Science Center I see the people, my people, of my city, peeking out their windows at me. Father of goodness and love, hear our prayers for the sick members of our community and for all who are in need. Remain optimistic and hopeful for what is yet to come and the new relationships that new beginnings may bring. You are the best, and I hope that your birthday is as unforgettable as you are. Let us help you decide your next Birthday Party read more. There are a lot of good people out there in the world, but today we recognize YOU as being one of the best. Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, Pastoral Letter to the Clergy, Religious and Lay Faithful of the Archdiocese of Sydney during this COVID-19 Pandemic, 24 April 2020. When you are ready, return to your day. For you never leave us. God wants to be present in all parts of our livesnot just the easy or serene moments. As humans, we need to betogether, says An-lin. To how little control we really have. So glad I can celebrate with you on this special day. At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus' pain, with steadfast faith. Amen. 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. Some of these endings come suddenly or unexpectedly. 2020. On her 58th birthday, Mrs. Cole-Dai wrote "58 Pandemic Prayers," a collection of 58 simple, one-line meditations for a better life, better relationships and a better future. Dear Lord - Protector, Provider, Comforter, Blessed are you, O Lord our God, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Heres to hoping all your candles this year dont set off the fire alarm. We know that we can do anything through You, so please help us ensure health and semi-normalcy in the coming months. Prayers for Strength during the Coronavirus Pandemic 1. Though 20-year-old Aidan G. of Kensington, California, was home from college because of COVID, his girlfriend put together a video of college friends wishing him a happy birthday and sharing appreciations, which really touched him. Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus pain, with steadfast faith.You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need. 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. 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. Light a candle, pour a glass of wine or your favorite beverage, and make a list of five lessons from the past year . We come to you, loving God, with hope in our hearts and prayer on our lips. 2020 is behind us. What connections do you take for granted in your life? My faith that keeps me steady as our entire country wakes up every morning to wage war on an invisible enemy. Start with our ideas below, and add any personal details to it to make it extra special. Another birthday, another year older. 4. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. - By Rebecca L. Cull. Give them the wisdom to invest in long-term solutions that will help prepare for or prevent future outbreaks. But there does not have to be hate. When I say, have a happy birthday, you better freaking do it. Amber's friends joined in a birthday car parade. Happy birthday to you today, my friend! We worried about the youth. For those who are dying.For those who have died while saving the lives of others.For all who have lost their lives. And this is my birthday, so it seems fitting that I would read this passage. Be with us, Lord, in . Part is families sharing resources to get through economic breakdown. Ignatius calls usto go forthand setthe world on fire. This is a perfectly quaint way to celebrate your birthday. God gifted us with limitless creativity and imagination. Yes there is panic buying.Yes there is sickness.Yes there is even death. The pandemic itself deserves its own "loving look." Prayer always begins and ends with a recognition of God's presence, and it disposes us toward receptivity. Who do you avoid or refuse to see? We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God.Do not despise our pleas we who are put to the test and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin. We paused. Know that we are striving to make all of the right decisions and need Your love and power to help us overcome any difficulties. We have finished one academic year and are beginning to prepare for students to return in the fall. . And stepped in where needed. Hope its the best from start to finish. It just made me feel so joyful.. Holy God, loving God, can this really be ordinary time?. Right now though, right now I am feeling an extra sense of pride and purpose as I do my work. This month, nurture your relationships each day. We are not meant to do life alone. . Pandemic is a frightening word, and I can easily feel confused or helpless to respond. Collaboration, innovation and cura personalis were our touchstones. And recently in this ordinary time we have seen our fellow citizens rise up in anger and violence, destroying, injuring, even killing others to push their narrow agendas. Make time to reflect and be thankful for what is ending. 