1. Prayers for the week 17 - 21 September 2018
Prayer theme: New beginnings and expectations.
The school year has just begun. For many it is a new beginning and we come with our hopes, dreams, maybe also some anxiety and worries. We place all these in the hands of God.
21st September we celebrate the birthday of Marie Madeleine, the foundress of the Sisters Faithful Companions of Jesus. She was born in 1781.

2. Monday 17 September
Come as you are. That’s how I want you. Come as you are, Feel quite at home. Close to my heart, Loved and forgiven. Come as you are, why stand alone? No need to fear, love sets no limits, love never ends. Don’t run away, shamed and disheartened. I came to bring peace, not to condemn. Come as you are, that’s how I love you. Each time you fail, why do you think I’d love you the less? Come as you are. Trust me. Nothing can change the love that I bear you, All will be well, Come as you are. Loving God, help me to accept and love myself as I am, to see myself as you see me. Help me not to be afraid of facing any problems, to remember that we will resolve them together as they arise. Today is a new beginning. Help me to become great in excellence, dignity, hope, justice, companionship and gentleness. Amen.

3. Tuesday 18 September Psalm 139
Lord, you know all about me. You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know my thoughts before I think them. You know where I go and where I lie down. You know everything I do.
Lord, even before I say a word, you already know what I am going to say.
You are all around me – in front of me and behind me . You have put your hand on me. Your knowledge is amazing to me. It is more than I can understand.
You made my whole being. You formed me in my mother’s body.
I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well.
Lord God, you see us wherever we are, we know that you hear us because you are with us wherever we go. That is a great comfort. Thank you for never leaving us. Amen.

4. Wednesday 19 September
As you have returned to school, spare a thought for children in Yemen, in the Middle East. They are facing hunger, disease and bombs. Many schools have been destroyed and with families fleeing their homes many children don’t have access to education. Over 11 million children are in need of urgent help. We pray for peace in the world, that world leaders will consider the children involved in conflicts and will strive to find peaceful solutions. We pray for all those affected by war. Lord in your Goodness. Hear Our Prayer.

5. Thursday 20 September
Tomorrow we celebrate Marie Madeleine’s birthday!
Marie Madeleine, the foundress of the FCJ sisters, was born in France on September 21, As a child she was known as Gigi. Born in a wealthy family with members active in church and society, the early years of her life were very happy. However when she was eight years old the French Revolution broke out and her father was imprisoned, which greatly influenced her teenage years. She had to take responsibility in the household. Despite her own difficulties, she went out together with a friend visiting the sick and the poor.
Loving God,
We give thanks for the life of Marie Madeleine. We ask that our hearts may be as open to you as was the heart of Marie Madeleine.
Give us the strength to strive daily to do all things for your honour and praise.
We make this prayer in Jesus' name. Amen.
Châteauroux, birthplace of Marie Madeleine

6. Friday 21 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