Tag Archives: Prayer

Morning Offering: 12. 24. 25

Today’s Reflection: A Cook’s Advent Prayer

What joy this brings me, Lord.  Thank you for guiding me into the kitchen for some time of silence with you.  The room fills with wonderful smells and I share tastes and samples with my family as they make extra trips through the kitchen on days like this.  Thank you for each and every one of these special people in my family.  They are like the ingredients of my own life, adding spice and heat and wonderful flavor and melding together into a unique dish designed to glorify you. 

You know, God, cooking is quite a bit like my life.  It’s messy, I get careless and sometimes things don’t turn out as I had planned.  But in the mess of my life, that’s where I can turn to you.  Help me when I have to deal with being so imperfect.  Bless me with humility when I grapple with my own poverty.  Let me feel how deeply you love me, even when all I have to offer is scorched and humble.

Be with me Lord, in this kitchen today.  Help me to take the time in this intimate silence with you, to pray for each person who will eat this food.  Allow me to remember all of those around the world who have so little food, and bless those who share what little they have. — Creighton University Online Ministries  

 Morning Offering  is a daily post by Joe Barkovich, who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.

Morning Offering is posted by 8 a.m.   

Morning Offering: 10. 16. 25

Today’s Reflection: Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You have run the race before us and conquered the cross with joy.
When we grow weary, strengthen our steps.
When we feel discouraged, lift our eyes to you.
Surround us with your great cloud of witnesses,
that we may run with endurance and faith.
Let us not fear the struggles of the journey,
but press on, knowing that you are our prize,
our victory, and our guide. Amen. —Benjamin Rogers, SJ

Morning Offering  is a daily post by Joe Barkovich, who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.

 Morning Offering is posted by 8 a.m.     

Morning Offering: 09. 27. 25

Today’s Reflection: In you, Father all-mighty, we have our preservation and our bliss.
In you, Christ, we have our restoring and our saving.
You are our mother, brother, and Saviour.
In you, our Lord the Holy Spirit, is marvelous and plenteous grace.
You are our clothing; for love you wrap us and embrace us.
You are our maker, our lover, our keeper.
Teach us to believe that by your grace all shall be well, and all shall be well,
and all manner of things shall be well. Amen — Julian of Norwich 

Morning Offering  is a daily post by Joe Barkovich, who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.

 Morning Offering is posted by 8 a.m.     

Morning Offering: 08. 22. 25

Today’s Reflection: When evil darkens our world. give us light. When despair numbs our souls, give us hope. When we stumble and fall, lift us up. When doubt assails us, give us faith. When nothing seems sure, give us trust. When ideals fade, give us vision. When we lose our way, be our guide! That we may find serenity in Your presence and purpose in doing Your will.— John D. Rayner

 Morning Offering  is a daily post by Joe Barkovich, who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.

Morning Offering is posted by 8 a.m.

Morning Offering: 08. 18. 25

Today’s Reflection: Prayer

I pray that our eyes may be open
To be one another’s keeper
To look out for the children of the world
Offer a kind word, a book, an encouragement
I pray that we may teach our kids to hope
To be kind, to love, to stand against injustice
And may we take time to accept what children offer us
The magic of hope and love
Amen. — Adapted from a poem written by Donna Akuamoah, United Methodist Women International Ministries

 Morning Offering  is a daily post by Joe Barkovich, who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.

Morning Offering is posted by 8 a.m.

Morning Offering: 07. 23. 25

Today’s Reflection: Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.
And grant unto me the grace of always remembering you. Amen. —  Jonathan Jue-Wong, SJ

Morning Offering  is a daily post by Joe Barkovich, who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich. 

Morning Offering is posted by 8 a.m.

Morning Offering: 07. 17. 25

Today’s Reflection: Prayer

God,
Sometimes I get upset when I pray to you because I don’t get a response
Sometimes I get upset when I pray to you because I do get a response,
But it’s not the one I want,
But most of the time I don’t pray to you because I’m upset
About something else
And I don’t know how or where to start.

Just open my mouth, O Lord,
And let me speak – show me it’s okay to just let it flow,
To pour it all out like Job, like David,
Like me when I talk to my therapist – let me feel your gentle, listening presence,
the subtle warmth of someone sitting close
the slight cues of nods and mmhmm’s
the patience and acceptance of someone who listens
Without butting in to fix, to correct, or to solve.

Help me to speak with you clearly and openly,
Even and especially when I’m angry, broken or frustrated –
Thank you, Lord, for your listening-
Help me to speak. Amen. —Fr. Garrett Gundlach, SJ

 Morning Offering  is a daily post by Joe Barkovich, who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.

 Morning Offering is posted by 8 a.m.

Morning Offering: 06. 28. 25

Today’s Reflection: A Prayer For Fidelity  

When the wind blows strong,
Cloudy days can clear,
But clear days can cloud.
So why am I surprised when,
Without warning,
My heart is gripped by fear
Or stunned by a sadness
I cannot explain?

Whatever the weather,
Lord, teach me –
To be faithful, as you are faithful,
To trust you in every season of my soul,
To shout “Hosanna,” even in the lion’s den. —J. Michael Sparough, SJ

Morning Offering  is a daily post by Joe Barkovich, who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.

Morning Offering is posted by 8 a.m.

Morning Offering: 06. 02. 25

Today’s Reflection: Heavenly Father, grant us the grace to walk through life’s winding paths with hearts anchored in you. Kindle in us a spirit of trust, that we may surrender our fears to your providence and see your hand at work even in our darkest moments. In everything we do, may we glorify you and draw closer to the fullness of your eternal embrace. Amen. — Ryan Serfas, SJ

Morning Offering is a daily post by Joe Barkovich, who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.

Morning Offering is posted by 8 a. m.

Morning Offering: 05. 29. 25

Today’s Reflection: May we be grateful, not hateful.— Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration 

Morning Offering is a daily post by Joe Barkovich, who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.

Morning Offering is posted by 8 a. m.