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. May our hearts be unified in You more than ever. 2020. Angela J. of Los Angeles, California, attended a surprise Zoom birthday for an aunt living in Philadelphia who was turning 90. Thank you for being you. Even if those ease, we may not be ready to risk big social gatherings. The pace, chaos, and emotion of change can be stressful; make time to take care of ourselves and each other. When I think of the extent to which You were willing to go in order to save me,. Of course, the most important thing in creating any celebration is knowing the birthday recipients likes and dislikesand what matters most to them. RT @keithsrocknroll: "i'm a risk-taker. We come before you now in this time of illness asking that you may be the source of our strength in body, courage in spirit and patience in pain. We mourned. What Happens When We Lose Our Social Rituals? Amid mental and physical suffering may they find consolation in your healing presence. Best friend, weve been through it all. Friend, its been nothing short of amazing to see what youve accomplished in the past year. That was a crazy time. May we who settle in for a quarantine at home remember those who have no home. We have had no time, no space, no moment to mourn. If you are a person of faith, take a moment to pray with it. In Action We worried about the age. Where is ordinary time? Greater Good who is our stability and strength in troubled times. Were muted. Look to God in the midst of your daily challenges. 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. Bring them courage to endure what cannot be avoided,for your will is health and wholeness;you are God, and we need you. Amen. Many recent events in my work here on campus got me to thinking about endings and beginnings about change. The year injustices were even more pronounced. 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? Lives perishwhile the flamesof leadersaround usdance erraticallyin the blisteringwinds of changetheir lightsflickerto near extinctiontheir sparksbarely visiblestruggleto light the way. I am thankful for good colleagues and the opportunity to collaborate with so many around me. Some are sad. To those in pain. Lives have been lost and upended. Hear our prayer. Others are planned and come more gradually. 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. But as someone with chronic illness, I know the prayer can still be useful when facing an . They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound. Have friends and family drive by the birthday honoree's house, honking . Heal those who are sick with the virus. Simply acknowledge them, pay attention, and listen to where God may be speaking. My most precious prayers and wishes are reserved for you today, my dear! I became a little famous in the neighborhood, says Amber. Be with people making decisions that affect the lives and futures of our families, communities, countries, and the wider world. Dear Risen Lord,Today we pray You unmask the gift that is manifest in every life.Let us celebrate the joy of being children of God and the dignity of each Unique and Unrepeatable life made in his image and likeness. 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. Here are some guidelines to follow. For our. Cornelius Plantinga, Jr. wrote this prayer in March 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. We pray for misinformation to be curbedthat fear may take no hold in hearts and minds. Bring hope that you will make them the equalof whatever lies ahead. Yes there is fear. You are here for us to see and to hear. 1. Be grateful for what was learned and what was accomplished. Help us continue to bring the science of a meaningful life to you and to millions around the globe. Holy God, you make all times holy, all places, all people in all the seasons of our lives. - Written by Brenda S. Levya-Gardner, Ph.D. 5/24/2, Change is the only constant in life. - Heraclitus (ancient Greek philosopher). 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. Growing up is a choice. when we are separated from family and friends. - ByColleen Hanycz, PhD incoming President at Xavier University. 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. In your mercy, Lord, Grant us the strength to rebuild. But how do weset our world on firein this age of sickness,uncertainty,and fear. Today, I want to speak to you about the next phase of our plan to address mental health in this city. Help me to be generous and to keep contact with the forgotten. Today, Im overjoyed to celebrate your existence. Make time to celebrate the new beginning and what we have to look forward to. But there does not have to be meanness. 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. Part must be the guardians of public safety who risk their lies and health, even give up that life, to keep order and peace. Yes, that's right: Faith. It was one of the most delightful things that ever happened to me in my life, says Amber. Will we see, Lord, that what we think of as your mask is really also our own, our inability to find you in the rush of our lives, our failure to see you in all the wonders you show us, our incapacity to hear your gentle voice in the tumult that surrounds us. With love and respect for the past, we as a community face our new beginnings and journeys with anticipation, optimism, enthusiasm and care for each other creating our own New Normal. Mothers and fathers have worked hard to provide for their families, and now their jobs are gone. Do some self-reflection. "We find ourselves afraid and lost . Please submit one here: Submit a Prayer, To provide feedback, please email: jesuitresource@xavier.edu. For me, receptivity is the essence. 