Be with us, Lord, in . But there does not have to be meanness. Part must be the guardians of public safety who risk their lies and health, even give up that life, to keep order and peace. I don't even know if you exist or if I'm just talking to myself, but I know I need help to face my fears right now. Happiest of birthdays. There are a lot of good people out there in the world, but today we recognize YOU as being one of the best. For others its from a deep sense of your true self. 1 A Prayer to Remember What Christmas Is All About "Lord, I thank You for coming to earth so You could redeem me. The parade was filmed and posted on Facebook, which meant she could watch it in the months that followed whenever she felt the pandemic bringing her down. Order a personalized puzzle. 2020. My most precious prayers and wishes are reserved for you today, my dear! We are not meant to do life alone. Dont you think its about time we started to act our age? And yet, we receive everything that we needed. You see past my mask, you hear through it, you know. Father of goodness and love, hear our prayers for the sick members of our community and for all who are in need. Help us to keep our focus first on you this season. To those in pain. May we who have to cancel our trips remember those who have no safe place to go. Establish a theme for your designs using photos, icons, logos, personalized fonts, and other customizable elements . Father, we seek Your wisdom daily. If you are a person of faith, take a moment to pray with it. Be grateful for what was learned and what was accomplished. After all, you yourself are a gift to earth, so you deserve the best. You went about healing all and bringing comfort to those in pain and need. Birthdays remind us of who we are and what weve done thanks for being an amazing role model to myself and for many others. Sending you love on this birthday. I see the people, my people, of my city, peeking out their windows at me. New ways of learning and working were created. In all things, may we open our hearts and give You thanks. Each moment that weve spent together has been a memorable one. I pause (breathe in and out) and ask that in the darkness, I see your light and in my fear, I feel your strength. Alongside a selfie of the father-daughter duo driving in the car, he wrote, "My little girl is growing up." As a surprise for her 16th birthday, the comedian gifted his daughter a Mercedes-Benz. Its a tough job, from getting up pre-dawn to the physical toll it takes on my body, to the monotonous nature of the job, at times its hard to keep on going. Hope all of your wishes come true, and then some. A New Normal will hopefully be emerging soon. Losing social rituals can be harmful to our well-being, making us feel less connected to others and less united in purpose. (You could hardly deny it now. You are the best, and I hope that your birthday is as unforgettable as you are. For each of the five decades, announce the Mystery Pray. If things really do get better with age, then youre nearing perfection. You deserve all the best; happy birthday. Touch only thoseto whom you commit your life.Center down. Help us to become more considerate of others, more mindful of how we can help one another, and how we can serve You and Your children well. May we who are merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at stake. A Birthday Prayer for My Son Heavenly Father, Please bless MY SON for his birthday. Take some time to sit down and think about what you've learned and how you've grown. Virgin Mary, turn your merciful eyes towards us amid this coronavirus pandemic. Pause to reflect and refresh. We ask for protection for the elderly and vulnerableto not succumb to the risks of the virus. On the first bead, say an Our Father. We hold in tenderness and prayer the collective suffering of our world at this time. Perhaps, Lord, no time is really ordinary. Heal those who are sick with the virus. At least youre not as old as you will be next year. You stepped into my life at best possible time. - Written by Brenda S. Levya-Gardner, Ph.D. 5/24/2, Change is the only constant in life. - Heraclitus (ancient Greek philosopher). Even in this time of separation and possible isolation, what is one way you can maintain meaningful connection to otherswhether directly, through technology, or intentional focus and attention? The pope prayed for an end of the epidemic and delivered his homily against the dramatic backdrop of an empty St. Peter's Square, glistening in the rain. About. Our templates work for personal greetings, formal wishes, or even for group signing. For many, COVID-19 carries feelings and challenges of fear, anxiety, economic hardships, isolation, and many other stresses. You are the Mighty Heavenly Rock. Prayer Emphasis for the day: Global Relations. They came to some interesting conclusions: The rituals associated with birthdayslike giving cards and presents, or sharing cake or mealsimbue them with importance and significance. I do my best always to return the favor. But