Mary Sullivan

Father, may we have the grace to stand,

With meek and humble hearts, before the Son of Man.

We can only do this if we run this race of faith.

We can only do this with Your power and Your grace.

Free us from all drunkenness, and from all carousing.

Free us from anxiety.  May we not tire and grow drowsy.

That day will catch us by surprise, like a hidden trap.

That day will assault us all, on earth in but a snap.

Now is the time, to repent, and the time to forgive.

Now is the time, to turn to Him; and to Him, our lives give.

Jesus, set us free, from any sin imprisonment.

Help us to be wide awake.  Help us to be vigilant.

Help us grow roots of faith, that are strong and that are deep.

Watch, is what, we must now, with all our effort keep.

Jesus, it is for those we love, that on our knees we pray.

In a torrent of the world, they have been swept away.

Set them on the path, that is narrow and is straight.

Keep them on that holy path, that they reach heaven’s gate.

Lead them Lord, along the holy, and the righteous way.

We beg You to bring mercy, into their lives today.

(Based on Luke 21:34-36)

A father had two sons, and not wanting to wait,

The younger son asked for his share of his father’s estate.

This son gathered his belongings, as if in liberation,

set off to a hill country to live a life of dissipation.

His entire share was squandered on a carefree spending spree,

There was nothing left. He’d spent everything, you see.

The son it seems had at last run out of any luck.

He found himself in dire need.  A famine now had struck.

The son had grown so hungry.  For him there was no bread.

He longed to eat from the pods by which the pigs were fed.

His father’s workers were well-fed, thought this son, the younger,

He himself was dying, dying now from hunger,

He planned to find his father, to him say something true:

Father, I have sinned against heaven… against you…

The desperate son by this point had no more pretenses.

He set out to his father’s house, he had come to his senses.

The son got up and back to his father he went.

He would return quite humbled.  He went home to repent.

The son was a long way off, when his father’s eyes caught sight,

Of his son returning home. The father ran with all his might.

He ran to his younger son, whom he had so dearly missed,

With compassion he embraced his son and gave his child a kiss.

Then the father sought to celebrate, his son who far-off wandered.

This son who went off with his share, and his share then squandered.

He would slaughter the fat calf, for a great celebration.

The finest robe must be brought out—there was such jubilation!

The finest ring for his finger! Sandals upon his feet!

The father would celebrate with a fine and joyful feast.

This son of mine was dead, and has come to life again;

This son of mine once lost is found.  To this we say Amen!

Dear Father up in heaven, we have daughters and have sons,

Who left home, left the truth, fled faith on the run;

We await their coming home to faith, to truth, to You.

It seems that sometimes praying is all that we can do.

Father help them now to yearn, for Christ’s most Sacred Host.

Help them to love the Gospel, to love the Holy Ghost.

Won’t You Father take from them their troubles of the day,

Let the fallen life they live collapse and then give way.

Let them know how we await with love for their return.

Send grace upon their wounded hearts, may Your love they not spurn.

Shower them with wisdom, may they pine for You and truth.

Give them true repentance for their wayward sinful youth.

Humbled, call them back to You, to them may You run.

May You soon be running to all our daughters and our sons.

No matter what they’ve squandered, no matter where they’ve roamed.

May our prodigals come back to You, may You welcome each one home.

AMEN

Where there is no love, pour love in, and you will draw love out. (St. John of the Cross)

 How do we love, Lord Jesus?

Can you please show us if you may?

How do we love our loved ones,

Who have wandered so far away?

How do we love them, Lord Jesus?

What words are there left to say?

How do we love those who fled the faith?

By whom we at times feel betrayed?

How do we love, Lord Jesus?

When love’s vessel seems empty and bare.

Can you show us the way to true love?

Will you stay by our side?  Lead us there?

Show us the way, Lord Jesus,

To pour love into anger and doubt.

If You show us just how to do this,

One day we may draw love out.

Show us how to pour patience in,

To endure each trial through and through.

Show us the way to trust in You.

To trust You with our loved ones too.

Show us the way to love, Jesus.

This cannot be done on our own.

Show us how to bring love to them.

In love, bring those we love home.

Christ, You give to us the glory, which the Father gave to Thee.

Open our eyes now, that Your glory we may see,

With the Father You are One. Make us one with You.

The Father loves You Jesus. And He loves us too.

This world can’t see the Father.  Yet You are the Father’s light.

You make the Father known to us, that His love may burn bright.

We are the Father’s gift to You. To us, our children are Your gift,

Heal them Jesus by Your Word. Free them of every rift.

Lord Jesus, send the Father’s love, to the hearts of those we love.

May their hearts beat with love of You, with grace from above.

May we at last unite as one—unite as one with Thee.

United, may we stand in truth.   With truth now set us free.

(Based on John 17: 20-26)

Many will come in His name,

Saying “The time has come,” “I am He.”

Don’t follow them, but look

For signs in the sky and sea.

In the sun there will be signs.

And in the stars and moon,

That let us know that the Lord,

Will be returning soon.

The sea will roar, with big waves,

Reaching up quite high.

Upon a cloud the Son of Man

Will return from the sky.

He will come in glory.

And He will come in power

He will come in majesty

At this decisive hour.

Should that day come upon us,

May we stand erect,

raise heads to our Master,

as His faithful elect.

Grant this grace to loved ones,

May they hear the Master’s voice,

Return to Him, find His will,

That all of heaven may rejoice.

Before the Lord returns in glory,

Before that mighty day arrives.

May our sons and daughters turn to Christ,

For Christ, lay down their lives.