Being a shepherd to his flock and delivering the word of God to his congregation is no easy task for man. Our pastors need our constant prayers for them. Here are some great prayers for pastor appreciation that will help you to deliver them with strength and wisdom.

Prayers #1

Father, help our pastor to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings (Phil. 3:10). Since we know of his faith in the Lord Jesus and his love for all the saints, may we never stop giving thanks for him, always remembering him in our prayers. We will keep asking that You, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, will give him the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that he may know You better (Eph. 1:15-17).

Prayers #2

Lord God Almighty, would You help our pastor to humble himself before You and under Your mighty hand, so that You will lift him up (Jas. 4:10; 1 Pet. 5:6)? Guide him in what is right and teach him Your way (Psa. 25:9). May our congregation see that he is wise and understanding as shown by his good life, and by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom (Jas. 3:13). Father, You have said that the one You esteem is he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at Your Word (Isa. 66:2). May our pastor be such a person!

Prayers #3

Gracious Father, may our pastor’s messages and preaching come to us, not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that our faith might not rest on the wisdom of man, but upon Your power (1 Cor. 2:4-5). Help him never to depend upon his own might or power, but always upon Your Spirit, Lord Almighty (Zech. 4:6). May You, the God of hope, fill our pastor with all joy and peace as he trusts in you, so that he may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:13).

Prayers #4

Glorious God, we pray that our pastor will seek You with all of his heart. Help him never to stray from Your commands. May he hide Your Word in his heart so that he will not sin against You (Psa. 119:10-11). Give him deep desire to meditate on Your precepts and to consider Your ways. May he delight in Your decrees and never neglect Your Word (Psa. 119:15-16). Give him understanding so that he will keep your law and obey it with all of his heart. Direct him in the path of Your commands where he will find delight. Turn his heart toward Your statutes and not toward selfish gain, and turn his eyes away from worthless things. Preserve his life according to Your Word (Psa. 119:34-37).

Prayers #5

Gracious Lord, may our pastor fear You so that he will have a secure fortress that will always be a refuge for his children (Prov. 14:26). May he consistently teach his children to revere Your commands by following his example (Psa. 34:11), so that they might be blessed (Psa. 112:1-2). Help him to manage his family well so that his children will obey him with proper respect (1 Tim. 3:4-5). May he love his wife just as Christ loved the Church (Eph. 5:25). Help him to be considerate and respectful to her so that nothing will hinder his prayers (1 Pet. 3:7). Faithful Lord, strengthen and protect our pastor and his family against the attacks of the enemy (2 Thess. 3:3), and may their household always choose to serve You (Josh. 24:15).

Prayers #6

Heavenly Father, we thank you today for your work in creation and the abundant blessings that we have as Your children. We thank you for the glorious gospel; the gift of your Son Jesus Christ as the one mediator between God and man. Thank you for the gift of pastor, which your Word says you gave to your church “to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12, 13).

Thank you for the love he has for his wife and family demonstrating a stable and healthy family. For the Scripture says of church leadership, “he must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect” (1 Timothy 3:4). Thank you for his thoughtful exposition of your Word, as he heeds your call to “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2). Thank you for his leadership in our church services and the orderly manner in which he leads us, seeking to fulfill the Biblical call that “all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). Thank you for his interest in the flock under his care and the burden that he carries for your people. May you continue to confer your richest blessing upon this ministry couple as they seek to fulfill their call amongst us and thus bring You glory. In the powerful name of Jesus Christ we pray, AMEN.

Here is one incredible example of a pastor appreciation that was delivered in the form of a flash mob.

When the challenges of life hit you head on, looking to the Lord is sometimes the best way to find a way to surpass the barriers of life. Here are some great prayers for overcoming obstacles that are encouraging and will bring you comfort.

Prayer #1

O Lord, we call upon You in our time of sorrow,
That You give us the strength and will to bear our heavy
burdens, until we can again feel the warmth and love of
Your divine compassion. Be mindful of us and have mercy
on us while we struggle to comprehend life’s hardships.

Keep us ever in Your watch, til we can walk again with
light hearts and renewed spirits.

Prayer #2

Thank you, Lord, for being there for me and allowing me to cry out to you in my times of need.

It is amazing to me that the Lord of the Universe would take time to listen to me and to care about what I say.