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. Corporate Prayer: Great God, in a world that is divided by ethnicity, gender, race and . Acknowledge how you are feeling in this moment. Heres to another year of invaluable life lessons. Scared but resilient. Who do you normally choose to reach out and connect to? Happy birthday. It is scientifically proven that people who have more birthdays live longer. Immune system disparity. God, you gave me a life that day I was born, and I hope I will spend all my life and do as much as I can to show you my love and gratitude! 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. Please forgive us for giving too much time and attention to other things, for looking to other people before coming to you first. R: The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty has given me life. And I would not recommend an international move in the middle of a global pandemic. Every day I learn something new from your kindness, your compassion, and your sheer brilliance. Make the Sign of the Cross. 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. 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. Going old happens. But when the birthday of my husband, Don, rolled around this year, we were in lockdown like everyone elseand creativity was needed. Weve celebrated birthdays together from our diaper days as kids, and I look forward to our diaper days as adults. 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. Despite how popular love languages are, there is little research to support the framework. When all seems lost. But there can always be a rebirth of love. // ]]>, Know a prayer that could be added to this page? The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate. - Oprah Winfrey, Today you are you. Greater Good wants to know: Do you think this article will influence your opinions or behavior? Open the windows of your soul And though you may not be able to touch across the empty square, -Written by Fr. To what really matters. Some of our favorite birthday messages, including ones for social distancing birthdays. Happy Birthday Jesus Prayer Father, today I celebrate the reality of Your presence in my life. Help us to give thanks within the uncertainty. Here's to another year of invaluable life lessons. . Grahams tenure and the beginning of new leadership under Dr. Hanycz here at Xavier. Say the Glory Be 6. Learn more about Jesuit Resource. We are ending our budget work for one fiscal year and the beginning our work on future financial and fiscal year planning. Birthday celebrations also make us feel loved, which can be a nice way to increase our mental healthespecially during stressful times. - Author requested to remain anonymous, May we who are merely inconvenienced, remember those whose lives are at stake.May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable.May those who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent.May those who have the flexibility to care for our children when schools close remember those who have no options.May we who have to cancel a trip remember those who have no safe place to go.May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market remember those who have no margin at all.May those who settle for quarantine at home remember those who have no home.As fear grips our country, let us choose love during this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other, let us find ways to be the loving embrace to God and our neighbor. 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? I ask for compassion and love when Im unable to give those to myself. Through my mask, you see if I smile or if I scowl. 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. These birthday prayers and blessings should be the first things you say on that particular day. 2020. Cool. We pray for your love and compassion to aboundas we walk through this challenging season. It might take a little more organizing effort during lockdown to do something that will resonate with the celebrant and still keep everyone safe from harm. It was really sweet.. One of those. - By Susan Haarman, Loyola University Chicago, It seems that I return to you most easily when I need comfort, O God. R: The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty has given me life. We celebrated the birth of Jesus with angels singing and shepherds visiting and magi following a star from the East and bearing gifts. Happy birthday. For in all this, I grow closer to you. She also asked her oldest daughter to put it together in a fun slideshow with music to share with him on his actual birthday. Thank you for your reminder that both in seasons of celebration and in seasons of brokenness, youre still with us. Can we all take off our masks, Lord? Help us to come out of this Pandemic better, not bitter. I continue to welcome and be open to your presence in my life and in this work. 