A collection of prayers written by Sisters of Notre Dame for religious observances and national holidays throughout the year.
January 1: New Year’s Day Prayer by Sister Richarde Kaufman
- Lord, open my heart to Your graces and blessings in this new year.Lord, open my mind to new ideas, especially regarding justice and peace.Lord, open my hands to welcoming new families/friends into my life.Lord, open my whole being to the gentle nudgings of the Spirit calling me to prayer.Lord, with my whole heart, mind, hands and being, let me sing Your praise! this new year. Help us walk into the mystery that lies before us. Give us humility, curiosity, courage and hope along the way. Thank you, God, for the blessing of a new year! Amen.
January 19, 2026: Martin Luther King Day Prayer by Sister Mary Shauna Bankemper
- On this day, we remember Martin Luther King Jr. who dreamed of a loving, just society for all. The following prayer was taken from a collection of prayers written by Dr. King regarding services and ministries. These handwritten prayers would be used in a worship service from July 5, 1953 to September 6, 1953…
- “Most Gracious and all wise God; Before whose face the generations rise and fall; Thou in whom we live, move and have our being. We thank Thee for all of thy good and gracious gifts, for life and for health; for food and for raiment; for the beauties of nature and the love of human nature. We come before Thee painfully aware of our inadequacy and shortcomings. We realize that we stand surrounded by mountains of love and we deliberately dwell in the valley of hate. We stand amid the forces of truth and deliberately lie; We are forever offered the high road and yet we choose to travel the low road. For these sins, Oh God, forgive. Break the spell of that which blinds our minds. Purify our hearts that we may see Thee. Oh God, in these turbulent days when fear and doubt are mounting high give us broad visions, penetrating eyes and power of endurance. Help us to work with renewed vigor for a warless world, for a better distribution of wealth and for a brotherhood that transcends race or color. In the name and spirit of Jesus, we pray. Amen.” - Martin Luther King Jr.
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As we reflect on Dr. King’s enduring mission, let us open our hearts to God’s truth and renew our commitment to justice and peace. Guided by the Holy Spirit, may we recognize our shared humanity and, inspired by Dr. King’s example of courage and nonviolence, work together to build a world where love triumphs over division. Hope lights the path to true peace. Today, let us answer God’s call: act with compassion, speak boldly for justice and live as instruments of God’s peace. Amen.
January 22: The Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children by Sister Mary Valerie Schneider
- O God, Jesus knew a mother’s love. He has basked in Joseph’s pride and care. May all children be surrounded with that same light, love and joyful anticipation that Your Son had. Guide parents, medical personnel and people of good will, to recognize that every baby is wonderfully made with a purpose to foster Your plan. We pray that everyone will value each baby’s life as a precious gift. God the Creator of all, give us the strength to defend and support life. Amen.
February 8: The Day of Prayer Against Human Trafficking by Sister Mary Valerie Schneider
- Ever-present God, Restorer of Life, we seek an end to human trafficking. Remember the victims of all ages and cultures. Those suffering terrifying ordeals, their dignity stolen. Grant wisdom to those who can help. Comfort to the families of the missing. We pray for perpetrators, that their greed and lust lead to conversion. Renew Your commandment to love. May we pray, mourn and act to uphold life, knowing what we do for others, we do for You. Amen.
February 14: Saint Valentine's Day Prayer by Sister Mary Rose Moser
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On this Valentine’s Day, we open our hearts and hands to give love to our world. May world leaders hold at heart the sufferings and needs of their people, as decisions and policies are created and new nurturing relationships are established. May we each receive Jesus’ own peace which heals body, mind and spirit and which casts out grief, stress and sorrow in our lives. Jesus, we ask You to come to our aid! Give and teach us peace. That we may be in our daily living instruments only of your peace. Amen.
Lent Reflection by Sister LaReine-Marie Mosely
- During this holy season of Lent, I want to share an inspiring thought on prayer that might resonate with you. It’s from Father Benedict Groeschel’s book Listening at Prayer. The message goes:“When life gives you its message, make the understanding of that message your first object of prayer.”
- I discovered these wise words 20 years ago and they have been a guiding light in my spiritual journey. Perhaps they will bring clarity and focus to your prayer life as well.Let’s support one another in prayer during this meaningful time. Take good care this Lent and always!
