As humans, we sometimes forget that we are creatures of mind, body and soul. This means that whatever happens in one area of life will inevitably spill over into another area.
Everything is interconnected, reminding us that our physical and spiritual health needs to be in tune with our mental health.
Here are several prayers that seek to bridge the gap and address those needs, to help us maintain peace and serenity of mind.
Feeling alone or isolated? Pray this prayer by St. Faustina
Jesus, Friend of a lonely heart, You are my haven, You are my peace.
You are my salvation, You are my serenity in moments of struggle and amidst an ocean of doubts.
You are the bright ray that lights up the path of my life.
You are everything to a lonely soul.
You understand the soul even though it remains silent.
You know our weaknesses, and like a good physician, You comfort and heal, sparing us sufferings — expert that You are.
Trust in God’s will with this short prayer
Lord, send me forth to do Thy will,
But let me feel Thee present still.
If you’re feeling discouraged, try this prayer to the Risen Jesus
O Risen Jesus,
you who gave peace to your apostles, gathered in prayer,
when you said to them, “Peace be with you,”
grant us the gift of peace!
Defend us from evil
and from all forms of violence that afflict our society,
so that we may all live, as brothers and sisters,
a life befitting our human dignity.
O Jesus,
who died and rose again for love of us,
dispel from our families and from society
all forms of despair and discouragement,
so that we may live as risen people
and may carry your peace to all the world.
Amen!
Prayer to cleanse your mind from distracting thoughts
O God, I firmly believe that you are everywhere present and sees all things. You see my nothingness, my inconstancy, my sinfulness. You see me in all my actions and you see me in this my meditation. I bow down before you, and worship your divine majesty with my whole being. Cleanse my heart from all vain, wicked, and distracting thoughts. Enlighten my understanding, and inflame my will, that I may pray with reverence, attention, and devotion.
This simple prayer of St. Teresa of Avila can calm your nerves
Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.
Pray this prayer to St. Brigid of Ireland
Saint Brigid,
You were a woman of peace.
You brought harmony where there was conflict.
You brought light to the darkness.
You brought hope to the downcast.
May the mantle of your peace cover those who are troubled and anxious, and may peace be firmly rooted in our hearts and in our world.
Inspire us to act justly and to reverence all God has made.
Brigid you were a voice for the wounded and the weary.
Strengthen what is weak within us.
Calm us into a quietness that heals and listens.
May we grow each day into greater wholeness in mind, body and spirit.
Feeling lonely? Here’s a powerful prayer to lift your spirits
Dearest Lord, make us remember, when the world is cold and dreary, and we know not where to turn for comfort, that there is always one spot bright and cheerful—the Sanctuary. When we are in desolation of spirit, when all who are dear to us have passed away, like summer flowers, and none are left to love us and care for us, whisper to our troubled souls that there is one friend who dies not—one whose love never changes—Jesus on the altar. When sorrows thicken and crush us with their burden, when we look in vain for comfort, let thy dear words come forth with full force from the tabernacle, “Come to me all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will refresh you.” Thy friendship, dearest Lord, henceforth shall be the dearest treasure we possess. It shall compensate for the treachery and ingratitude of creatures. It shall be our consolation when the wild flowers are growing over the best loved ones, and when all who hold a dear place in our hearts are withered and gone! With thy friendship the world will never be dreary, and life never without a charm. Would that we could realize the pure happiness of possessing thy sympathy! Would that we could feel, when we are crushed and humbled, when the hope we have lived for has withered, when sorrows and trials, that we dare not reveal to any, make our souls sink well nigh unto death, when we look in vain for someone to understand us, one who will enter into our miseries, make us remember that there is One on the altar who knows every fiber of our hearts, every sorrow, every pain special to our peculiar natures, and who deeply sympathizes with us. Compassionate Jesus, our hearts crave for sympathy, and to suffer seems nothing to the bitterness of suffering alone.
And today we celebrate...