God, there are things happening around me right now that I do not understand. Some of these things make me feel weak, helpless and afraid.
Even in the midst of this, I know that you are the Lord.

I know that the situation is in Your hand, and I trust You. I beseech you for strength and for wisdom that I would be able to endure this situation and be able to handle it in a way that would bring glory to Your name.
In Jesus name. Amen.

Prayer #3

Father, we sing praises unto Your Precious and Mighty name. We thank You for all You have done.
Be with us daily Lord, guide us and protect us as we remove obstacles in our way. Lead us along the plain path of righteousness, Oh Heavenly Father. Bless us with Your divine favor and mercy.

Prayer #4

Father, this world sometimes bewilders me and is beyond my understanding. I see poverty and disease, storms and earthquakes, war and killing. Many hearts are bound by ego and fear. Please strengthen my faith in your higher purpose and open my mind to the truth that everything is unfolding according to your divine plan. Let compassion and love for my brothers and sisters flow from me and may we all be uplifted by your glory. AMEN.

Prayer #5

Lord, sometimes when I look in the mirror I’m not too happy with what I see. Please let me see me the way you made me, beautiful and perfect just as I am. Help me to hold this image in my mind and heart as I follow my life’s path. Allow others to witness your light shining through me as I walk with confidence, grace and a smile on my face. Amen.

Prayer #6

Heavenly Father, as you know, I am facing a major health challenge in my life. I ask that you grant me the energy and determination to seek out and find the right physicians, treatments and programs; the courage and grace to follow them; and your peace and serenity to rest and restore my body, mind and spirit. Amen.

Prayer #7

I will lift up my eyes to the hills
From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is your keeper;
The LORD is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.

The LORD shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore.

Prayer #8

Father, my spouse has chosen to break the vow made before you, our families and friends at our wedding. My heart is heavy and my soul aches. I pray that you give me the courage and strength to go through this divorce with dignity, self respect and the knowledge that you are always with me. Amen.

Prayer #9

Dear God, I have loved well but not too wisely. I’ve given my heart to someone who has not honored that gift and I realize this relationship does not serve either of us. Please give me the courage and strength to end this relationship gracefully. Help me to forgive, heal and move on with my life so that I may open the door to new happiness. Amen.

Here is a look at how to overcome the many obstacles of life to success.

There are the lighting of four candles that represent the four weeks of advent. In the center sits a fifth candle that is considered to be the Christ Candle and is lit on Christmas Day. Here is a look at some of the best prayers for lighting advent candles to recite.

Prayers #1

All-powerful God, increase our strength of will for doing good that Christ may find an eager welcome at his coming and call us to his side in the kingdom of heaven, where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, forever and ever. Amen

Prayers #2

God of power and mercy open our hearts in welcome. Remove the things that hinder us from receiving Christ with joy so that we may share his wisdom and become one with him when he comes in glory, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

Prayers #3

Lord God, may we, your people, who look forward to the birthday of Christ experience the joy of salvation and celebrate that feast with love and thanksgiving. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayers #4

Father, all-powerful God, your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of your plan. Lift our minds in watchful hope to hear the voice which announces his glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit who prepares us for his coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayers #5

Let us pray. Stir up Thy might, we beg Thee, O Lord, and come, so that we may escape through Thy protection and be saved by Thy help from the dangers that threaten us because of our sins. Who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen

Prayers #6

Let us pray. O Lord, stir up our hearts that we may prepare for Thy only begotten Son, that through His coming we may be made worthy to serve Thee with pure souls. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayers #7

Let us pray. We humbly beg Thee, O Lord, to listen to our prayers; and by the grace of Thy coming bring light into our darkened minds. Who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen

Prayers #8

Let us pray. Stir up Thy might, we pray Thee, O Lord, and come; rescue us through Thy great strength so that salvation, which has been hindered by our sins, may be hastened by the grace of Thy gentle mercy. Who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen

Prayers #9

O God, we want to thank you for your gift of Christ, not just with words, but also with deeds. Help us to be grateful every day. Help us to meet our friends with understanding, our work with willingness, our responsibilities with patience. You have given so much to us: help us to give even a little to those who need us and our gifts. especially at this season of giving. Amen.

