I pray that the year ahead brings many beautiful blessings to your life. Pope's Prayer for Protection from Coronavirus, episcopalrelief.org/what-we-do/us-disaster-program/faith-based-response-to-epidemics/, https://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=1822, https://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=229, https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2020/03/02/coronavirus-prayer, https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-03/pope-francis-prayer-our-lady-protection-coronavirus.html, Multi Faith Calendar of Religious Holy Days, Foundational Documents on Jesuit Catholic Education, Xavier University's Center for Mission and Identity. Scared but resilient. (Book 6:57) 3. Those in my community who are suffering need care. This mask takes away power the power of clear communication but also the possibility to infect. - By Ray Angle, Assistant Vice President, Career and Professional Development, Gonzaga University, "If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is Thank You that will be enough." Greater Good wants to know: Do you think this article will influence your opinions or behavior? } Shine onmy friendsmay the bright flamesof our spiritsburning in unisoncreate a bonfirethatsparks hopeignites faithilluminates loveand lights the way. May they be at rest with you in your eternal peace. Many people have turned to Twitter to vent and find the humor in the reality of spending birthdays in quarantine from awkward Zoom parties to new ways of blowing out candles. - Written by Rev. Some are sad. // ]]> Cool. When this is over,may we never againtake for grantedA handshake with a strangerFull shelves at the storeConversations with neighborsA crowded theatreFriday night outThe taste of communionA routine checkupThe school rush each morningCoffee with a friendThe stadium roaringEach deep breathA boring TuesdayLife itself. Put it together and frame it like the work of art it truly is. We reached out. Funny. Youre just old enough to know better but not old enough to care. A Birthday Prayer for My Son Heavenly Father, Please bless MY SON for his birthday. My faith that keeps me steady as our entire country wakes up every morning to wage war on an invisible enemy. Lets eat, drink, and be merry in your honor. Birthday messages are always appreciated when theyre written with kindness. The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate. - Oprah Winfrey, Today you are you. I'd like to consider myself a frequent . God wants to be present in all parts of our livesnot just the easy or serene moments. I see the people, my people, of my city, peeking out their windows at me. Loving God, Your desire is for our wholeness and well being. Birthdays are a chance to let people know that they are special to you. 2020. For your bookshelf: 30 science-based practices for well-being. May 2020 - Dec 20222 years 8 months. Were all going to celebrate a birthday (or possibly two or three) under the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. My friends dont see or hear or know; nor do my family; nor my colleagues. We asked for wisdom, and you gave us problems to solve. It was truly a wonderful experience, says Angela. Strengthenuswhen we feel discouragedor overwhelmed. } 1. For those who have survived.For those who have lost their spouses.For children who have been orphaned.For all those who mourn and those who comfort them. Birthdays remind us of who we are and what weve done thanks for being an amazing role model to myself and for many others. Start with our ideas below, and add any personal details to it to make it extra special. The world has gone through upheaval. Thank you for all the people who remembered me today by sending cards, and letters, gifts and good wishes. March 2, 2023. Be with us, Lord, in . At least 222,000 people have died since the pandemic began. When I wanted to hide, Ive faced the day. Our Father. Bring them courage to endure what cannot be avoided,for your will is health and wholeness;you are God, and we need you. A Prayer for a World Facing the Coronavirus was adapted from a prayer posted by St. Luke's United . 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. Walk with usas we bring your love,and carry your light,into our world. But there does not have to be loneliness. I pause (breathe in and out) and ask that in the darkness, I see your light and in my fear, I feel your strength. Simply acknowledge them, pay attention, and listen to where God may be speaking. We believe there is a God who bends his ear to listen, and so we pray: 1. To improvise. We mourned. Going old happens. But there can always be a rebirth of love. Even if those ease, we may not be ready to risk big social gatherings. 1 Psalm 91:16 "With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation." Getty 2 2 Corinthians 9:15 "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" Getty It imbued the otherwise mundane Zoom social hour with more meaning and emotional resonance. Dear God. Happy birthday. Give them the foresight to act with charity and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. Inspire our leaders to discern and choose wisely, aligned with the common good. After all, you yourself are a gift to earth, so you deserve the best. And then we collected ourselves. Racial disparity. Shamair B. Philadelphia, PA. 0. As we exercise the good sense that you in your mercy provide,may we also approach each day in faith and peace,trusting in the truth of your goodness towards us. Now some 3,600 people are dying per day. In all humility, we turn to our God today to honor our dead. When I think of the extent to which You were willing to go in order to save me,. Alone and isolated. We pray for those who are suffering with sicknessand all who are caring for them. This is a perfectly quaint way to celebrate your birthday. Crucially, prayer helps us to act and become the people we are called to be. 