I started reading a small book entitled, Essentials for Christian Living. It is published by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. It contains common prayers Catholics might commit to memory, structure of the Mass, Creedal statements, the Sacraments and Christian living. There are three prayers I would like to share with you for your reflection and strength during these days.
Act of Faith - O my God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I believe that your divine Son became man and died for our sins and that he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches because you have revealed them who are eternal truth and wisdom, who can neither deceive nor be deceived. In this faith I intend to live and die. Amen.
Act of Hope - O Lord God, I hope by your grace foe the parson of all my sins and after life here to gain eternal happiness because you have promised it who are infinitely powerful, faithful, kind and merciful. In this hope I intend to live and die. Amen.
Act of Love - O Lord God, I love you above all things and I love my neighbor for your sake because you are the highest, infinite and perfect good, worthy of all my love. In this love I intend to live and die. Amen.
In the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries there arose the Age of Enlightenment an emphasis on the ability of humans to direct and bring about all that was good and worthwhile. There was a movement away from having God as the center of one’s life. These prayers were formulated to direct one back to God and the Church founded by Christ.
Today might be a good time to pray and reflect on these prayers again to see the role the Lord God has in our life.