1. Prayers for the week 26 - 30 November 2018
Prayer theme: Justice
Justice, being in right relationship with God, self, others and creation
is treasured in the school community, nurtured in the individual and enhances the life of the school
provides opportunities for each person to recognise and celebrate their own self-worth
demands, when challenging circumstances arise, that we seek dignified solutions for all concerned.
acknowledges and embraces diversity.
protects the reputation of each member of the community and ensures fair treatment for all
requires us to examine, teach and promote just relationships and structures within our school community and in the world
challenges opinions and actions that contradict Gospel values
requires us to stand shoulder to shoulder with the oppressed.

2. Monday 26 November
Pause for thought: How can we see that justice is done, show others mercy and obey God?

3. Monday 26 November
God of hope, you have given all peoples one common origin. It is your will that they be gathered together as one family in yourself. Fill our hearts with the fire of your love and with the desire to ensure justice for all. By sharing the good things you give us, may we secure an equality for all our brothers and sisters throughout the world. May there be an end to division, strife and war. May there be a dawning of a truly human society built on love and peace. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

4. Tuesday 27 November https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDZK09AUXT8
God of hope,
Help us to see that we are all made in Your image. We pray for equality among people from different races and between men and women.
Amen.

5. Tuesday 27 November
This quote if from Martin Niemöller ( ) after he had spent 7 years in a Nazi concentration camp. How can you stand up for people who are treated unfairly and which groups of people need you to speak for them?
“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out- because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out - Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me - and there was no one left to speak for me.

6. Wednesday 28 November Red Wednesday Lord Jesus Christ,
Lord Jesus Christ,
Strenghten the faith of our Brothers and Sisters who are being persecuted because of their faith in You. Amen.

7. Wednesday 28 November
Our Father in heaven, we pray that you will shine your light in the dark places of despair. The Lord will strengthen all who put their trust in Him. Every morning we see your goodness and your mercies which will never come to an end. Christ Jesus you are the Way, the Truth and the Light and all who hope in you will never lose their way. The love of God is what inspires us to reach out to those who suffer for their Faith. Into your loving arms Lord do we commit all the men, women and children who are fleeing persecution today. Our Father in heaven, touch the hearts of the evildoers and cause them to turn away from their wicked ways. Now let us not get tired of doing good, for with each act of kindness, the light of Christ burns even more brightly in our world. Amen
PLEASE DON’T GIVE UP HOPE on our brothers and sisters, all of you who are suffering for your faith today. Refresh and comfort your people O Lord, all those who suffer solely for believing in you.

8. Thursday 29 November
Heavenly Father, We praise and thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ who is our peace and our reconciliation. We bring before you all those who are suffering because of violence, war or injustice. We pray for all who experience hunger, poverty and homelessness. Give us wisdom and courage as we pray and work together. We bring before you the terrible conflicts that scar our world and cry out for resolution and lasting peace. We bring before you the unjust structures that keep millions in poverty while ensuring prosperity for the few. We pray for an end to unfairness and discrimination. Amen.

9. Thursday 29 November

10. Friday 30 November God of all, God of hope,
God of all, God of hope,
Give us courage to speak and work for equality and justice until the earth is filled with righteousness and love. Let the Bible guide us and inspire us. Amen.

11. Friday 30 November 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.

12. 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