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. It can help us realize who we may often choose not to see or connect with. Sahih Muslim, a book on the sayings of the Prophet records: "When the Messenger of Allah intended to combine two prayers on a journey, he delayed the noon prayer till came the early time of the afternoon prayer, and then combined the two. Hope all of your wishes come true, and then some. A birthday is a day that should be full of joy, so laughter is heavily encouraged. I'm so grateful for you. Have friends and family drive by the birthday honoree's house, honking . Happy birthday. Make the Sign of the Cross. Happy birthday, friend. Enjoy your day. We paused. 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. But there does not have to be meanness. Thank you that you came to give new life, peace, hope, and joy. Thank you for all the love Ive been blessed withand help me in the moments ahead. I am praying that your special day brings you lots of love, peace, and . . The Coronavirus pandemic has rapidly transformed life as we know it for millions of people all over the world. The Jesus Prayer. It's my faith that I lean on as the death tolls resulting from the coronavirus continue to rise. Thank you that you surround us with favor as with a shield, and we are safe in your care. From the GGSC to your bookshelf: 30 science-backed tools for well-being. Sustain bodies and spirits. Who do you normally choose to reach out and connect to? Science Center For public officials.For business leaders.For educators.For innovators and inventors who provide new solutions. Through all these years, God, I feel your love and care. I dont know how I got so lucky to have a best friend like you. 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. So, for her sons 14th birthday, Anne S. of Berkeley, California, invited his friends, family, and some teachers to send in a video clip of themselves wishing him a happy birthday. Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow. May they know your peace, as they work together to achieve it on earth. A plan which has been long been needed, but is only now being reckoned with. God gifted us with limitless creativity and imagination. We pray that we try to understand each other in our struggles to make sense of the forces that are beyond any one of us, that we see beyond threats imagined or real, that we hear beyond shouted anger or mocking taunts or cursing threats and note the cries for help that rest mostly silent in ordinary times. Thank you for being you. For someone who deserves the world hope your day is full of joy, laughter, friendship, and your favorite type of cake. Celebrating another quarantine birthday? Ask for light and insight as you prepare to review your day. Happy birthday. Help us to keep our focus first on you this season. Thanks for being the best friend the world has to offer; happy birthday. New ways of learning and working were created. A Prayer of Hope During this Pandemic By Rabbi Naomi Levy, originally appeared on nashuva.com We are frightened, God, Worried for our loved ones, Worried for our world. 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. -Prayer by Cameron Wiggins Bellm. Birthdays are kind of a big deal in my house. Experience professional with over 10 years of experience spanning data analytics, project management, procurement, renovations, and property management with knowledge and experience in SQL . I have been challenged and needed your guidance in thinking with a community-focus rather than an individual one, and Ive been challenged in finding the right response on other occasions when I judge that others are falling into that same pit. Even so, it makes sense to hold on to festivities like these during COVID. I cannot see if you smile or if you scowl. All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting. They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise You can hear the birds again. We sympathized. Take time to reflect on all your accomplishments, and get excited about all the great things to come. "We find ourselves afraid and lost . Gracious and Loving God,You are our comforter and our hope.Hear our prayers as we come before you.Strengthen us in this time of need.Inspire us to acts of solidarity and generosityand give us hope of a brighter future. Our templates work for personal greetings, formal wishes, or even for group signing. Every day, I am grateful to have you in my life. Call us to profound trust in your faithful presence. My faith in God is what's giving me hope in the midst of this pandemic. A general prayer 6. Amen. Happy birthday. 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? Be good to each other and well get through this. But there does not have to be disease of the soul. In one study in the U.K., researchers asked people to describe their birthday celebrations and how the festivities affected them at two points in time. Father of goodness and love, hear our prayers for the sick members of our community and for all who are in need. In the meantime, we've been given a time of retreat to meditate upon what Holy Communion means to us all and we've been given new opportunities and new pastoral strategies. The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Help us to give thanks within the uncertainty. For some that light may come in the form of a sense of the Divine. Well, I know exactly what youll say. Though some may not mind having birthdays pass unnoticednever liked birthdays, never willresearch suggests that they can be a special opportunity to nourish positive emotions and fortify our relationships. Take a moment to settle. Acknowledge how you are feeling in this moment. Assist us and restore us to health so that united more closely to your family, the