I find the best time and place for me to pray is in the morning in the chapel where I am to celebrate the Eucharist. Prayer is a meeting with God and I meet Him there in several different ways. He is present in the very air in the chapel, sustaining it in existence. Without it I would die. Similarly he is present in the steel and concrete of the building itself, preserving them from dissolution and non-existence, giving me a place to pray.

On the lectern is a copy of the Bible and there I find Him in a special way conveying to me a message of love, guidance and encouragement. This message empowers me to live and work with Him in the day ahead.

As the people enter the chapel one by one I can see in them Christ present as brother and friend. Later in the celebration of the Eucharist they will be formed into a community, the Body of Christ in this place and this time. After the Eucharist and in it’s power I may be drawn to someone who, alone and ill, is Christ for me and a listening world.

Finally I reflect that the awaiting bread, resting on the altar to be consecrated by my words will be transformed into Christ, made bodily present to nourish us for a Christ-like day ahead.

 

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Lord Jesus, living and present in the Eucharist, strengthen us. We beg you to reveal Your many presences to the men and women of the world.

 

 

DAILY OFFERING

Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ’s grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH

INTENTION
That the priests, united to the Heart of Christ, may always be true witnesses to the caring and merciful love of God.
Elaboration