Our God is purposeful, setting us in our families, communities, even in our generations. Nearly everyone has had a pandemic birthday. Weve celebrated birthdays together from our diaper days as kids, and I look forward to our diaper days as adults. 2. Thank you for all the love Ive been blessed withand help me in the moments ahead. But as someone with chronic illness, I know the prayer can still be useful when facing an . You are the best, and I hope that your birthday is as unforgettable as you are. With hopes and some trepidation. When I think of the extent to which You were willing to go in order to save me,. As we transition through this time we pray: One day at a time sweet Jesus.That's all that I ask of you.Lord help me today.Show me the way.One day at a time. Whatever it is you wish for on this special day, know that you deserve it. Daily prayer to be said during the Coronavirus Pandemic Click image to download a PDF of the prayer. Give them the wisdom to invest in long-term solutions that will help prepare for or prevent future outbreaks. They bring friends and family together, strengthening the ties that make up our society. They say that after just a few weeks of quiet The sky is no longer thick with fumes But blue and grey and clear.They say that in the streets of Assisi People are singing to each other across the empty squares, keeping their windows open so that those who are alone may hear the sounds of family around them. And of course, the ending of the Fr. Greater Good May we who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health and making their rent. Amid mental and physical suffering may they find consolation in your healing presence. Well, I know exactly what youll say. To those in pain. Be with those who have died from the virus. Our Father. A Prayer of Gratitude. (What scar did the Phantoms mask hide? And always feel your spirit surround me in safety. A number of long-serving leaders, faculty and staff will be ending their work on campus, and their successors will be beginning theirs. For in all this, I grow closer to you. So, for her sons 14th birthday, Anne S. of Berkeley, California, invited his friends, family, and some teachers to send in a video clip of themselves wishing him a happy birthday. Day and night, you are my refuge. } Its gonna be ok, were gonna make it be ok. Many of them wanted to get to know her and her husband better, figuring that anyone who brought out that much enthusiasm for a birthday must be nice and worth becoming closer to. Say one Hail Mary on each of the next three beads. With . There is no one alive who is you-er than you. - Dr. Seuss, You can be gorgeous at 30, charming at 40, and irresistible for the rest of your life. - Coco Chanel, I decided if you're lucky enough to be alive, you should use each birthday to celebrate what your life is about. - Mary Steenburgen, Grow old along with me. (You could hardly deny it now. For someone who deserves the world hope your day is full of joy, laughter, friendship, and your favorite type of cake. Note the emotions you feel when you think of these individuals without judging or overanalyzing. Help me see it as a human response that keeps me conscious of the seriousness of this moment, but do not let it overwhelm my spirit. Sustain bodies and spirits. Happy birthday. Through all these years, God, I feel your love and care. - Written by Rev. Father of goodness and love, hear our prayers for the sick members of our community and for all who are in need. This mask takes away power the power of clear communication but also the possibility to infect. You can also make this . May my anxiety be transformed into love. Read more A Blessing for Healthcare Workers in a Time of Covid-19 Pandemic Kate Williams wrote this prayer as a blessing for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. PRAYERS IN TIME OF A PANDEMIC . Where you are, the extraordinary tries to lift us up, to let us see beyond the everyday and catch hints of what can be, of who we could be if we gave room to our best selves, of what we could do if we banded together in common purpose and resolve. - ByAshley Henkes, Hall Director, Residence Life. 4. When this is over,may we never againtake for grantedA handshake with a strangerFull shelves at the storeConversations with neighborsA crowded theatreFriday night outThe taste of communionA routine checkupThe school rush each morningCoffee with a friendThe stadium roaringEach deep breathA boring TuesdayLife itself. Collaboration, innovation and cura personalis were our touchstones. - Prayer originated fromhttps://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2020/03/02/coronavirus-prayer. 3. Birthday messages are always appreciated when theyre written with kindness. It does not always feel good to reflect on challenging times, suffering, or loss, but our Ignatian tradition constantly reminds us that reflection is a practice that can impact our present. Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders. But her sister, daughter, and niece created a birthday car parade, with friends driving through her neighborhood in cars festooned with signs and balloons, blaring their radios or hanging out of their sunroofs to serenade her while she watched from her front yard. The Christian 'Asbury Revival' event gained viral attention on . The Coronavirus pandemic has rapidly transformed life as we know it for millions of people all over the world. And finally, take time to remember that God is with us through all the events of our lives, and that these endings and beginnings are no different. If you find yourself frustrated or stressed, acknowledge it. For social justice. I cannot hear if you whisper an answer to my prayer or brush off my curse. This is the cake and this is the buttercream.Also there is a thin brownie layer on the bottom, so here is the recipe I used for that as well (only used 1/3 to 1/2 the batter, made the rest into two-bite brownies).. We give our hearts to You, now and forever. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. Three years ago, the Covid-19 pandemic began here in our city, killing thousands of New Yorkers, and eventually . Ordinary time? We hold in tenderness and prayer the collective suffering of our world at this time. Take some time to sit down and think about what you've learned and how you've grown. May God bless you on your birthday this year. I pray that we continue to be inclusive and broad in our thinking, that we continue to be imaginative and innovative, that we have the energy required to sustain us. Amen. We pray that care and compassion, watching and accompanying be part of our ordinary lives. Next year. Embrace usso that us we know your loving presencewithin us and among us. It was truly a wonderful experience, says Angela. Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. She received her doctorate of psychology from the University of San Francisco in 1998 and was a psychologist in private practice before coming to Greater Good. We have had no time, no space, no moment to mourn. addthis_share = { Alongside a selfie of the father-daughter duo driving in the car, he wrote, "My little girl is growing up." As a surprise for her 16th birthday, the comedian gifted his daughter a Mercedes-Benz. - ByEllen Hurst, Senior Teaching Professor, Economics. Dont you think its about time we started to act our age? Jesus Christ, you traveled through towns and villages curing every disease and illness. At your command, the sick were made well. 3. Thank you for your daily powerful Presence in our lives, that we can be assured your heart is towards us, your eyes are over us, and your ears are open to our prayers. My most precious prayers and wishes are reserved for you today, my dear! Father, we seek Your wisdom daily. Please submit one here: Submit a Prayer, To provide feedback, please email: jesuitresource@xavier.edu. // ]]>, Know a prayer that could be added to this page? God gifted us with limitless creativity and imagination. (Book 6:57) For those who are unemployed.For those suffering financial hardships.For those who face an uncertain future. I have felt your presence in our continuous striving for better, striving to find solutions that serve the greatest number of people in the best way possible with the least risk of harm. Do some self-reflection. Why go to all the trouble? Heres to hoping all your candles this year dont set off the fire alarm. Thank you for always providing me with hope, encouragement, joy, and support. For those who have survived.For those who have lost their spouses.For children who have been orphaned.For all those who mourn and those who comfort them. At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus' pain, with steadfast faith. In Education. We asked for love, and you gave us troubled people to help. To how little control we really have. Gracious and Loving God,You are our comforter and our hope.Hear our prayers as we come before you.Strengthen us in this time of need.Inspire us to acts of solidarity and generosityand give us hope of a brighter future. The early Christians prayed in the church of the home. So sit back and receive all the love coming your way! Happy birthday. We embrace this metaphorbecause we believeour purposeis inextricably linkedto helping othersclarify and attain theirs. )Do not reach out your hands.Reach out your heart.Reach out your words.Reach out all the tendrilsof compassion that move, invisibly,where we cannot touch. Celebrating a birthday while under stay-at-home and social distancing orders can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be boring! Your birthday is a painful reminder of how old Im getting. As religious leaders of diverse faiths, prayer helps reveal answers to questions that weigh on us. It imbued the otherwise mundane Zoom social hour with more meaning and emotional resonance. Let our spiritsdraw closerto each otherin spite ofthe distancebetween usand march boldlyinto tomorrow. Promise this world your lovefor better or for worse,in sickness and in health,so long as we all shall live. Show your mercy as you close wounds, cure illness, make broken bodies whole and free downcast spirits. Who will show ushow to press on? But there does not have to be meanness. Science Center But there can always be a rebirth of love. May they know your protection and peace. We thank You that no matter how dark the night may get, there is the hope of the dawn to come. Help us to remember that the gift of Christ, Immanuel, is our greatest treasure, not just at Christmas, but for the whole year through. The year we slowed down. When Ive wanted to run, Ive stayed. Pope's Prayer for Protection from Coronavirus, episcopalrelief.org/what-we-do/us-disaster-program/faith-based-response-to-epidemics/, https://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=1822, https://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=229, https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2020/03/02/coronavirus-prayer, https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-03/pope-francis-prayer-our-lady-protection-coronavirus.html, Multi Faith Calendar of Religious Holy Days, Foundational Documents on Jesuit Catholic Education, Xavier University's Center for Mission and Identity. Help us to become more considerate of others, more mindful of how we can help one another, and how we can serve You and Your children well. We asked for prosperity, and you gave us purpose and brains to use. A very small