Here is one advent prayer series for the Christ Candle.

Intercession is prayer that pleads with God for your needs and the needs of others. It involves taking hold of God’s will. Here is a look at more than a half dozen prayers for intecessors that are perfect to recite.

Prayer #1

Thank You Father for the men and women who have dedicated their lives to the ministry of intercession and we pray Your protection over each one, knowing that they are in the front line of a spiritual warfare that has been raging in the heavens, since man chose to rebel against his Creator, and Satan took the reins of power over this world system.

Help each one to recognize the significance of the spiritual conflict in which they are involved and we pray that they would be vigilant in putting on the whole armor of God daily, knowing that the enemy is seeking to destroy their testimony and cripple their effectiveness.

Direct and govern their prayers and intercessions and give them an ever present recognition that greater is HE that is in them than he that is in the world. May each one rest in the knowledge that the victory is secured the Lord, which has already been won at Calvary. May each one simply abide in Christ and remain faithful to their post, so that the Spirit of God may use them as a vessel to forward His plans and purpose in the world – until Christ is all in all. Thank You Father for the ministry of intercession and raise up we pray, many who will take up the baton of prayer, to Your glory, in Jesus name we pray,

Amen

Prayer #2

Give wisdom we pray to the faithful little band of Christian intercessors that are standing in the gap before the Lord, on behalf of so many, who are unaware of the spiritual battles that are raging in the heavenlies. Develop in each one the heart of a true servant that is so vital for this special ministry to be effective – the sort of servant-heart that was so exemplified in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Help each intercessor to disregard their own interests, and so develop the mind of Christ.. so that their will is swallowed up in His as they become immersed in this vital service to God. May they learn to say..as did Christ in the garden of Gethsemane,”Thy will, not mine be done..” until they are absorbed in the will of the Father, to His praise and glory,

Amen

Prayer #3

Heavenly Father we lay before You all those men and women who have been called to the important ministry of intercession and prayer, and that You would give them wisdom and understanding as they stand in the gap between God and man – and man and God. Give them we pray a deep discernment to know how to pray and what to pray for, so that their intercession may be effective in the spiritual battle with which they are engaged and in bringing forth much fruit, to Your praise and glory.

We pray that each one may have a servant heart, be led and guided by the Spirit of God and yielded to Him in thought, word and deed.. so that day by day they are waking in spirit and truth, and living in newness of life, in Christ. May each one have an understanding of the evil power and plan of Satan, and learn to cover themselves (and those for whom they pray) in the armour of God, and having done all may each one abide faithful. This we ask in the precious name of Jesus,

Amen

Prayer #4

Father, we know the importance of having two or three that are gathered together to pray in Your name, and we ask You to look down in grace and favour on all the many groups and ministries that meet together to intercede on behalf of others.

We ask You to watch over and protect each group, however large or small they may be – and we pray that there would rise up many clusters of intercessors in every country of the world, who are prepared to lift up.. 1) the leaders of their nation, 2) those that have never trusted Christ as Saviour, 3) and their brothers and sisters in Christ.

We ask that You would equip each group with the facility to pour out their hearts to the Lord,as they pray into the will of God in the lives of all those for whom they are interceding. May they learn to travail in prayer as they unite to pour out their hearts, in intercessory prayer together. May they learn to abandon their soul unto death.. as did Christ Himself in the garden – as they allow the Holy Spirit within to pray through them.. and to persevere in prayer together.. until Your purpose is carried out to Your praise and glory,

Amen

Prayer #5

Prepare the hearts of all those that have been called into the important ministry of intercession, so that they may be equipped to stand as intercessor between man and God and act as watchmen on the wall. May their ministry be approved of God so that they may offer up earnest pleadings for the souls of those that are lost, knowing that without the saving blood of Christ to wash them clean of sin, there shall no flesh be justified before almighty God.

Give them a heart that is also prepared to plead that the Body of Christ as a whole, that she may mature in the faith and grow into a deeper knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.. both corporately and individually. May these men and women intercessors be approved of God, so that they may show forth the love of Christ, to a lost and dying world.

