That all God’s People will welcome John the Baptist’s challenge to conversion to the paths of justice; that we might give the world the witness of a joy that none can take from us – the joy of revealing the merciful face of the Father and yearning for Jesus our fulfilment
[READER] LORD WE PRAY…
[response:] You are our joy…
That the world of exploitation and intimidation will respond to the preaching of John and walk the way of sharing, peacemaking and empowering; that peace with justice may come soon in the whole Middle East region, in Central Africa and in the many theatres of conflict around the world – that the ceasefire in Yemen will hold
LORD WE PRAY…
For all who live with fear … fear of war or poverty, fear of unemployment or pain, fear of deportation, fear of climate change, fear of others or themselves: may their fears be turned to joy as they experience the healing embrace of the God who dances in joy over them; may the recent Summit on Climate Change bring effective global action to heal our planet for future generations
LORD WE PRAY…
For all who are poor and homeless, cold and sick on our streets this Christmas, that we will create a society where all belong and have a home and security: may we as a nation learn from Christmas a new generosity of heart towards those who live devastated and impoverished lives
LORD WE PRAY…
As the sounds of hollow tinsel joy assail us, and the call of shops and lights summons us, may God draw us aside to know the profound joy of prayer-filled moments of silent communion with the God of love
LORD WE PRAY…
For the children of our schools and our Inner City as their excitement grows: may they not be disappointed with a Christmas scarred by drugs or too much alcohol and not enough love; and may we learn of divine joy from the wonder in their eyes
LORD WE PRAY…
That the sick and anxious will know the joy of healing and the healing of joy: for….
for all who have died recently, in particular ….. and all who have perished on the Refugee journey to freedom;
and for all whose anniversaries ….are at this time:
LORD WE PRAY…
Mary, share with us your joy in waiting and loving and pray with us for our Altar Servers as they embrace their ministry among us…
HAIL MARY…
Let us pray in a moment in joy’s silence…