I asked for strength that I might achieve;
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for help that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy;
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all men most richly blessed

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; the rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

O God, we beseech Thee, watch over those exposed to the horrors of war and to the spiritual dangers of a soldier's, a sailor's or airman's life.

Give them such a strong faith that no human respect may ever lead them to deny it, or fear to practice it.

Do Thou by Thy grace, fortify them against the contagion of bad example, that, being preserved from vice, and serving Thee faithfully, they may be ready to meet death whenever it may happen through Christ Our Lord.

O Sacred Heart, inspire them with sorrow for sin, and grant them pardon.

Mother of God, be with them in battle, and if they should be called to make the supreme sacrifice, obtain for them that they may die in the grace of Thy Divine Son.

May their guardian angels protect them.

Amen.

O eternal Lord, God, you alone spread out the heavens and rule the raging sea.

Take into your most gracious protection our country's Navy and all who serve therein.

Preserve them from the dangers of the sea and from the violence of the enemy, that they may be a safeguard unto our Nation, and a security for such as sail upon the seas in peaceful and lawful missions.

In serving you, O Lord, may our Sailors serve their country; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

Angel of God, my Guardian dear,
To whom God's love commits me here,
Ever this day be at my side
To light and guard, to rule and guide.

Amen.

Lord make me an instrument of your peace

Where there is hatred, Let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, Joy.

O Divine Master grant that I may
Not so much seek to be consoled
As to console;
To be understood,
As to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.
And it is in dying that we are
Born to eternal life.

Amen.

Lord, we thank you for your gifts to us.
We are threatened by the possibility of war and
terrorism. Grant to the leaders of nations a
readiness to work for a just and peaceful settlement
to the tensions in the Middle East and especially in
Iraq. Guide our minds and hearts to treat each other
with dignity and respect as we work for peace in the
world and in our country, Australia. Help us to value
and conserve peace as a reality.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

Amen.