Father we pray for all those that have been called to the all-important throne ministry of intercession, and ask that they may be led by the Holy Spirit of God to pray into His perfect will.. and to come into a deeper understanding of God’s perfect plans and purposes for this lost and dying world. We pray that You would guide their intercessions and prayers, so that they may pray in spirit and truth, to Your praise and gory, in Jesus name we pray.

Prayer #6

Father, not only do I have the assurance of my salvation, but I also know that You intercede for me as a man who has experienced life on this earth. Thank You for being both God with men and man with God.

Amen.

Here is a great message and prayer of intercession with Bishop T. D. Jakes during this session at the Baptist Church Fellowship.

The power of gratitude is an important part of the Lord’s Prayer. There are many ways to give thanks and develop gratefulness to God in your life. From simple prayers to personal devotion, here is a look at some great prayers for gratefulness that will inspire you.

Prayer #1

Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have bestowed on my life. You have provided me with more than I could ever have imagined. You have surrounded me with people who always look out for me. You have given me family and friends who bless me every day with kind words and actions. They lift me up in ways that keep my eyes focused on you and make my spirit soar.

Also, thank you, Lord, for keeping me safe. You protect me from those things that seem to haunt others. You help me make better choices, and you have provided me with advisors that help me with the difficult decisions. You speak to me in so many ways so that I always know you are here.

And Lord, I am so grateful for keeping those around me safe and loved. I hope that you provide me with the ability and sense to show them every day how much they matter. I hope that you give me the ability to give to them the same kindness they have provided to me. I am just so grateful for all of your blessings in my life, Lord. I pray that you remind me of just how lucky I am, and that you never allow me to forget to show my gratitude in prayer and returned kind acts. Thank you, Lord. In your name, Amen.

Prayer #2

Lord, Today I am going to think of something to say “Thank you” for that I have never thanked you for before! I love you, Lord, Amen

Prayer #3

Thank you, Lord, for your Word. It inspires me, motivates me, instructs me, corrects me, and comforts me. Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

Prayer #4

Loving Lord, As I express my gratitude to you in prayer, may it be a pleasing, joyful sound to you.

Thank you, Lord, for your love. It brings me acceptance and significance.

Thank you, Lord, for your truth. It brings me guidance and direction.

Thank you, Lord, for your mercy. It brings me help and comfort.

Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness. It brings me stability and strength.

Thank you, Lord, for your kindness. It brings me daily provision and sustenance.

Thank you, Lord, for your beauty displayed in the earth. It brings me joy and delight.

Thank you, Lord, for your way of redemption – the cross. It brings me salvation and regeneration.
Amen

Prayer #5

Gracious God, in the busy-ness of my day, I sometimes forget to stop to thank you for all that is good in my life.

My blessings are many and my heart is filled with gratefulness for the gift of living, for the ability to love and be loved, for the opportunity to see the everyday wonders of creation, for sleep and water, for a mind that thinks and a body that feels.

I thank you, too, for those things in my life that are less than I would hope them to be. Things that seem challenging, unfair, or difficult. When my heart feels stretched and empty, and pools of tears form in my weary eyes, still I rejoice that you are as near to me as my next breath and that in the midst of turbulence, I am growing and learning.

In the silence of my soul, I thank you most of all for your unconditional and eternal love.
Amen

Prayer #6

Thank You, God, for the harvest. I am thankful for what I have and for what I will receive. In this spirit of thankfulness, I pray with a very grateful heart.

Your loving presence provides for my every need. You make the rough ways smooth. Thank You for Your vigilant care.

Thank You for strengthening my judgment – good judgment that turns me away from pursuing courses that may be unwise and unfulfilling, good judgment that prompts right responses and right action.

Thank You for Your empowerment and strength in me as wisdom — wisdom to know what to do in any need, wisdom to know how to handle any situation, wisdom to avoid danger, wisdom to choose right paths.

Dear God, I am grateful for life, as it is unfolding in my life and in my experiences. I am grateful for the courage, strength, vision and stability of mind I have to know that all things are working together for the highest good of all, even in the midst of change.

I am aware that every good thing comes from You, God. I pray that I will be aware of all the good and give thanks for everything I see. I do not take anything for granted. I am filled with gratitude.

In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.

Prayer #7

I give thanks for all the amazing gifts you have blessed me with in this life. Thank you for the clouds in the sky and the grass beneath my feet.

Thank you for the roof over my head that shelters me from the cold and the food in my stomach that nourishes my body.

Thank you for the clothes on my back and the knowledge in my head. Most of all God thank you for your everlasting love, guidance, and understanding.

Thank you dear God, thank you.

Here is a look at the power of gratitude and focus as presented by a metaphysician.

Throughout Christianity, sin tends to be blamed all the time on some sort of generational curse. This is not always the case. Sometimes the children are punished for the sins of their fathers. To cure this curse, offering repentance is one way to be saved. Here is a look at some great prayers for generational curses that are great to recite.

Prayer #1

Heavenly Father, I confess and repent of the sin of (name the sin which caused the evil soul tie, such as adultery or fornication), and I ask that you forgive me of this sin.

[Now is a good time to destroy or get rid of any physical gifts or other objects that could hold the soul tie together, such as a gift given in an adultery, etc. Anything that could hold the bond together between you and that person.]

In the name of Jesus, and by the power of His blood, I now renounce, break and sever all unholy soul ties formed between (name the person) and myself, through the sin of (name the sin which caused the evil soul tie, such as adultery or fornication).

I now command any evil spirits which have taken advantage of this unholy soul tie to leave me now in the name of Jesus!

Prayer #2

Heavenly Father, I repent and renounce the vow I made to (name the demon or person, or even God, that you made the vow to) to preform (describe what the vow entailed). I realize this was foolish and rash on my behalf, and I ask that you will forgive me and release me from the bondage that this vow has brought me under.

In the name of Jesus, and by the power of His blood, I now renounce, break and nullify the vow to preform to your will, and I confess that I am released from this vow and it’s bondage in Jesus’ name.

I now command any evil spirits which have taken advantage of this unholy vow to leave me now in the name of Jesus!

Prayer #3

In the name of Jesus, I confess the sins and iniquities of my parents (name specific sins if known), grandparents (name specific sins if known), and all other ancestors.

In the name of Jesus, and by the power of His blood, I now renounce, break and sever all cords of iniquity and generational curses I have inherited from my parents, grandparents and all other ancestors and break and sever all unholy soul ties formed between myself and my parents, grandparents and all other ancestors.

In the name of Jesus, I now loose myself and my future generations from any bondages passed down to me from my ancestors and I command any evil spirits which have taken advantage of these cords of iniquity, generational curses and unholy soul ties to leave me now in the name of Jesus!

Prayer #4

Father, in Jesus name, I know that some of my father’s past sins and transgressions have opened up the door for these demons to be able to come into his life and attach themselves to him.

As a result of this attachment, I believe that some of these demons have been jumping from him onto me trying to attack me and sever my spiritual connection that I have with You. I believe that I may be dealing with some kind of curse line the way these demons have been attacking me over all of these years.

Prayer #5

Father, as a result of my father being my natural father, I also realize that there may be an unhealthy and ungodly soul tie that may have developed between the two of us that these demons may be feeding and operating on. Even though he is my natural father, he does not own me, nor do I belong to him. I belong to only You and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Prayer #6

Dear Lord Jesus, please forgive me for all the times I have not submitted to your will in my life. Please forgive me for all my sinful actions, making agreements with the enemy, and for believing the devil’s lies. I now submit to you as my Lord, dear Jesus. Now I break every agreement that I have made with the enemy.

Lord Jesus, please send an assignment of angels to remove and bind to the abyss all demons and their devices that had access to me because I believed their lies. I now ask you to establish a hedge of protection around me, over me and under me, and seal it with your blood, Lord Jesus Christ.

I now choose to put on the full armor of God and ask that you cleanse me and seal me, body, mind, soul and spirit, with your blood, Lord Jesus Christ. Please have your angelic army bind up and remove all demons, their devices, and all their power from within this protective hedge and have them sent to the abyss.

Please have your angels destroy all demonic, occult or witchcraft assignments directed against me. Please have your angels stand guard over me and protect me from all attacks of the enemy. I thank you for establishing an impenetrable shield of protection around me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Here is a video with Pastor Paula White as she preaches about sin and transgression and how to break generational curses, living free and clear in Christ.

Starting a family is something that many couples suffer difficulty with. Looking to the Patron Saint of Motherhood, St. Gerard, you and your spouse may receive blessings of a child to be. Here are some great prayers for fertility for Catholics that will help them to put their faith in God to grant them a blessing of a child.

