1. Prayers for the week 10 - 14 September 2018
Julian of Norwich (1342-c.1416) is known to us almost only through her book, The Revelations of Divine Love, which is widely acknowledged as one of the great classics of the spiritual life. She is thought to have been the first woman to write a book in English which has survived. Our prayers this week are inspired by her writings.
We do not know Julian's actual name, the name she is known by is taken from St. Julian's Church in Norwich where she lived for most of her life. We know that Julian was renowned as a spiritual counsellor. People would come to her room in Norwich  to seek advice. Considering that, at the time, the citizens of Norwich suffered from plague and poverty, as well as a famine, she must have counselled a lot of people in pain. Yet, her writings are filled with hope and trust in God's goodness.

2. Monday 10 September Lord We place all our trust in you.
Calm our fears.
Take away our anger.
Still our minds.
Bring peace to our hearts.
Teach us to love one another
as you love us.
Then all shall be well
Amen

3. Tuesday 11 September
A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Corinthians
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Lord God, thank you for your deep love towards me and for sending your Son, my Saviour Jesus Christ to suffer on the cross for my sake. You have showered unconditional love and grace towards me through Christ – for which I praise and thank you. Fill me I pray with the love of Christ that I may love others in the same way that Christ loved me. Help me to show your love not only to those that are lovable, but also to those that who lash out at me through pain or anger or loss. May the love of Jesus be the touchstone of my life. Amen

4. Wednesday 12 September
A reflection from the writings of Julian of Norwich
And in this vision, God showed me a little thing, the size of a Hazelnut, and lying in my palm it seemed to me, round as a ball.
I looked at it with the eye of my understanding, and thought “ What may this be?”
And I was answered, “ It is all that is made”.
I wondered how it might last, for I thought that it might fall into nothing, it was so little.
And I was answered: It endures and ever will endure, for God loves it.
And so all things have their being because of God’s love.
In this little thing I saw three properties:
The first is that God made it,
The second is that God loves it,
The third is that God keeps it.
Truly, the maker, the keeper, the lover.

5. Thursday 13 September Be a Gardener. Dig a ditch. Toil and sweat.
And turn the earth upside down.
And seek the deepness.
And water plants in time.
Continue this labour.
And make sweet floods to run,
and noble and abundant fruits to spring.
Take this food and drink,
and carry it to God as your true worship.
Julian of Norwich
Lord God
Let us ensure that we care for all of creation. Help us to avoid waste and excess in our daily lives and to appreciate the wonders of the natural world. As individuals and as a school community, help us to support and develop environmental projects that will leave a lasting legacy for the benefit of our earth. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord
Amen

6. Friday 14 September Examen
Be silent and place yourself in God’s loving presence. Think about the good things that have happened this week and give thanks.​
Who have you left a good memory with this week?
Look back over your week. Where have you felt joy and what has been difficult and challenged you? In the quiet of your heart, tell God about your experiences.​ Give thanks for who you are.
As you look ahead, with what spirit will you enter next week?
Ask God to help you.

7. Afternoon Prayer and Reflection
Lord
Thank you for the morning, for watching over me and walking with me. May I find joy and understanding this afternoon, in all I do. Grant me the zest and the strength I need to work for you until nightfall. Amen
Let us pause for a few moments in silence and remember those family members and friends who need our prayers and support today…………
Let us ask Mary, our Mother, to join us in our prayers as we say:
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen
We end our reflection with a prayer inspired by our foundress followed by the school prayer:
Loving Father, life-giving spirit – Marie Madeleine believed in your power, hoped in your promises and lived for your glory. We ask her to pray for us and be with us as we carry the FCJ spirit into the 21st century. Protect and guide the pupils and staff at Upton and at all FCJ schools in this country and around the world. Amen
May the Lord bless us and keep us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen