparity. Take a deep breath. Through my mask, you hear me if I whisper a brief prayer or mutter a muffled curse. Alongside a selfie of the father-daughter duo driving in the car, he wrote, "My little girl is growing up." As a surprise for her 16th birthday, the comedian gifted his daughter a Mercedes-Benz. 4. A Prayer of Gratitude. Pray. Each of these numbers affects the lives of spouses, children, friends with care and worry, with work to help cure and coax loved ones back to health. But as someone with chronic illness, I know the prayer can still be useful when facing an . We asked for justice, and you called us to be just and lead with integrity. Crucially, prayer helps us to act and become the people we are called to be. We sympathized. If being calm is hard, acknowledge it. Pause and reflect on where youre being invited to grow from that moment. Sign of the Cross. Happy birthday. Happy birthday. Open the windows of your soul And though you may not be able to touch across the empty square, -Written by Fr. Whatever it is you wish for on this special day, know that you deserve it. For those who have survived.For those who have lost their spouses.For children who have been orphaned.For all those who mourn and those who comfort them. 71. Help us, Mother of Divine Love,to conform ourselves to the Fathers willand to do what Jesus tells us: He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us,through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. We asked for wisdom, and you gave us problems to solve. I have felt challenged by all the meals Ive cooked and dishes Ive washed. On the first bead, say an Our Father. Well, I know exactly what youll say. In Action Loving God, Your Son, Jesus Christ, traveled through towns and villages "curing every disease and illness." At His command the sick were made well. 2. Pandemic is a frightening word, and I can easily feel confused or helpless to respond. Every birthday, every celebration ends with something sweet, a cake, and people remember.