A Prayer for St. Valentine’s Day – 14 February 2021

St. Valentine’s Day is worth celebrating as it reminds us that all love is a reflection of God’s love for us. St. Valentine was a bishop in the early church. He performed Christian marriages for young couples. There was a prohibition on all marriages at the time except those recognised by the state. Valentine was jailed. While in jail, he is believed to have cured the jailer’s daughter of blindness. Just before he died he wrote her a letter which he signed “Your Valentine” Because of this he has become the patron saint of love

Lord, make me an instrument of your love.

May I see each circumstance in my life as an opportunity to grow in your love.

May I see my environment as a place to grow in your love.

May I then take this love to other people…
When I am tempted to become impatient, help me to be patient.
When I am tempted to become unkind, help me to be kind.
When I am tempted to become jealous, help me to be tolerant.
When I am tempted to become boastful or proud, help me give you the glory.
When I am tempted to be rude or selfish, give me the gift of gentleness.
When I am tempted to take offence, help me to let go.
When I am tempted to become angry with someone, give me the gift of forgiveness.
When I am tempted to become resentful, give me your power to love.

Help me to believe in them, even when they do not believe in themselves.
To expect the best from them, but accept the best they can give.

May I always defend them, as you always defend me.

All gifts and powers come from you.
All will come to an end.
With one important exception, the gift of love!!!

Lord, when I was a child,
I thought like a child,
I acted like a child,
and I reasoned like a child.

Now that I have become an adult, I release my childish ways.

Amen.