Prayers #1

O good St. Gerard, powerful intercessor before God and Wonder-worker of our day, I call on you and seek your help. You who on earth did always fulfill God’s design, help me to do the Holy Will of God. Beseech the Master of Life, from whom all paternity proceeded, to make me fruitful in offspring, that I may raise up children to God in this life and heirs to the Kingdom of His glory in the world to come. Amen.

Prayers #2

Dear Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked you for many favors, but I beg for this one. Take it, place it in your open broken heart, and when the Eternal Father sees it covered with the mantle of thy most Precious Blood, He cannot refuse it. For then it is Your prayer not mine. Amen

Prayers #3

You know my deep desire for a child A little one to love and to hold, to care for, to cherish. Grant that my body may conceive and give birth to a beautiful, healthy baby in Your holy image. Guide me in all my choices so that this conception, my pregnancy and my baby’s birth are in line with Your will. Heavenly Father and Holy Mother, hear this prayer of my heart, mind and spirit. Amen.

Prayers #4

Great protector of the family St Gerard, we ask your prayers for all parents, that they may receive the grace to live in the love of god and bring up their children to know and love him with all their hearts. God our loving Father, your live gives life to the world. Bless and make holy all human love, especially the life giving mothers. May your love fill the hearts and homes of all families, so that the world may enjoy the peace and happiness promised by your son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayers #5

Dear Lord, we pray for all mothers. May they be confident of their own special value and enjoy the experience of motherhood. Encourage all those who face anxieties or hardship. Give them strength to go on loving and caring for their families and those you give them to love. We pray too for mothers who are alone in caring for their children. Help them to overcome loneliness. May they always receive love and support from those around them. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayers #6

Dear Lord, we pray for older parents and grandparents. May they be encouraged to bring the richness of their experience to family life. Help them to overcome discouragement from physical weakness or immobility and strengthen them to offer true love and spiritual support. Comfort those who feel lonely or unwanted. Make us aware of their needs. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayers #7

O Lord, make me a better parent. Teach me to understand my children, to listen patiently to what they say and to answer their questions kindly. Keep me from interrupting them, talking back to them, and contradicting them. Make me as courteous to them as I would have them be to me. Give me the courage to confess my sins against my children and to ask their forgiveness when I know I have done them wrong. Help me grow with my children, to treat them as those of their own age; but let me not expect of the judgments and conventions of adults. Allow me not to rob them of the opportunity to wait upon themselves, to think, to choose, and to make decisions.

Here is a talk given by Fr. Matt Hartley at St. Peter Catholic Church on Catholic Bioethics and fertility issues. This Catholic teaching explains how to deal with in vitro fertilization and fertility issues as they relate to those couples looking to have families.

Having a family reunion is a great way to bring family together from near and far. To celebrate bringing everyone together, check out these awesome prayers for family reunions to recite.

Prayer #1

Lord, we thank you for our family
For the talents and good things that you have given each of us
Please guide us, protect us and equip us
This day and every day
As we grow together in Your love
Amen.

Prayer #2

God be with our family,
From the youngest to the oldest,
Lighting up our relationships,
Sowing grace into our troubles.
God be with our family,
Weaving love into our work,
Our rest, and our play.
Amen.

Prayer #3

Father God,
Thank you so much for bringing us all here together today.
Thank you for the wonderful blessing of family.
Thank you for the similarities we have and the differences we enjoy.
Thank you for the wisdom of age and the energy of youth.
Thank you for the way you watch over us as individuals and the way you release your love into us as a unit.
Come bless our time together.
Amen.

Prayer #4

Dear Lord God,
You created balance.
The night to follow the day.
The sea to touch the earth.
All the wonderful animals, fish and birds.
You are the great creator of variety and diversity.
Thank you that you made us all to be unique and reflect your love.
Come draw our family together in all it’s wonder and beauty.
Help us to love and respect each other.
Show us how to support and encourage one another.
Inspire us to work together to become a picture full of your perfect love.
Amen.

Prayer #5

Lord, behold our family here assembled.
We thank you for this place in which we dwell,
For the love that unites us,
For the peace accorded to us this day,
For the hope with which we expect the morrow;
For the health, the work, the food and the bright skies
That make our lives delightful;
For our friends in all parts of the earth.
Amen.

