Mary Sullivan

“Amen, I say to you,
If you have faith the size of a mustard seed,
You will say to this mountain,
‘move from here to there,’
and it will move.
Nothing will be impossible for you.”
(Matt. 17:20)

Jesus, our Redeemer, the narrow path we seek.
A path full of believing, where Your words we speak.
A man among the crowd, brought to You His son.
The disciples tried to help him, but he was helped by none.

The spirit would possess the son, by a spirit He was bound.
The spirit robbed him of his speech.  It threw him to the ground.
This grieving father cried to You.  The father found relief.
We are grieving too, Lord.  Heal now, our unbelief.

By faith, Noah built his ark, by faith, we all have read,
Abraham’s descendants had come forth, though he seemed as good as dead.
By faith, Lord Jesus, we believe.  And we are asking too,
That those we love, will rise from death, and find new life in You.

We need a greater faith, than that which moves solid rock.
We need faith to touch our loved ones’ hearts.  We ask, we seek, we knock.
We need a faith that’s full of trust, a faith that’s full of love—
A faith to move our loved ones’ hearts from this world, to things above.

We bring You, Lord, our loved ones.  Free them from the devil’s snares.
We beg You for their healing.  Lord Jesus, hear our prayers.

(Based on Mark 9:17, Heb. 11:12)

The gift of grace increases as the struggle increases.
(St. Rose of Lima)

The struggle is increasing.  In blackened night, we light Christian lamps.
Loved ones are ensnared, captured by evil camps.
Land mines all around us.  Things are now exploding,
We cling to truth, while in our midst, it seems truth is imploding.

Our clothes are torn in tatters, our faces marked by ashes.
Limping beaten and battered, blood drips from wounds and gashes.
The signs that are around us, can make us feel like we are losing.
We struggle to fight for truth.  Life is now so confusing.

Help us remember, Jesus, as the struggle increases,
Your grace increases more.  Your protection never ceases.
The enemy is locked and ready, to attack our Christian base.
His guns are aiming at us. Dear Lord, send to us more grace.

We need grace to use our armor, when on us bullets rain,
We need the helmet of salvation, to protect our thoughts and brains.
We need grace to lift Your sword, to battle evil and to fight.
We need grace to speak Your words; to speak truth, bring truth to light.
We need grace to hold the shield of faith, against sinful arrows.
We need grace to walk Your holy path, along the straight and narrow.
We need grace to march in cadence, with feet firmly shod in peace.
We need grace to win this war, that war will one day cease.

We need grace merciful Jesus, to stand our holy ground,
When everywhere we look, wickedness abounds.
We need grace now loving Jesus, so we beg You do make haste.
Fill our hearts with Your love. Fill our lives with Your grace.

Christ come to our heart this day.
From us do not ever stray.
Do not abandon us, we pray.
Guide our steps in every way.

Grant us hearts like unto thine.
Make our minds like Yours Divine.
Your grace be with us throughout time.
May Your love upon us shine.

Make us like You in all we do.
Through every trial see us through.
Lord Jesus, bless our loved ones too.
That soon they will return to You.

Give to me a pure heart, Lord, a humbled heart contrite.
Bless me with a pure heart, Lord.  In my soul, shed Your light.
Have mercy on me, loving Lord; wipe out my offense.
Wash me, O Lord, from my guilt.  Of sin, let me be cleansed.

Give to me, a clean heart, Lord, a heart filled with Your love.
Give to me, a clean heart, Lord, with grace from above.
Put a steadfast spirit in me.  Your spirit, in my soul renew.
Keep me in Your presence, Lord.  All sin may I eschew.

My sacrifice to You, My God, a spirit quite contrite.
My sacrifice to You, My God, a soul that seeks what’s right.
Guide me towards humility.  From You, may I learn.
It is a humbled heart, my Lord, that never will You spurn.

And give our loved ones too, Lord, a pure and humble heart.
May loved ones ever seek Your will.  From Your will, not depart.
Put a steadfast spirit in each one, a spirit seeking truth.
Grant to all humility; help each find true love in You.

(Based on Psalm 51)

Our hearts are always with them; our hearts are never far.
Our hearts can’t ever leave them; no matter where they are.
No need to even wonder, no need to question why;
For the simple truth is that our love for them can’t die.

Every step we make in life, and even our next move,
Is often just a step toward what we think is love and truth.
We all can be mistaken, in what we think is true,
There is not one among us who can’t be tricked in what we do.

Feelings often change, like the daily weather.
Feelings can lead us toward some things which do not make us better.
For feelings can be fickle and lead us all astray.
Feelings can deceive each one of us, at any time of day.
To let our feelings rule our lives, sometimes we all are faulted.
Sad to say, in life today, feelings are exalted.

May those we love find a path, find another way.
Lord, help them seek the truth, which leads to the light of day.
They think it’s crazy doctrine, or a bunch of rules we give,
Lord, help them see it’s You Who came to teach us how to live.

You came to bring us true love, extend to each one mercy.
You came to show us truth, to settle controversy.
We are Your humble creatures.  You are our Creator.
You O Lord love us most. But You are no dictator.

May loved ones stop to listen, follow what You have to say,
Then when the storms come in their lives, they won’t be swept away.
Protect and defend them, Lord.  The demons, now please slay.
Be to loved ones, humble strength, which helps them through each day.

Guide us to embrace Your love.  Send to us a new leaven,
To raise our minds to truth this day; our souls one day heaven.