Daily Prayers for February 14
Valentine of Rome (d. 269)
A Christian priest in Rome, Valentine was known for assisting Christians persecuted under Claudius II. After being caught marrying Christian -couples and helping Christians escape the persecution, Valentine was arrested and imprisoned. Although Emperor Claudius originally liked Valentine, he was condemned to death when he tried to convert the emperor. Valentine was beaten with stones, clubbed, and, finally, beheaded on February 14, 269. In the year 496, February 14 was named as a day of celebration in Valentine’s honor. He has since become the patron saint of engaged -couples, beekeepers, happy marriages, lovers, travelers, young -people, and greetings.
O Lord, let my soul rise up to meet you
as the day rises to meet the sun.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Come, let us sing to the Lord : let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.
Song “Ubi Caritas”
O Love that keeps the heavens turning : draw us to you in all our yearnings.
Psalm 72:16 – 19
May there be abundance of grain on the earth, growing thick even on the hilltops : may its fruit flourish like Lebanon, and its grain like grass upon the earth.
May his name remain for ever and be established as long as the sun endures : may all the nations bless themselves in him and call him blessed.
Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel : who alone does wondrous deeds!
And blessed be his glorious name for ever! : And may all the earth be filled with his glory. Amen. Amen.
O Love that keeps the heavens turning : draw us to you in all our yearnings.
Genesis 31:1 – 24 John 17:20 – 26
O Love that keeps the heavens turning : draw us to you in all our yearnings.
G. K. Chesterton said, “Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.”
Prayers for Others
Our Father
Lord, help us distinguish between the love that keeps merely human affection in the center of things and the love you bore in your sacrificial life, death, and resurrection. Amen.
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you : wherever he may send you;
may he guide you through the wilderness : protect you through the storm;
may he bring you home rejoicing : at the wonders he has shown you;
may he bring you home rejoicing : once again into our doors.
