Prayer for the Morning
The Lord teaches us his statutes:
let us give thanks and praise!
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia!
Hymn
Thou who didst befriend the friendless,
Toiling here with heart so brave,
By thy love and labor endless
Fondly striving souls to save.
R/Saint John Bosco, guard and guide us.
We our hearts now pledge to thee.
Grant that we, whate’er betide us,
True to God shall ever be.
Our imperfect work perfecting,
Set our souls aflame with fire.
All our thoughts and acts directing
That they may to God aspire. R/
For the young thy life was given,
Thou the poor didst hold most dear.
Now when thou art throned in heaven
Help and bless thy children here. R/
Psalm 119:9-16
Your servant has revered the Lord from his youth. (1 Kgs 18:12)
Saint John Bosco devoted a great deal of attention to the question of how the young could be formed for a good, holy Christian life. He chose love rather than severity as his tool for teaching children to treasure God’s will and promise.
How shall the young remain sinless?
By obeying your word.
I have sought you with all my heart:
let me not stray from your commands.
I treasure your promise in my heart
lest I sin against you.
Blessed are you, O Lord;
teach me your statutes.
With my tongue I have recounted
the decrees of your lips.
I rejoiced to do your will
as though all riches were mine.
I will ponder all your precepts
and consider your paths.
I take delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.
Glory to the Father….
Word of God. Proverbs 4:4-5
He taught me, and said to me:/ “Let your heart hold fast my words:/ keep my commands, that you may live!
“Get wisdom, get understanding!/ Do not forget or turn aside from the words I utter.”
My son, if you wish, you can be taught;/
if you apply yourself, you will be shrewd.
(Sir 6:32)
Canticle of Zechariah
Like a father God has reared me from my youth,/ guiding me even from my mother’s womb. (Jb 31:18)
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet
of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness
and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Glory to the Father…
Intercessions
God is the one Teacher: let us pray through the intercession of Saint John Bosco that we may all be faithful learners.
R/Teach us your ways, O Lord!
You sent your Word to instruct your people in wisdom:
– form us according to your will. R/
You sent your Son into the world to show us the way to life:
– make us faithful disciples. R/
You have sent many teachers to lead your children according to the Gospel:
– guide all those who guide others. R/
(Personal intentions)
Our Father….
Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Through the example and intercession of Saint John Bosco, inspire many to devote their lives to the formation and guidance of the young according to your Word of life, who lives and reigns with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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