Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God- January 1, 2009 World Day of Prayer for Peace

Daily Prayer:
Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.

Opening Prayer:
Let us pray that Mary, the mother of the Lord, will help us by her prayers God our Father, may we always profit by the prayers of the Virgin Mother Mary, for you bring us life and salvation through Jesus Christ her Son who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Alternative Opening Prayer:
Let us pray in the name of Jesus, born of a virgin and Son of God
Father, source of light in every age, the virgin conceived and bore your Son who is called Wonderful God, Prince of Peace.

May her prayer, the gift of a mother’s love,be your people’s joy through all ages. May her response, born of a humble heart, draw your Spirit to rest on your people.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Today's Readings:
Daily Meditation:
The LORD bless you and keep you!

The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace! Numbers 6

When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus,the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. Luke 2

The beginning of the New Year gives us an opportunity to reflect upon so much.We begin by dedicating this new year to Mary. And because she gave birth to the Prince of Peace it is a wonderful day to join with one another around the world to pray for peace.

Let us all make our resolutions in light of the graces that have been offered us throughout this Advent and Christmas Season.

She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Mt. 1

Today's Daily Reflection
Intercessions:
Let us give glory to Christ who was born of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit, and let us pray to him:

Son of the Virgin Mary, have mercy on us. Christ born of the Virgin Mary, you are the Wonder Counselor and Prince of Peace, give your peace to the world.

Our King and our God, you have raised us up by your coming help us to honor you all the days of our lives, by our faith and our deeds. You made yourself like us, in your mercy, grant that we may become more like you.

You made yourself a citizen of our earthly city, grant that we may become citizens of our true homeland, your Kingdom in Heaven.

Closing Prayer:
Gracious God,what a gift Mary is in my life. I run from humility and yet I am touched by her response to you. I am headstrong and arrogant and she shows me how to say Yes. By her spirit, her example, her love she helps bring peace into the world. Help me to be just a small glimmer of your lightin the midst of a dark world.

Oh, Lord, let your face shine on me!

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.