Prayers in time of financial crisis

At the end of 2009, the unemployment rate in Santa Clara County was 11.2%. At that time, the number of persons in Santa Clara County who were searching for jobs was 98,300. (Data from the Employment Development Department.)

An intercession for those searching for a new job:
For those whose jobs have been impacted by the financial crisis and those in career transitions: May they continue to find strength and hope in Christ, and may we be able to comfort them in their time of need. We pray to the Lord.

Intercession by Therie Velasco-Gonzales

A Prayer When Money Is Tight

Gracious God,
you tell me to look at the birds in the air
who don't work or sow,
yet they are fed each day by your hand.
But Lord, they can fly where they need to go,
while I still need to put gas in the car.
And you say to look at the flowers in the field
who don't worry about what they will wear,
yet you clothe them in splendor and majesty.
But Lord, lilies might dress up my dinner table,
but they won't feed my hungry family.
Giver of all good gifts,
I know you can't give me wings to fly
or a life free of worry.
So please give me instead
a heart overflowing with trust in you.
Though I may not get all the things that I ask for,
I know you will give me everything that I need.
When money is tight and anxiety is near,
open my heart to give freely of myself
that I might be abundantly rich in you. Amen.

A Prayer When You Have Nothing Left To Give

Lord, I have nothing left to give.
I'm exhausted and worn out.
Yet so many still ask for more.
Grant me that last ounce of strength
that sustained you enough on the cross
to offer one last word of forgiveness,
that I may be gentle with others
and with myself.
And when that too is spent,
help me stay present even in my emptiness,
and let my presence be the first and last gift
I have to give. Amen.

These prayers by Diana Macalintal first appeared in Today's Parish Minister, 40:6, October 2008. Parishes in the Diocese of San Jose have permission to reprint these prayers.