there does not have to be hate. Were all going to celebrate a birthday (or possibly two or three) under the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. Three years ago, the Covid-19 pandemic began here in our city, killing thousands of New Yorkers, and eventually . Help us to give thanks within our sorrow, within our fears. An English-language translation of the Popes prayer is below: O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope.We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick. Lives perishwhile the flamesof leadersaround usdance erraticallyin the blisteringwinds of changetheir lightsflickerto near extinctiontheir sparksbarely visiblestruggleto light the way. Since we feel most connected when we are in each others presence, its a good idea to have people actually gather in personeven if they need to remain physically distant. Science Center It isnt what it will be. This ordinary time is marked by masked faces, social distancing, and germ circles. Headlines shout out frightful numbers of individuals who have contracted Covid-19, thousands every day. God gifted us with limitless creativity and imagination. Editor's note: This essay is one in a series of first-person narratives by members of the Duke community reflecting on a year living with COVID-19. I love my city. If you can hear me, forgive my lack of faith and show me your mercy and strength in my time of need. Later, his mom invited six local friends to come by the house and hang out on the front lawn, sit around a bonfire, and make smores. Loving God, Your Son, Jesus Christ, traveled through towns and villages "curing every disease and illness." At His command the sick were made well. . This is a perfectly quaint way to celebrate your birthday. We asked for patience, and you gave us situations where we were forced to wait. Funny. If being calm is hard, acknowledge it. Now I am relying on you to lead and guide me, to put my anxiety in its place. Let today be another reminder that youre the best. Make time to reflect and be thankful for what is ending. 2. General Birthday Prayers. Celebrating a birthday while under stay-at-home and social distancing orders can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be boring! Is there a person or group of people especially affected by COVID-19 that you dont often choose to see or connect with normally? The Emotional Life of AnimalsAnd What It Means for Us, Three Tips to Be More Intellectually Humble, Why We Need Friends with Shared Interests (The Science of Happiness podcast). Happy birthday. Even so, it makes sense to hold on to festivities like these during COVID. 50. May they know your peace. Happy birthday. Happy birthday. Surprises can make people feel a burst of energy and give them a sense of vitality that might be particularly helpful during this time. She's the world's leading animal behaviorist and an Autism advocacy leader. I'm so grateful for you. When I think of the extent to which You were willing to go in order to save me,. Birthday celebrations also make us feel loved, which can be a nice way to increase our mental healthespecially during stressful times. Hear through it? As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. Please submit one here: Submit a Prayer, To provide feedback, please email: jesuitresource@xavier.edu. var addthis_share = addthis_share || {} Thank you for your daily powerful Presence in our lives, that we can be assured your heart is towards us, your eyes are over us, and your ears are open to our prayers. Holding the Crucifix, say the Apostles' Creed. 6. Where you are, the extraordinary tries to lift us up, to let us see beyond the everyday and catch hints of what can be, of who we could be if we gave room to our best selves, of what we could do if we banded together in common purpose and resolve. The pace, chaos, and emotion of change can be stressful; make time to take care of ourselves and each other. Make time to celebrate the new beginning and what we have to look forward to. At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus pain, with steadfast faith.You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need. All over the world people are looking at their neighbors in a new way. What interactions with others were significant to me today?What care and compassion did I show?What was going on in my head during these interactions? Research suggests that birthdays help motivate people to make important changeslike exercising more or starting a healthier dietand to more deliberately pursue life goals. when its hard to travel and gather together. Whether we are home or abroad, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few, Jesus Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. Yet the Prophet allowed combining the prayers during travel or emergencies. Lynn Ungar, March 11, 2020 (posted with permission of the author) for more from this author, view: https://www.lynnungar.com/poems/. Thank you for being a best friend, a role model, a shoulder to cry on, and a partner in crime. Fill