Prayer #6

Heavenly Father,
I want to thank you for bringing us together today to start our much-needed family reunion. We asked to be brought close to one another and it was in you that we found the strength and resources to put this family reunion together. We ask that you shine your light unto the family while we rejoice in you, Father, and we thank you for guiding us all here safely, and for making this all possible. Without you, our family would not exist, this reunion would not be happening, and these feelings of sheer joy would not be felt.
In Your name, we pray. Amen

Prayer #7

Father,
we thank you for providing us with this meal while we can all be together enjoying each other’s company. Let us savor this meal while we bask in the light of the Holy Spirit, and feel what it means to be alive, well, and happy with our great family here today. With every bite and sip we take in, Lord, we thank you.
In God’s name, we pray. Amen.

Prayer #8

Dearest Heavenly Father,
it is with the utmost happiness that we are here today, together, praying to you. We thank you for this time we were able to share together, as we cannot do it as often as we wish. One final thing we ask our you at this family reunion is to guide our family members safely on our trips back home, that you embrace us and keep us out of harm’s way. We love you, Father, and thank you again for bringing us together to rejoice in you.
Amen.

Here is one example of a family reunion prayer as they joined together in hands and prayer.

Many soldiers pay the ultimate price in serving their country by giving their life. This sacrifice allows the rest of the country to enjoy to live in peace and continued freedom. During any holidays, spending some time to remember fallen soldiers and their families is just one way to pay homage to their service. Here is a look at some good prayers for fallen soldiers you can recite and share.

Prayer #1

Soldiers are asked to make the ultimate sacrifice. It takes an incredible person to face the possibility of war and death, especially a death that will save the lives of people you have never even met. John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” Just as Jesus sacrificed his life so that we may be free, so too have many of our nation’s soldiers. On Memorial Day—and every other day—we can say a prayer of thanks for those brave souls willing to make such a sacrifice for our country, letting them know that the love they have for their country is being returned by its people.

Prayer #2

Psalm 116:15 comforts us with this verse: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Losing a loved one is devastating, but we can take comfort in knowing that God holds those soldiers close who have been born again in Christ, and honors their dedication. Pray that their souls have found God and are at rest with Him. Spend time remembering those soldiers, both those who are lost and those who survived to come home to us. Many soldiers who come home face additional challenges, and perhaps knowing they are not forgotten on this holiday may be the comfort that heals any emotional or physical wounds they now carry.

Prayer #3

“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,” offers another comforting passage found in Psalm 34:18. Remembering our lost loved ones can be painful, especially if the grief is still fresh. Pour your hurt out to the Lord and feel His comforting embrace upon you and your other loved ones who are grieving. If you can, use Memorial Day to visit a memorial or cemetery and say a prayer for the families of our fallen soldiers. Feel the peace of God’s love and hold close to your memories.

Prayer #4

Dear Lord Jesus and Mary, Mother of God,
Hold all these brave souls in the palm of your hand, comfort them and their families.
Send angels of protection, love, and comfort to all the service men and women still at war,
bring them home safely and comfort their families.
We ask all our prayers in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayer #5

All-powerful and ever-living God,
when Abraham left his native land
and departed from his people
you kept him safe through all his journeys.
Protect these soldiers.
Be their constant companion and their strength in battle,
their refuge in every adversity.
Guide them, O Lord, that they may return home in safety.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Prayer #6

God of power and might,
at every moment and in every place
you are near to those who call upon your name in faith.
In marriage you have blessed us with a share in your divine love.
Look upon my husband/wife and keep him/her in your safekeeping,
no matter where the road may lead.
And when the battle is ended,
bring him/her safely home to those who love him.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Prayer #7

Loving God
you watch over each and every one of your children
Hear my prayer for my father/mother
Be his/her constant companion.
Protect him/her no matter where he/she goes,
and bring him/her safely and quickly home to those who love him/her.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Prayer #8

Father all-powerful and ever-loving God,
from before we were born,
your love has nurtured and sustained us.
Hear my prayer for N., my son/daughter.
Keep him/her safe in time of battle
and faithful to you, day in and day out.
Bring him/her safely home to those who love him/her.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Prayer #9