March 17: Saint Patrick’s Day Prayer by Sister Mary Deb Giles
- St. Patrick, captured by pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland, you escaped, were ordained a bishop and returned to the place of your pain and suffering. You brought the Gospel to the whole of Ireland, thus laying the foundation for what became known as the Isle of Saints and Scholars. 1500 years later, some things have not changed and millions of disadvantaged people are trafficked today. Many times we ourselves can feel trapped by our circumstances and hijacked by our fears and prejudices.
- Pray with us that our faith and our experience of God’s Goodness and Provident Care may set us free to spread the Good News and, in turn, unbind and unburden one another. Amen.
First Day of Spring Prayer by Sister Susan Maria Kusz
- “Lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds has come.” -Song of Solomon 2: 11-12
- Good and Loving God, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring! Warm sun… fresh air… floral aromas… joyful birdsong: these gifts of creation renew us in hope! Thank you, gracious God, for this season that reawakens us to life! May our joy this season and always, bubble forth in loving service! Amen.
First Thursday of May, National Day of Prayer by Sister Alice Marie Willman
- The Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. Alleluia. Good and Provident God, we come to You to honor and praise You this day and every day. Bless our encounters with others so that our actions and words praise Your Holy Name. Bring peace to those who are hurting, love to those who feel abandoned and justice to those who are without hope. Fill each person with faith and hope to bring Your goodness to our waiting world. Amen.
May 16: International Day of Living Together in Peace by Sister Mary Dean Pfahler
- Loving Creator: All You have made is good. Help me to see myself as an image of You, God, as I really am and to see every person as an image of God, as they really are. Risen Christ, peace is Your gift to us. You urge us to: lay down our weapons, forgive as we have been forgiven and love our enemies. Holy Spirit of Peace: Open our ears so we encounter one another in mutual trust. Open our hearts so we recognize that we are one. Open our hands so we use the gifts of Earth to live together in peace. Amen.
August 1: International Peace Month Prayer by Sister Mary Valerie Schneider
- Loving God, you teach us that everyone is our neighbor (Lk. 10:29-38). Inspire all people to be a neighbor to others whether they live next door or around the world. Cover our hearts, remove anxiety and shattered dreams. Direct our minds to start our morning with empathy and heart-songs that sing of peace. Transform the Earth into a flourishing garden of love. With Your help, Prince of Peace, we pray to do our part in making every day “a beautiful day in the neighborhood.” Amen.
September 1: World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation by Sister Mary Celine Bundschuh
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We praise and thank You, Lord Jesus, our Friend and Savior. Praise and gratitude are our best gift to You as You have graced us with a world of beauty and majesty. Each day allows us to see You in magnificentsunrises and sunsets… melodious birds and creatures of all kinds… swaying trees and gorgeous flowers… skies full of various clouds and blue beauty.
Give us, your stewards, mindfulness not to waste precious water, land and all resources with which we are blessed to have. Let our awareness and good stewardship of Mother Earth be our praise andgratitude back to you, Jesus.
We ask all this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
November 13: World Kindness Day Prayer by Sister Susan Maria Kusz
- Saint Paul has a wonderful prescription for kindness. Colossians 3:12-17. In verse 12, Saint Paul says, “As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience.”Let’s give it a try today. Let’s be kind! Amen.
December 25: Christmas Day Prayer by Sister Mary Valerie Schneider
- You, all-powerful Word leapt from Heaven’s throne to unworthy Earth. Embracing humanity, born of mystery and manger. You chose a humble couple for parents, a stable for your first home. The world is again coming to You on bended knee. We join Your eternal plan, naming You the Prince of Peace and offering back to You the Earth You gave us. Help us do what You came to teach us to do: feed the hungry, cloth the naked, care for creation. Once again may we who walk in darkness see a great light, the glow of the Incarnate Word on every face, in every bit of creation. With Your blessing at Christmas once again, the earth will repeat the sounding joy. Amen.
December 31: New Years Eve Prayer by Sister Susan Maria Kusz
- “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” –Jeremiah 29:11 Good and Provident God, we know You are with us as we take the first step into this new year. Help us walk into the mystery that lies before us. Give us humility, curiosity, courage and hope along the way. Thank you, God, for the blessing of a new year! Amen.
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