Author's note: These are guidelines on the power of prayer, and how and why we should pray, extracted from my archives (set with numbers). Readers can request the prayer poster versions, i.e. with dramatic photos at eastwindreplyctr@gmail.com. Share with friends.

615C Orphan's Prayer. In my utter pain, I never spoke to the Lord. I was angry with Him for abandoning me. Then, I realized, it was I who abandoned Him. He was there all the while beside me. I just refused to see Him in my pain. Then, in the garden this morning, for the first time, I prayed to Him. He was just waiting for me to pray to Him before He would help me. I felt His warm embrace instantly. We have to ask Him before He will extend His hand.

293 Oblation Prayer. I offer to You, Oh Lord, everything that I am, my life, my aspirations, my joys and my pains. Purify and strengthen me in my offering. Make me worthy to serve You. Inspire me to touch others and bring them under Your wing. I surrender myself to Your Divine Will.

494 Water Prayer. Lord, You are Living Water, the source of our strength, the source of life itself. Quench our thirst amid our deepening drought.

547 Predeparture Prayer. We are all in the pre-departure area. There is so little time. Make haste to give and forgive, to relate and reciprocate, to love and share.

524 Prayers are timeless. "For the Lord, the past does not exist. The future does not exist. Everything is an eternal present," said St. Padre Pio. Our prayers are timeless. The Lord forgives us even before we commit a sin and even before we ask for forgiveness. St. Padre Pio, pray for us.

531 St. Ignatius Oblation Prayer. Take, Lord, and receive all that I have and call my own. You have given all to me. To You, Lord, I return it. Everything is Yours. Do with it what You will. Give me only Your love and Your grace, that is enough for me. Amen.