Prayer Stations

Station: The Sacramental Life

Reflection
Church is an important part of our walk. The table in front of you reminds us of the bread and wine we take. The podium reminds us of the word that is spoken. The band behind you reminds us of the worship being sung. And of course, in front are the chairs of the people of our church. Church is every facet from communion, worship, the word, and the people. It is a place for us to be in community and serve. How can we give of our self to every facet? From Communion? Worship? Word? People? How can we make it new every Sunday?

Scripture
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:4-5
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47

Prayer
102. ON SUNDAYS
O God, you make us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of your Son our Lord: Give us this day such blessing through our worship of you, that the week to come may be spent in your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
103. PREPARATION FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP
Guide and direct us, O Lord, always and everywhere with your holy light, that we may discern with clear vision your presence among us, and partake with worthy intention of your divine mysteries. We ask this for Jesus Christ’s sake.  Amen.
106. FOR SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
Dear Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Holy Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I desire to possess you within my soul. And since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. I unite myself to you, together with all your faithful people, and I embrace you with all the affections of my soul. Never permit me to be separated from you.  Amen.

Station: Vocation

Reflection
We have some sort of job or calling. Whether it is a real job or being a student or a member of a family, etc. We have a role and calling in everything we do even if we know it or not. We are called to represent Christ in everything we do. So do you? We are not supposed to leave our WWJD bracelet at church or to quiet time. It is supposed to seep out of us. It should be like a neon sign above our head saying “I’m a Christ follower”. So are you willing to accept this challenge? Are you willing to walk like Christ would in your shoes? What’s next? What do you need to prayer for to achieve this?

Scripture
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Ephesians 4:1-7

Prayer
40. FOR ALL SORTS AND CONDITIONS OF MEN
O God, the creator and preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for thy holy Church universal, that it may be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those who are in any ways afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate, [especially those for whom our prayers are desired]; that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ’s sake.  Amen.
76. FOR GUIDANCE
Go before us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and finally, through your mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Station: Sinful Life

Reflection
The Cross is in front of you. There are some sticky notes as well. Reflect on the cross through your own prayer or maybe the confession below. Confess your sins to God. I know it is cheesy but now take a sticky note. You can either write your sin or leave it blank (God Knows), and put it upon the cross of Christ. Let Jesus take your Burdens. Let him soothe your soul. Let him bring you peace. What is your confession?

Confession and Comfort Words from our service
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, maker and judge of us all: We acknowledge and lament our many sins and offenses, which we have committed by thought, word, and deed against your divine majesty, provoking most justly your righteous anger against us. We are deeply sorry for these our transgressions; the burden of them is more than we can bear. Have mercy upon us, Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; for your Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may evermore serve and please you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hear the Word of God to all who truly turn to him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. MATTHEW 11:28
God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. JOHN 3:16
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 TIMOTHY 1:15
If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 JOHN 2:1-2

Prayer
79. FOR MERCY
Almighty God, you have not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities; grant that we, who for our evil deeds deserve to be punished, by the might of your grace may mercifully be relieved; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Station: Rest

Reflection
Rest isn’t something we do well. We have a million and one things to do. The moment we lay down to or enjoy something that isn’t work; we start thinking everything we have to get done, all the anxiety, and the problems of the world. We do not know how to put everything aside. We do not know how to enjoy the silence of the mind, we do not know how to not let go, and we do not know how not to be Batman taking on everything to the point of isolating those around us. So, Let it Go. Trust in God for rest. Everything will still be there when you come back. Lay everything down before Him so you can rest. Lay down and enjoy the silence. What do you need to let go to rest?

