The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Jacopo Pontormo Nativity of John the Baptist

The Birth of John the Baptist by Jacopo Pontormo (1494-1557). From The Yorck Project: 10.000 Meisterwerke der Malerei. DVD-ROM, 2002. ISBN 3936122202. Distributed by DIRECTMEDIA Publishing GmbH. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

Almighty God, by whose providence thy servant John Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way . . . → Read More: The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Saint Alban, Protomartyr of England

Martyrdom of Alban

The martyrdom of St Alban, from a 13th-century manuscript, now in the Trinity College Library, Dublin. From Wikipedia.

O God, in whose sight the death of thy saints is precious, and who gavest grace to thy blessed Martyr Saint Alban to glorify thee by his death: Grant that we, following his faith . . . → Read More: Saint Alban, Protomartyr of England

For the Refugees of the World

In honour of World Refugee Day.

Hear our prayer, O Lord, and give ear unto our cry: We are strangers with thee, and sojourners, as all our fathers were: bondmen whom thou leddest out of oppression through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm. Grant us, therefore, the meekness of heart to preserve . . . → Read More: For the Refugees of the World

For the Solstices

Appearance of Christ to the People

Appearance of Christ to the People, by Alexander Ivanov (1806–1858). From Wikipedia.

O Lord Christ, who wast born in the bleak mid–winter, and yet was the Light of the world: shine thy love upon us even as the mid–summer sun shone upon the birth of thy cousin blessed John Baptist; and enkindle . . . → Read More: For the Solstices

The Fourth Sunday after Trinity

Trinity (celtic knot)

O God, the protector of all that trust in thee, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us thy mercy; that, thou being our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal. Grant this, O heavenly Father, for the . . . → Read More: The Fourth Sunday after Trinity

Saint Swithun of Winchester

Celtic Cross

Most gracious God, who didst glorify the Church by the life and labours of thy holy Bishop Saint Swithun: Send down, we beseech thee, showers of blessing upon thy people, that they may grow in grace, and in the knowledge and love of thee, and of thy Son Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth . . . → Read More: Saint Swithun of Winchester

Saint Basil, Bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia and Doctor

St Basil of Caesarea

mosaic of St Basil of Caesarea (St Basil the Great), in the Cathedral of St Sophia, Kiev (11th century). From Wikimedia

Almighty God, whose precepts are the wisdom of a loving Father: Enable us, after the teaching and example of thy servant Saint Basil, to walk as one family in the excellent . . . → Read More: Saint Basil, Bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia and Doctor

Saint Anthony of Padua

St Anthony preaching to animals, by Jan van Kessel the Elder (1626–1679), landscape, and Willem van Herp (c. 1613/1614–1677), figure of Anthony. From Wikipedia.

God, who didst endow thy servant Anthony with clarity of faith and holiness of life: Grant us, we beseech thee, to keep with steadfast minds the faith which . . . → Read More: Saint Anthony of Padua

For the Victims of the Mass Shooting in Orlando

The Massacre of the Innocents

For the Victims of an Act of Terrorism

Merciful God in heaven: Grant, we beseech thee, peace and rest to those whose lives were taken in the mass shooting in Orlando, and comfort those who mourn them. Give strength and courage to those who were injured, and bless those who minister unto them. Grant our . . . → Read More: For the Victims of the Mass Shooting in Orlando

The Third Sunday after Trinity  

Trinity (celtic knot)

O Lord, we beseech thee mercifully to hear us; and grant that we, to whom thou hast given an hearty desire to pray, may, by thy mighty aid, be defended and comforted in all dangers and adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.