selection of people who suffer from Crohns or Ulcerative Colitis go on to develop a very rare liver disease which affects the bile ducts. We are ending our mask mandates and social distancing (hopefully) and beginning to return to some semblance of normal without masks and face-to-face gatherings. For many, COVID-19 carries feelings and challenges of fear, anxiety, economic hardships, isolation, and many other stresses. Pause and reflect on where youre being invited to grow from that moment. Think of how much change you've gone through in a year; 2020 was full of ups and downs, and you made it through. Every time Im starting to feel bad about not being able to see friends and do the things I want, I just watch this and it lifts my spirit, says Amber. A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, the best friend in the world was born. 50. Jesuitresource.org is developed by The Center for Mission and Identity at Xavier University with support from the Conway Institute for Jesuit Education. I hope that todays wishes, smiles, and heartfelt words turn into many amazing memories. 1 Psalm 91:16 "With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation." Getty 2 2 Corinthians 9:15 "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" Getty Powerful Birthday Prayers and Blessings for Myself to Bless My New Age March 1, 2023 by Ezeh Binny (Buns) Birthdays are special occasions that remind us of the precious gift of life and the opportunity to reflect on our past, present, and future. When I wanted to hide, Ive faced the day. We stepped up. You stepped into my life at best possible time. Going old happens. Theres no one on Earth Id rather celebrate more than you. Neighbors have turned into crazed killers. Thank You for the hidden gifts of this pandemic: more time with my family, slow evenings at home, the beauty of creation and rediscovering joy in simple things. Our celebrations. Friend, its been nothing short of amazing to see what youve accomplished in the past year. Happy birthday. Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic- The birds are singing again The sky is clearing, Spring is coming. who is our stability and strength in troubled times. The pace, chaos, and emotion of change can be stressful; make time to take care of ourselves and each other. 'numPreferredServices' : 5 And recently in this ordinary time we have seen our fellow citizens rise up in anger and violence, destroying, injuring, even killing others to push their narrow agendas. Thank you that youve carried us through the uncertainty of deep waters, through the flames of trials, and through the pain of hard losses. i like to test myself." - happy 93rd birthday to the wonderful joanne woodward. . All over the world people are waking up to a new reality To how big we really are. That was a crazy time. Cheers to the best year yet. Be grateful for what we have and for those around us with whom we share these changes. Thats why I wanted Dons friends to express their appreciations for his birthday. When all seems lost. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care. We ask this through the Lord Jesus who healed those who believed. May the reunions, interactions, and moments ahead be held in such intentionality and may we turn to You in sincere gratitude. Many recent events in my work here on campus got me to thinking about endings and beginnings about change. Or maybe we just feel better about our age with a little bit of wine. We are certain that you will provide, so that, as you did at Cana of Galilee,joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial. Advent passed through its four weeks. For you never leave us. But no less joyous. May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable. May they know your peace, as they work together to achieve it on earth. It can help us realize who we may often choose not to see or connect with. When I've done that emptying prayer, without expecting it, finding myself with an idea or a passage of scripture that's . Get comfortable. Best friend, weve been through it all. Pause to reflect and refresh. Where is ordinary time? Theyre a great excuse to eat cake. For firefighters, police, and emergency medical workers.For doctors, nurses, and all health care professionals.For those who serve in the armed forces. If you are a person of faith, take a moment to pray with it. Merciful God,Open my heart and mind to be fully present to those I interact with throughout the day.Allow me to listen to others without passing judgement or haste to solve what I cannot change.Give me patience and understanding and grant me grace in my shortcomings.Be with me in times of fatigue and lift me up with the strength to carry out your compassionate love to all those I meet. What Happens When We Lose Our Social Rituals? If you can hear me, forgive my lack of faith and show me your mercy and strength in my time of need. Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow. Establish a theme for your designs using photos, icons, logos, personalized fonts, and other customizable elements . Heres to another year of invaluable life lessons. So, I posted love poems around the house the night before, baked his mothers famous chocolate cake, and organized a surprise Zoom birthday ritual with a few close friends holding candles and sending heartfelt wishes to him. On this wonderful day, I wish you the best that the world has to offer. Be with people making decisions that affect the lives and futures of our families, communities, countries, and the wider world. Hear through it? Research shows that shared rituals make us feel a part of a larger social identity, suggesting that losing those rituals can be hard on us. From the GGSC to your bookshelf: 30 science-backed tools for well-being. Take a moment to think about how COVID-19 has impacted your life. But there does not have to be loneliness. We worried about the age. Corporate Prayer: Great God, in a world that is divided by ethnicity, gender, race and . Simply acknowledge them, pay attention, and listen to where God may be speaking. If things really do get better with age, then youre nearing perfection. Like a fine wine, we get better with age. 2020 is behind us. We celebrated the birth of Jesus with angels singing and shepherds visiting and magi following a star from the East and bearing gifts. We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God.Do not despise our pleas we who are put to the test and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin. Today, I want to speak to you about the next phase of our plan to address mental health in this city. God wants to be present in all parts of our livesnot just the easy or serene moments. We asked for patience, and you gave us situations where we were forced to wait. If you find yourself frustrated or stressed, acknowledge it. Just to travel to a small funeral to say good-bye to a loved one and offer you our prayer leads to days of quarantine and extra separation. As we transition through these times, we keep our faith as Bhagwad Gita, the Hindu Holy Scripture written more than 2000 years ago, says: 'Dharmo Rakshito Rakshita'those who keep their faith strong during trying times are blessed with their faith carrying them through these times. Happy birthday. You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need. -Found on Twitter: Jester D TGM - @JustMeTurtle, What if you thought of itas the Jews consider the Sabbaththe most sacred of times?Cease from travel.Cease from buying and selling.Give up, just for now,on trying to make the worlddifferent than it is.Sing. Understated. when its hard to travel and gather together. Touch only thoseto whom you commit your life.Center down. Those in my community who are suffering need care. Shine onmy friendsmay the bright flamesof our spiritsburning in unisoncreate a bonfirethatsparks hopeignites faithilluminates loveand lights the way. Make time to celebrate the new beginning and what we have to look forward to. You are the best, and I hope that your birthday is as unforgettable as you are. Thank you for your reminder that both in seasons of celebration and in seasons of brokenness, youre still with us. - Reflection by Aarti Jaisinghani- Offered by Rashmi Assudani. General Birthday Prayers. We mourned. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick. -Prayer originated fromhttps://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-03/pope-francis-prayer-our-lady-protection-coronavirus.html. As you think of the ways we are connected or disconnected to one another, pick a connection (or lack thereof) that seems important, significant, or is manifesting itself the strongest. What connections impact you the most? Our New Normal isnt what it was. Happy birthday to the best friend there is. About. Help us to reflect again, on what Christmas is really all about. Crucially, prayer helps us to act and become the people we are called to be. Happiest of birthdays. Who can see through your mask? We pray that our eyes be open to see the needs of those who struggle to provide for their families and that if we can help, we do help in ordinary ways. God wants to be present in all parts of our livesnot just the easy or serene moments. - By Susan Haarman, Loyola University Chicago, It seems that I return to you most easily when I need comfort, O God. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old. - Franz Kafka, Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. Marcel Proust, Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget. Unknown, Birthdays are nature's way of telling you to eat more cake. - Jo Brand, Old age is like everything else. Dear God. Yes there is fear. To what really matters. Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, Pastoral Letter to the Clergy, Religious and Lay Faithful of the Archdiocese of Sydney during this COVID-19 Pandemic, 24 April 2020. When this ends,may we findthat we have becomemore like the peoplewe wanted to be we were called to bewe hoped to beand may we staythat way--betterfor each otherbecause of the worst. Prayer for a New Normal The World as we knew it is gone, and for what feels like such a long time we have experienced so much hardship during this Pandemic. Nor are we. You are here for us to see and to hear. Here's to another year of invaluable life lessons. At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus pain, with steadfast faith.You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need. Today, Im overjoyed to celebrate your existence. What connections to others are you becoming more aware of? JesuitResource.org is a service of Xavier University's Center for Mission and Identity, Xavier University Center for Mission and Identity 3800 Victory Parkway Cincinnati, OH 45207 513-745-3777, Reflections on Changes & Transitions: A New Normal, Prayer for the Safety of Returning to School in a Pandemic, A Prayer in Response to An Ignatian Examen on Working During the Pandemic. } Yes there is panic buying. I pray that the Lord would bless you and enlarge your territory! Thank you that you came to give new life, peace, hope, and joy. For this next year, I wish for all your wildest dreams to come true. Help us continue to bring the science of a meaningful life to you and to millions around the globe. As Mother Teresa once said: "Prayer in action is love and love in action is service.". - ByEd Schmidt, S.J.,written January 12, 2021, Click here for a video of the prayer being prayed, //