us with your joy and the peace of your Spirit. Happy birthday. And when your body has become still,reach out with your heart.Know that we are connectedin ways that are terrifying and beautiful. Here's to another year of invaluable life lessons. Prayers in a time of pandemic - Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney Films, photographs, and edits video and photos for clients seeking professional work. Admittedly, the answers we seek sometimes are not readily clear. Angela J. of Los Angeles, California, attended a surprise Zoom birthday for an aunt living in Philadelphia who was turning 90. Even as we are being asked to distance ourselves from one another socially, ask yourself what connections you find yourself grateful for?Who makes you feel grounded and connected to God? Birthdays are first and foremost a chance to let people know that they are part of a community of caring people, which is what made Ambers party so special. At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus' pain, with steadfast faith. Take a moment to settle. Cool. For those who are suffering from physical or emotional abuse.For those who are disproportionately suffering because of societal structures and unjust policies.For those who are struggling with physical or mental disabilities.For those who are overwhelmed by anxiety and stress. God wants to be present in all parts of our livesnot just the easy or serene moments. Explore professionally designed templates to get your wheels spinning or create your birthday card from scratch. Happy birthday. But when the birthday of my husband, Don, rolled around this year, we were in lockdown like everyone elseand creativity was needed. Those in my community who are suffering need care. What connections to others are you becoming more aware of? Even in this time of separation and possible isolation, what is one way you can maintain meaningful connection to otherswhether directly, through technology, or intentional focus and attention? One of the few aspects of this terrible pandemic to be grateful for is that it has taken a vastly lesser toll on children and young adults than its major precursor of last century, the flu pandemic. . Happy birthday, friend. Buoyed by your love, I choose each day to let peace reign in me. Theyre scared, were scared. I love my planet Earth. Birthdays are a chance to let people know that they are special to you. All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting. Who do you normally choose to reach out and connect to? )Know that our livesare in one anothers hands. )Do not reach out your hands.Reach out your heart.Reach out your words.Reach out all the tendrilsof compassion that move, invisibly,where we cannot touch. Promise this world your lovefor better or for worse,in sickness and in health,so long as we all shall live. We know that we can do anything through You, so please help us ensure health and semi-normalcy in the coming months. Happy birthday. Note the emotions you feel when you think of these individuals without judging or overanalyzing. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. May we who settle in for a quarantine at home remember those who have no home. 3. Say the Glory Be 6. She received her doctorate of psychology from the University of San Francisco in 1998 and was a psychologist in private practice before coming to Greater Good. Help us to give thanks within the uncertainty. Please watch over everyone as times and routines are about to change once again. JesuitResource.org is a service of Xavier University's Center for Mission and Identity, Xavier University Center for Mission and Identity 3800 Victory Parkway Cincinnati, OH 45207 513-745-3777, Reflections on Changes & Transitions: A New Normal, Prayer for the Safety of Returning to School in a Pandemic, A Prayer in Response to An Ignatian Examen on Working During the Pandemic. Through my mask, you hear me if I whisper a brief prayer or mutter a muffled curse. Since this was the first time that everyone was out of their house and socializing, it made it special.. Some of our favorite birthday messages, including ones for social distancing birthdays. The National Day of Prayer will be virtual this year as the nation is faced with the coronavirus pandemic. Cheers to the best year yet. One of those. Wishing you a wonderful birthday and a fantastic year ahead. Give him the. Thank you that they have journeyed through so many ages and stages of life cultivating the gifts of wisdom, patience, persistence and dependence on You. And always feel your spirit surround me in safety. Usually we celebrate by having a bunch of friends over, sharing great food and wine, and carousing into the wee hours. You are the Powerful Creator of all people - each one unique, special, precious in your sight, and greatly loved by you. Thank you for always providing me with hope, encouragement, joy, and support. Love you. We empathized. // ]]> text: "I would like to share Xavier's Jesuit Resource - Prayers During the Coronavirus Pandemics" Of course, birthdays often give us the chance to participate in shared rituals: emotional group gatherings that can help us transcend the current moment and increase our connection to others. 