Bless our hands, Lord

Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Wednesday, Memorial of St. Agnes, Virgin & Martyr, 21 January 2026
1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51     <*((((>< + ><))))*>     Mark 3:1-6

Today, I thank you
dear God our Father
for the gift of our hands,
our hands that touch and hold
others dear to us,
hands that keep joyful things
closest to us,
hands that openly receive so
much from you and from others,
hands that cover our face and
protect our selves from harm,
hands that move freely
to do so many things
and enable us enjoy freedom;
forgive us Father when these
same hands you have blessed
to feed us and keep us warm
are the same hands we hurt 
others, the same hands we close
to refuse friendship and goodwill
of others; the same hands that
make us unfree in taking what is
not ours and committing so many sins.

Bless our hands,
Jesus, like what you did
to that man with withered hand;
let us stretch our hand, Jesus
to touch and help others in need;
open our hands, Jesus
to receive and to share you;
like David slaying Goliath,
use our hands, Lord,
small and feeble they may be
to do your will and proclaim
your power and greatness;
may our hands be your hands, 
Jesus, regardless of our youth
like St. Agnes 
whom we remember today,
the little hands that hold on
to you in deep faith,
the little hands that spread
your gospel of love and justice. 
Amen.