Church, we may give praise and honour to your name. Happy birthday, friend. )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. If you find yourself frustrated or stressed, acknowledge it. 2020. } 2023 The Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley. God, I give You thanks even in the unexpected and unwanted because You are good, You are just and You are right. Since this was the first time that everyone was out of their house and socializing, it made it special.. Enjoy your cake, your party and your presents today but remember that your friendship is the greatest gift of all. Immune system disparity. Another birthday, another year older. } Whether this card is for a new friend, a distant one, or anyone in between, take a moment to show them what they mean to you. Ms. Solomon, the author of " Guac Is Extra but So Am I: The Reluctant Adult's. Happy birthday. Over the course of the last months, I have felt your presence in the care and compassion of those working around and with me to find the best path forward for our community. T terisha sewnarain 0:05 S Smiley A very small selection of people who suffer from Crohns or Ulcerative Colitis go on to develop a very rare liver disease which affects the bile ducts. (Surely, that has come clear. Every day I learn something new from your kindness, your compassion, and your sheer brilliance. Proverbs 9:11. An English-language translation of the Pope's prayer is below: O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. We choose to press in close to you today, and keep you first in our hearts and lives. Happy birthday. Helpless and confused,. As I look ahead to the coming academic year, I pray that we make sound decisions for our students, our faculty, our staff, that protect them and serve them well, and also serve the institution well. Yes there is isolation. Take a deep breath and moment of quiet. Some tossed her thoughtful gifts, like potting soil and toilet paper, which were hard to come by in the early days of the lockdown. Youre not old. 1There is a season for everything, a time for every occupation under heaven. 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. I have felt your presence in our continuous striving for better, striving to find solutions that serve the greatest number of people in the best way possible with the least risk of harm. who is our stability and strength in troubled times. When you are ready, return to your day. Just wanted to take this opportunity to let you know I appreciate your friendship so much. It does not always feel good to reflect on challenging times, suffering, or loss, but our Ignatian tradition constantly reminds us that reflection is a practice that can impact our present. Please submit one here: Submit a Prayer, To provide feedback, please email: jesuitresource@xavier.edu. Afterward, Amber was surprised to find out that this display of love also had an impact on her neighbors. Some are happy. Yes there is panic buying.Yes there is sickness.Yes there is even death. And yet, we receive everything that we needed. Please forgive us for giving too much time and attention to other things, for looking to other people before coming to you first. As we transition through this time we pray: One day at a time sweet Jesus.That's all that I ask of you.Lord help me today.Show me the way.One day at a time. I am thankful for good colleagues and the opportunity to collaborate with so many around me. Light a candle, pour a glass of wine or your favorite beverage, and make a list of five lessons from the past year . Good-bye and good luck! The ordinary ways of working and providing and living have disappeared for many. Looking forward to many more memories in the years to come. 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. Take a deep breath. You are the best, and I hope that your birthday is as unforgettable as you are. Pause and reflect on where youre being invited to grow from that moment. Embrace usso that us we know your loving presencewithin us and among us. O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not our hold on things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. But it also grants a freedom to be with. Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic- The birds are singing again The sky is clearing, Spring is coming. text: "I would like to share Xavier's Jesuit Resource - Prayers During the Coronavirus Pandemics" Public health issues have a way of making us recognize how interwoven our lives are with others in society. Richard Hendrick, OFM, March 13th 2020. Heal those who are sick with the virus. I have felt true joy in the quiet moments of fellowship and connection that only could have happened because of this common event. Freelance. A very happy birthday to you! As is said, When one door closes, another door opens.. If things really do get better with age, then youre nearing perfection. Yes, that's right: Faith. Think of how much change you've gone through in a year; 2020 was full of ups and downs, and you made it through. Promise this world your lovefor better or for worse,in sickness and in health,so long as we all shall live. 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).. Fermented grapes. At least were in it together. Buoyed by your love, I choose each day to let peace reign in me. Thank You for the hidden gifts of this pandemic: more time with my family, slow evenings at home, the beauty of creation and rediscovering joy in simple things. How do weserve and leadwhen weare disconnectedfrom each otherand the physical spacethat unifies our team. In scenes that would fit easily into war zones, they invade our honored spaces and violate standards of citizen behavior. 'theme' : 'transparent', But no less joyous. What connections do you take for granted in your life? 1. Father, we seek Your wisdom daily. Take a moment to think about how COVID-19 has impacted your life. Yet the Prophet allowed combining the prayers during travel or emergencies. Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders. Every birthday, every celebration ends with something sweet, a cake, and people remember. 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. And the courage to reach out. We ache for ourselves and our neighbors, standing before an uncertain future. Heres to hoping all your candles this year dont set off the fire alarm. Happy birthday. I love You. More like this Here is a collection of birthday prayers that are designed to show gratitude to God for bringing you this far in life, uplift your soul and ask for guidance. And I would not recommend an international move in the middle of a global pandemic. 55 Pandemic Birthday. 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. Pause and reflect on where youre being invited to grow from that moment. I have also developed this, called Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). Help us to remember that the gift of Christ, Immanuel, is our greatest treasure, not just at Christmas, but for the whole year through. At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus' pain, with steadfast faith. Weve celebrated birthdays together from our diaper days as kids, and I look forward to our diaper days as adults. when we are separated from family and friends. Your birthday is a painful reminder of how old Im getting. Ignatius calls usto go forthand setthe world on fire. Or maybe we just feel better about our age with a little bit of wine. And finally, take time to remember that God is with us through all the events of our lives, and that these endings and beginnings are no different. In Action Can we all take off our masks, Lord? Its time to celebrate your special day. Three years ago, the Covid-19 pandemic began here in our city, killing thousands of New Yorkers, and eventually . My birthday was surprisingly nice, better than I expected, because I felt connected with people, even though everyone had to be socially distanced, says Aidan. Cornelius Plantinga, Jr. wrote this prayer in March 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Get comfortable. What connections do you take for granted in your life? 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? We have finished one academic year and are beginning to prepare for students to return in the fall. R: The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty has given me life. But there does not have to be hate. Thanks for being such a great friend. The best is yet to be. - Robert Browning, You take away all the other luxuries in life, and if you can make someone smile and laugh, you have given the most special gift: happiness. - Brad Garrett, When someone asks if you'd like cake or pie, why not say you want cake and pie? - Lisa Loeb, With mirth and laughter, let old wrinkles come. - William Shakespeare, Youth is happy because it has the ability to see beauty. May the tender moments of seeing someone again in person be all the more rich and treasured. Take some time to sit down and think about what you've learned and how you've grown. As with weddings and other rituals, birthday parties are bigger than one person. Can we know, Lord, that we put on many masks so we can cope, avoid, pretend, be acceptable? Was I truly present?What control do I have over the circumstances of these individuals?Did I do all that I could in this point in time?What can I do for tomorrow? The year that taught us to minimize. As humans, we need to betogether, says An-lin. Theyre a great excuse to eat cake. Maybe it helpsto imaginethis timeas a dousingof gasolinetossed onto ouralready steadyburning flamesofpurpose and love. Research suggests that birthdays help motivate people to make important changeslike exercising more or starting a healthier dietand to more deliberately pursue life goals. 1 A Prayer to Remember What Christmas Is All About "Lord, I thank You for coming to earth so You could redeem me. Thank you that your power is made perfect in our weakness. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. 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). Plan a car caravan. During pandemic times, keeping our hearts and minds focused on the truth of God's word eases our anxiety and fear. Amen. Others are planned and come more gradually. Look to God in the midst of your daily challenges. General Birthday Prayers. Thank you for your reminder that both in seasons of celebration and in seasons of brokenness, youre still with us. Help me to be generous and to keep contact with the forgotten. Happy birthday to you today, my friend! Happy birthday. We grieve precious lives lost and vulnerable lives threatened. It just made me feel so joyful.. I love my city. Ordinary time? R: The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty has given me life. We just held our commencement exercises, which signifies the end of our students time here on campus and the beginning of their lives as Xavier alumni. She's the world's leading animal behaviorist and an Autism advocacy leader. Don't let the pandemic get you down. Dont you think its about time we started to act our age? For your birthday, how about a fruit salad instead of cake? I pause (breathe in and out) and ask for forgiveness for The days I falter and the disease takes over. They remind us that we are not alone in the face of our own mortality. Help us, Lord, to move beyond our masks. May we who settle in for a quarantine at home remember those who have no home. Cheers to the best year yet. Sending you love on this birthday. We ask this through the Lord Jesus who healed those who believed. Happy birthday, friend. Mayor Eric Adams: My fellow New Yorkers. 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. 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.