5. 2020. Cant wait to see what wondrous things the next year holds for you. Enjoy our hand-picked quotes below to share with your friends on their special day. Thank you for all. I am praying that your special day brings you lots of love, peace, and . 43 Best Bible Verses for Birthdays (That Can Work For Anyone) Numbers 6:24-26. 1. Cant wait to support you through it all. Ask for light and insight as you prepare to review your day. 1. Before I begin, I would like to offer a brief prayer of thanksgiving that I have relied upon heavily, especially throughout the past year as we have suffered as a community, and as a nation, and as a world, in so many ways: We asked for strength, and you gave us difficulties to make us strong. Im a garbageman, I cant work from home and my job is an essential city service that must get done. Weve celebrated birthdays together from our diaper days as kids, and I look forward to our diaper days as adults. Once more, in troubled times when public worship has tobe restricted, we are called to pray in "the domestic church", always aware of the promise of Jesus, "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them." (Matthew 18:20). I cannot hear if you whisper an answer to my prayer or brush off my curse. Help usto focus on what we havenot on what is removed or changed. Acknowledge how you are feeling in this moment. Hopefully some of them will resonate with you. Know that we are striving to make all of the right decisions and need Your love and power to help us overcome any difficulties. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Rather than debate how smart animals are, we should care for them because of their capacity to feeland perhaps even have spiritual lives. Happy birthday, friend. Happy birthday. A Prayer to God in Anxious Times Rev. Immune system disparity. The Other Side of the Virus, an Opportunity to Awaken Litany of Solidarity and Hope During a Pandemic, An Examen for Times of Anxiety and Depression, Prayer for People Critically Ill or Facing Great Uncertainty. This mask takes away power the power of clear communication but also the possibility to infect. Sign of the Cross. Thank you for all the people who remembered me today by sending cards, and letters, gifts and good wishes. God of the present moment,God who in Jesus stills the stormand soothes the frantic heart;bring hope and courage to allwho wait or work in uncertainty. 7. In your mercy, Lord, Grant us the strength to rebuild. Without you we would surely fail, but with you, there is great hope. 21. We made promises to love and protect our families, "til death do . Celebrating another quarantine birthday? Avon Lake, Ohio, United States. As you think of the ways we are connected or disconnected to one another, pick a connection (or lack thereof) that seems important, significant, or is manifesting itself the strongest. 2020. Daily prayer to be said during the Coronavirus Pandemic Click image to download a PDF of the prayer. Fermented grapes. Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. Happy birthday Jesus! With . 'position' : 'left', Help me to be generous and to keep contact with the forgotten. As Mother Teresa once said: "Prayer in action is love and love in action is service.". For social justice. For the generosity of spirit.For hope in times of despair.For light in the darkness. Despite how popular love languages are, there is little research to support the framework. I became a little famous in the neighborhood, says Amber. Spark a smile with a custom birthday card greeting to anyone celebrating a birthday during quarantine, and bring all the joy in the world to them on their special day! Age disparity. Sustain bodies and spirits. Adobe Express lets you create a custom-tailored message that will make your recipient feel special and honored. It imbued the otherwise mundane Zoom social hour with more meaning and emotional resonance. We asked for justice, and you called us to be just and lead with integrity. Scripture: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21. Just to travel to a small funeral to say good-bye to a loved one and offer you our prayer leads to days of quarantine and extra separation. Happy birthday. Pandemic is a frightening word, and I can easily feel confused or helpless to respond. During pandemic times, keeping our hearts and minds focused on the truth of God's word eases our anxiety and fear. Lives have been lost and upended. Shamair B. Philadelphia, PA. 0. Greater Good wants to know: Do you think this article will influence your opinions or behavior? Hello here I am again, knowing that you are waiting for me with love and warming light.In the shadow of your wings I find respite and relief that feeds my innermost self and renews my soul. T terisha sewnarain 0:05 S Smiley We give our hearts to You, now and forever. } We asked for love, and