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! During pandemic times, keeping our hearts and minds focused on the truth of God's word eases our anxiety and fear. Thank you that your power is made perfect in our weakness. Were all going to celebrate a birthday (or possibly two or three) under the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. Birthdays are kind of a big deal in my house. Thank you for allowing us to skate and keeping your business open during this pandemic!! As religious leaders of diverse faiths, prayer helps reveal answers to questions that weigh on us. Let us take off our masks. Each moment that weve spent together has been a memorable one. Gather a blanket, some of your favorite snacks, a bottle of wine or Champagne, and toast to another year of life. Thank you for always giving me your all. We asked for prosperity, and you gave us purpose and brains to use. May they be at rest with you in your eternal peace. Our Father. 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. Theyre a great excuse to eat cake. (Surely, that has come clear. Today a young woman I know is busy spreading fliers with her number through the neighborhood so that the elders may have someone to call on. Amber M. of Novato, California, didnt expect to do much for her 31st birthday, which fell just two weeks into lockdown. 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. [CDATA[ The early Christians prayed in the church of the home. You are the Powerful Creator of all people - each one unique, special, precious in your sight, and greatly loved by you. Father please hear us when we tell You of our concerns of sending our children and educators back to school. I pray that we continue to be inclusive and broad in our thinking, that we continue to be imaginative and innovative, that we have the energy required to sustain us. And then we collected ourselves. Happy birthday, friend. Shamair B. Philadelphia, PA. 0. Birthdays apparently help us to put our "old self" behind us in favor of a future, evolving self, which aids us in moving forward on our life path. I do my best always to return the favor. I cannot see if you smile or if you scowl. Help me see it as a human response that keeps me conscious of the seriousness of this moment, but do not let it overwhelm my spirit. For peace in our city and in our world.For renewed friendships among neighbors.For solidarity and unity among all peoples.For a greater appreciation and love of all humanity. For some that light may come in the form of a sense of the Divine. But no less joyous. Who do you normally choose to reach out and connect to? 'position' : 'left', This ordinary time is marked also by deep economic hardship for many. 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. 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. Our church calendar tells us that we are back again in Ordinary Time. May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable. I cannot hear if you whisper an answer to my prayer or brush off my curse. - Adapted from New Zealand Prayer Book, p. 765-Prayer originated from episcopalrelief.org/what-we-do/us-disaster-program/faith-based-response-to-epidemics/. Give him the. But rather open time slots. Plan a car caravan. I am praying that your special day brings you lots of love, peace, and . Is there a person or group of people especially affected by COVID-19 that you dont often choose to see or connect with normally? In Jesus' name, Amen. 6. } God wants to be present in all parts of our livesnot just the easy or serene moments. The global coronavirus pandemic has drastically disrupted daily life around the world, and birthday kings and queens, unfortunately, don't have the power to wish the outbreak away. And most important of all, happy birthday. Pause and reflect on where youre being invited to grow from that moment. But there does not have to be disease of the soul. Celebrating another quarantine birthday? As I thought about some of these recent endings and beginnings, what we have been through these past fifteen months, and the general pace of our lives in the 21st century, I stepped back to assess some of the things that I have found helpful to make these transitions. I pause (breathe in and out) and remember that today, As in days before, I have survived. Thanks for being such a great friend. The world has gone through upheaval. You can also make this . Call us to profound trust in your faithful presence. Why go to all the trouble? Read more Practices for Observing Lent Our templates work for personal greetings, formal wishes, or even for group signing. Your birthday is gonna be lit. What connections impact you the most? Take a moment to settle. A Prayer of Gratitude. The Coronavirus pandemic has rapidly transformed life as we know it for millions of people all over the world. Part of ordinary time is the dedication of health care workers. The Greater Good Science Center studies the psychology, sociology, and neuroscience of well-being, and teaches skills that foster a thriving, resilient, and compassionate society. } The year we monitored, not the stock market. You see past my mask, you hear through it, you know. Establish a theme for your designs using photos, icons, logos, personalized fonts, and other customizable elements . Dear God. I have felt your presence on days when my work at my workplace or at home was not great, and I was humble or needed to make apologies.

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