Mary Sullivan

Zechariah and Elizabeth, both righteous in God’s eyes,

Observed the commandments, were advanced in years, and wise.

Through all their days of marriage, for a child they had longed.

But Elizabeth was barren.  Not one child had she borne.

Inside the sanctuary, incense there was to burn.

Zechariah saw an angel.  Something great he was to learn.

The angel said of fear, he ought to have none.

His prayer had been heard by God.  His wife would bear a son.

His son would be great.  So said the angel’s voice.

His son was to be named John. At his birth, many would rejoice.

Because of him, many hearts, for the Lord would yearn.

Through him many souls, to the Lord would turn.

He would drink no strong drink.  Nor would he drink of wine.

All these things would be fulfilled in their proper time.

Lord, help us honor Your commands, let us make haste to pray.

Your time may not be our time.  We trust Your timing today.

Our loved ones belong to You.  In Your time they will flower,

Until then, we persevere.  We pray through each passing hour.

We wait, like Zechariah. Our patience is a must.

Your time is not our time, Lord.  In You, we place in You our trust.

Zechariah waited prayerfully for the birth of His Son.

We pray for a new birth in Christ for each of our loved ones.

Whoever comes to truth,

who seeks to truth unite,

Will find himself enlightened,

by the light of life.

Jesus came to testify,

to truth and to the light.

That all might believe through Him,

and do what is right.

Dear Jesus, come as Infant,

So humble and so pure.

May the Infant Child be the One

Who we love and adore.

Come close to loved ones through their days,

and through all their nights.

Come close at Christmas, Jesus,

Bring to each a new light.

God born as humble Babe,

Human infant in the flesh.

May loved ones’ hearts be touched by Yours,

When they see You, in the creche.

(John 1:7,9, John 3:19-21; Psalm 80)

From Jesse’s stump, a root shall sprout.

This was our promise.  With no doubt,

A bud shall blossom from these roots.

A bud that was to bear much fruit.

Upon Him shall rest, the Lord’s Spirit.

Let all believe.  May all now hear it.

A spirit of council, a spirit strong,

a spirit we worship, now in song.

He would to us wisdom bring,

He would understand all things.

He would lead in perseverance.

He would judge, not by appearance.

May loved ones flee all that deceive.

May their hearts at last believe.

Christ born, the victory to win.

Christ came to save us from our sins.

For our loved ones, may justice flourish,

Fullness of peace be now cherished,

Lord, grant our loved ones a clear sight.

Come now, Lord Jesus.  Set all things right.

(Based on Is. 11:1-10)

Dear Lady of Guadalupe,

We ask of you this day,

Touch with grace, our loved ones’ hearts.

They’re lost and gone astray.

As you converted millions

And brought them to your Son.

Make haste, convert our loved ones,

That Christ’s victory may be won.

A miracle is what we need,

Like that on Tepeyac Hill.

Your Son can do miracles,

Restless hearts He stills.

Stay close dear Blessed Mother,

Do not from them depart,

As flowers bloomed in winter,

Help Christ’s love bloom in their hearts.

Heal their souls Dear Mother,

Help them know God’s love.

Send graces Blessed Mother.

Send help from above.

Let God’s light shine upon them,

From His majestic throne.

Protect them Blessed Mother.

Bring each of our loved ones home.

Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion drew near:

His servant was paralyzed; to seek Christ’s help, he had no fear.

Jesus said He’d cure the servant, didn’t hesitate.

To go cure this servant, He saw no need to wait.

“Lord, I am not worthy to have You enter under my roof.”

That the Lord could heal his servant, this soul would not need proof

The centurion had faith; this was not concealed:

“Only say the word, and my servant will be healed.”

Lord, our loved ones are in pain, in spirit paralyzed.

They are suffering sweet Jesus; some have been victimized.

We’ve tried to live by your words, the truths that You’ve revealed.

Just say the word Lord Jesus, and our loved ones will be healed.

(Based on     Matt. 8:5-11)