you gave us troubled people to help. The year we slowed down. But it also grants a freedom to be with. who is our stability and strength in troubled times. Whether the occasion is bittersweet and quiet or a party that rocks out in sheer exuberance, our designs convey the birthday message that hits exactly the right note. Thanks for being such a great friend. This is the cake and this is the buttercream.Also there is a thin brownie layer on the bottom, so here is the recipe I used for that as well (only used 1/3 to 1/2 the batter, made the rest into two-bite brownies).. Seventeen-year-old An-lin S. of Flemington, New Jersey, organized a driveway party that involved friends gathering at the birthday girls house and hanging out together to chat, gossip, and share cake. The year injustices were even more pronounced. For others its from a deep sense of your true self. God, Thank you for helping us to make it through this difficult year. Part of ordinary time is the dedication of health care workers. Just wanted to take this opportunity to let you know I appreciate your friendship so much. We are constantly aware of how much we need you, your grace, your strength, your power working through even the toughest days. Friend, its been nothing short of amazing to see what youve accomplished in the past year. Another year around the sun. Our Father. Nearly everyone has had a pandemic birthday. Thank you for your healing power, thank you for bringing us into this new semester that will undoubtedly be filled with many challenges and opportunities. When I've done that emptying prayer, without expecting it, finding myself with an idea or a passage of scripture that's . For those who are sick.For those with chronic illnesses and underlying health concerns.For all those who are suffering. Where is ordinary time? It was truly a wonderful experience, says Angela. For this next year, I wish for all your wildest dreams to come true. I bet it feels as good as it looks. May they know your peace, as they work together to achieve it on earth. But there does not have to be disease of the soul. Like a fine wine, we get better with age. Happy birthday. It's my faith that I lean on as the death tolls resulting from the coronavirus continue to rise. How to Help Teens Handle the Loss of Proms and Graduations, Why Experiencing Joy and Pain in a Group Is So Powerful. Growing up is a choice. But as someone with chronic illness, I know the prayer can still be useful when facing an . In place of our anxiety, give us your peace. We realized what we could do without. Proverbs 9:11. When you are ready, return to your day. A prayer for use by someone who doesn't believe in God. I pray that we continue to be intentional collaborators, guided by your spirit. Maybe it helpsto imaginethis timeas a dousingof gasolinetossed onto ouralready steadyburning flamesofpurpose and love. It's all about the memories. - Buddy Valastro, There are two great days in a person's life - the day we are born, and the day we discover why. - William Barclay. Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders. - ByEllen Hurst, Senior Teaching Professor, Economics. Amid mental and physical suffering may they find consolation in your healing presence. May my anxiety be transformed into love. Many of them wanted to get to know her and her husband better, figuring that anyone who brought out that much enthusiasm for a birthday must be nice and worth becoming closer to. We reached out. Pause and reflect on where youre being invited to grow from that moment. Yes there is isolation. Contain the spread of infection. Every day I learn something new from your kindness, your compassion, and your sheer brilliance. I was reminded people cared about me.. Our God is purposeful, setting us in our families, communities, even in our generations. For the sick and infected: God, heal and help. Let us ask for Gods grace and help as we pursue these endings and these beginnings together with patience, perseverance, and trust in what He has planned for us. If being calm is hard, acknowledge it. What connections to others are you becoming more aware of? Open my eyes and let me see them as You see them! Every time Im starting to feel bad about not being able to see friends and do the things I want, I just watch this and it lifts my spirit, says Amber. It's been a major blessing for me during the pandemic since I can no longer work and have had pretty limited interaction with my friends and family since the pandemic started. Nor are we. Acknowledge how you are feeling in this moment. As is said, When one door closes, another door opens.. - Adapted from New Zealand Prayer Book, p. 765-Prayer originated from episcopalrelief.org/what-we-do/us-disaster-program/faith-based-response-to-epidemics/. Is there a person or group of people especially affected by COVID-19 that you dont often choose to see or connect with normally? They bring friends and family together, strengthening the ties that make up our society. // ]]>, Know a prayer that could be added to this page? //