God of all goodness,
Look with love on those who wait
for the safe return of their loved ones
who serve in the armed forces of their country.
In faith and hope, we turn to you for comfort.
Grant that we may trust in your mercy
and send an angel to sustain us as we await their safe return.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Prayer #10

Almighty and eternal God,
those who take refuge in you will be glad
and forever will shout for joy.
Protect these soldiers as they discharge their duties.
Protect them with the shield of your strength
and keep them safe from all evil and harm.
May the power of your love enable them to return home
in safety, that with all who love them,
they may ever praise you for your loving care.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Prayer #11

Jesus, Prince of Peace,
you have asked us to love our enemies
and pray for those who persecute us.
We pray for our enemies and those who oppose us.
With the help of the Holy Spirit,
may all people learn to work together
for that justice which brings true and lasting peace.
To you be glory and honor for ever and ever.

Prayer #12

All powerful and ever-living God,
Guard our churches, our homes, our schools,
our hospitals, our factories, and all the places where we gather.
Deliver us from harm and peril.
Protect our land and its peoples from enemies within and without.
Grant an early peace with victory founded upon justice.
Instill in the hearts and minds of men and women everywhere
a firm purpose to live forever in peace and good will toward all.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Prayer #13

O God, Protector of all people and nations,
protect my family and friends at home
from the violence and evil of others.
Keep them safe from the weapons of hate and destruction
and guard them against the deeds of evildoers.
Grant them your protection and care
in tranquility and peace.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Prayer #14

God of power and mercy,
maker and love of peace,
to know you is to live,
and to serve you is to reign.
Through the intercession of St. Michael, the archangel,
be our protection in battle against all evil.
Help me [us] to overcome war and violence
and to establish your law of love and justice.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Prayer #15

Lord God,
your own Son was delivered into the hands of the wicked,
yet he prayed for his persecutors
and overcame hatred with the blood of the Cross.
Relive the sufferings of the innocent victims of war;
grant them peace of mind, healing of body,
and a renewed faith in your protection and care.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Prayer #16

Lord God,
no one is a stranger to you
and no one is ever far from your loving care.
In your kindness, watch over refugees and victims of war,
those separated from their loved ones,
young people who are lost,
and those who have left home or who have run away from home.
Bring them back safely to the place where they long to be
and help us always to show your kindness
to strangers and to all in need
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Here is one rendition of a prayer for a dead soldier played by Jacq Sanders on trumpet at a Remembrance Day concert.

Praying to Saint Lucy, the protector of the eyes is just one way to receive healing for your eyesight. Here is a look at some great prayers for eyesight that will help you to achieve the blessing you seek.

Prayer #1

Saint Lucy

Whose beautiful name signifies ‘LIGHT’
by the light of faith which God bestowed upon you
increase and preserve His light in my soul
so that I may avoid evil,
Be zealous in the performance of good works
and abhor nothing so much as the blindness and
the darkness of evil and sin.
Obtain for me, by your intercession with God
Perfect vision for my bodily eyes
and the grace to use them for God’s greater honour and glory
and the salvation of souls.
St. Lucy, virgin and martyr
hear my prayers and obtain my petitions.

Amen.

Prayer #2

I thank God for restoration of full health and eyesight to my mother, whose vision is improving, getting better and better with God’s healing and your prayers.

Prayer #3

O God, our Father, mercifully hear our prayer as we venerate Your servant, Saint Lucy, for the light You gave her.

Shed Your light in our souls, O Lord, that we may be able to avoid evil, do good, and hate nothing so much as the blindness and darkness of evil and sin.

Relying on Your goodness, O God, we humbly ask You through the intercession of Saint Lucy, to strengthen our eyesight and protect us from any loss of vision.

May our eyes serve for Your greater honor and glory and the salvation of all, that we may come to enjoy together the unfailing light of the Lamb of God in Paradise.

O Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr, hear our prayer and obtain our petitions.
Amen.

Prayer #4

I pray today for my eyes. I ask that your healing come to them, to take away the damage to them and allow me the gift of sight unhindered. May you give others who still take their sight for granted the wisdom to appreciate this marvelous gift.

Here is one example of a spiritual healing taking place as a blind man starts to receive back his eyesight after prayer.