Scripture
You, O LORD, are in the midst of us, and we are called by your name; do not leave us. JEREMIAH 14:9
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. MATTHEW 11:28 30
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. HEBREWS 13:20-21
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith. 1 PETER 5:8 9

Prayer
86. FOR SLEEP
Father, in your mercy dispel the darkness of this night, and let your servant sleep in peace, that at the dawn of a new day I may wake with joy in your Name; through Christ our Lord.  Amen.
From Compline Service
Visit this place, O Lord, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy; let your holy angels dwell with us to preserve us in peace; and let your blessing be upon us always; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
Lighten our darkness, we beseech you, O Lord; and by your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.
Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this life may rest in your eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Look down, O Lord, from your heavenly throne, illumine this night with your celestial brightness, and from the children of light banish the deeds of darkness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Station: Solitude

Reflection
For a lot of us people make us tired and for other it is circumstances. From time to time because of these things we become hermits and retreat, usually with blanks and our streaming app of choice. God calls in our hermitness to retreat in Him. As we retreat to Him, He restores our soul and makes us whole. He recharges our battery in a superior way then Netflix. He literally restores our soul and strengthens us to deal with people and our circumstances. What do you need to do or let go to retreat in Him?

Scripture
4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” 5 And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” 6 And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. 7 And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.” 8 And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God. 1 Kings 19:4-8

Psalm 46:1-11
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present[b] help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.

9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Prayer
90. FOR GRACE TO SEEK GOD IN EVERY WAY Benedict of Nursia
Gracious and holy Father, please give me intellect to understand you, reason to discern you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, a spirit to know you, a heart to meditate upon you, ears to hear you, eyes to see you, a tongue to proclaim you, a way of life pleasing to you, patience to wait for you, and perseverance to look for you. Grant me a perfect end, your holy presence, a blessed resurrection, and life everlasting.  Amen.
92. FOR SATISFACTION IN CHRIST Julian of Norwich
O God, of your goodness, give me yourself, for you are enough for me. I can ask for nothing less that is completely to your honor, and if I do ask anything less, I shall always be in want. Only in you I have all. Amen.

Station: Struggles of Life

Reflection
We are reminded of the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus was asking to give up the weight of what was to come for Him, death for us all. God empowers Him to move forward just like He will do to us. Think about your current struggles. Ask God to empower you. Ask Him for trust and perseverance. Lift it up to Him. What do you need? Will you let him sustain you?

Scripture
Luke 22:39-46
Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
Matthew 6:25-27
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

Prayer
62. FOR THOSE AFFLICTED WITH MENTAL SUFFERING
Almighty God, whose Son took upon himself the afflictions of your people: Regard with your tender compassion those suffering from anxiety, depression, or mental illness; bear their sorrows and their cares; supply all their needs; help them to put their whole trust and confidence in you; and restore them to strength of mind and cheerfulness of spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
80. FOR TRUSTFULNESS IN TIMES OF WORRY AND ANXIETY
Most loving Father, you will us to give thanks for all things, to dread nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on the One who cares for us. Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested unto us in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
95. IN TIMES OF SUFFERING OR WEAKNESS
Dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: I hold up all my weakness to your strength, my failure to your faithfulness, my sinfulness to your perfection, my loneliness to your compassion, my little pains to your great agony on the Cross. I pray that you will cleanse me, strengthen me, guide me, so that in all ways my life may be lived as you would have it lived, without cowardice and for you alone. Show me how to live in true humility, true contrition, and true love.  Amen

Station: Community

Reflection
Community is a building block of our faith. From Jesus and the 12 to the early church to all the way back to Adam and Eve. We were not designed by our Lord to be alone but to be in relation to one another. We are called to a unity in one body like we do here every Wednesday and Sunday. WE are called to submit to one another, to be transparent and humble, and to serve one another in body and truth. So how do you need to turn from selfishness to selfishness? How can you serve? How can you be humble? How can you lift each other up? What do you need?

Scripture
3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:3-11

Prayer
42. FOR THE HUMAN FAMILY
O God, you made us in your own image, and you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
96. FOR UNION WITH CHRIST Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within thy wounds hide me. Permit me not to be separated from thee. From the wicked foe defend me. In the hour of my death call me, and bid me come to thee, that with thy saints I may praise thee for ever and ever.  Amen.