“Blessed be the name of the Lord both now and forever. From the rising to the setting of the sun is the name of the Lord to be praised.” Psalm 113:2-3

 Dear Lord, I pray that you would give me strength to be strong for you in the world today.  Lord, you know the struggles that I will face today.  Be with me as I go through them.  Carry me if I am too weak to move.  If I stumble in them, forgive me Father.  When I succeed in them, I will praise you!  You are worthy of all praise and honor.  Amen.

 “And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. “ 2 Corinthians 9:8

“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.” Proverbs 15:30

People are called to service in many ways and for many reasons. The DPD is a wonderful place to experience 'giving back.'

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 “Surrender your heart to God.”

Lord, out of your desire to share your goodness, you have given me another breath and created another day. May I pause occasionally today and take a deep breath, reminded of the gift of life. May I thank you for all your gifts. AMEN

 Show me your purpose for me this week, God, and the courage to carry forth your will. Everything I do is for you, God. I am your vessel. Guide me and help me make each day for your glory! In doing so, may you boldly break chains of mediocrity, fear, laziness, helplessness and confusion.  May I discover the purpose and lesson you have designed for me and the serenity that comes with doing your will. With an open heart I accept your call. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

  “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”  Jeremiah 17:7-8

Father, Creator of all, thank You for summer! Thank you for the warmth of the sun and the increased daylight. Thank You for the beauty I see all around me and for the opportunity to be outside and enjoy your creation. Thank You for the increased time I have to be with my friends and family, and for the more casual pace of the summer season. Draw me closer to you this summer. Teach me how I can pray no matter where I am or what I am doing. Warm my soul with the awareness of your presence and light my path with Your Word and Counsel.  As I enjoy your creation, create in me a pure heart and a hunger and a thirst for you.  AMEN

Thank you to the staff of the DPD for bringing your best to work every single day and giving with all your heart as you go about ‘providing help and creating hope.’

Heavenly Father, On this Memorial Day, we pray for those who courageously laid down their lives for the cause of freedom. May the example of their sacrifice inspire in us the selfless love of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.  AMEN

Dear Lord, we take ourselves far too seriously most of the time. Help us to add humor to our perspective -- remembering always that humor is a gift from God. AMEN -St Philip Neri

Day in and day out, often times behind the scenes, the members of “People Need Friends” are busy about the business of enhancing the quality of life for so many. Through the gift of time and individualized attention our volunteers remind and reinforce the dignity and worth of each person.

On Thursday, May 5, 2016 the Gruenert Center clients had the opportunity to take part in a workshop of body, breath and decision making which was designed and presented by occupational therapy students from Kean University. This event was the brainchild of Emily Thomas, a “People Need Friends” volunteer and OT student.

Lord, as I start a new week please help me through and I ask that you stand before me, behind me and to each side of me. Guide me in all my decisions and aid me in making the right choices for myself as well as others that I am responsible for. May this week bring me closer to you in every way! Amen.

Holy week begins with Palm Sunday which marked the start of what is often called “Passion Week,” the final seven days of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Palm Sunday was the “beginning of the end” of Jesus’ work on earth. It commemorates the triumphal entrance of Christ into Jerusalem when palm branches were placed in His path, before His arrest on Holy Thursday and His Crucifixion on Good Friday. During this final week of Lent Christians celebrate the mystery of their salvation through Christ's Death and His Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Red is the color used this day to symbolize the shedding of Christ’s blood. It is also used on days commemorating other martyrs who offered their lives for the faith

Claire is someone who tries her best to be kind and helpful to everyone. When we think of Claire we think of the DPD, because this is her home.

This week in Lent started with Laetare Sunday, a happy day of encouragement in the midst of the long fast. In contrast to the stark and somber weeks past, this weekend we found flowers on the altar with the priest and deacon wearing rose-colored vestments. Hear God’s joyful encouragement to you this day as we look toward the joy of Easter Sunday!

"Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?"