Category: Bidding Prayers

Jesus is Bread of Life … that the People of the Eucharist may give life and love to the world,  becoming God’s broken bread given to nurture a New World

                            [READER]                 LORD, GIVE US THAT BREAD…
                            [response]                AND FEED YOUR PEOPLE…

Jesus is Bread, Fruit of the Earth … that the People of the Eucharist might always value creation, protect our environment, bring peace to peoples, especially in Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine, and Mali, Cameroon, the Tigray region of Ethiopia, and work for humanity’s harmony with all creation

                            [READER]                 LORD, GIVE US THAT BREAD…
                            [response]                AND FEED YOUR PEOPLE…

Jesus is Bread of the Poor … that the People of the Eucharist will always share bread and freedom with the poorest of our world, especially beloved of God – for the work of our ‘St Nicholas Bread’ Foodbank locally and the mission of CAFOD globally

                            [READER]                 LORD, GIVE US THAT BREAD…
                            [response]                AND FEED YOUR PEOPLE…

Jesus is the Cup of Love … that the People of the Eucharist will grow in prayer,  develop in community, share in relationships that give life and offer healing: that as a parish family we will build an ever stronger community in Mission inspired by our love for the Christ of the Eucharist 

                            [READER]                 LORD, GIVE US THAT BREAD…
                            [response]                AND FEED YOUR PEOPLE…

Jesus is the Cup of suffering … that the People of the Eucharist will listen with love to life’s wounded, stand with courage among the despised, the rejected and the outcast, especially migrants fleeing war, terror and poverty; that we will exclude no-one from the love of Christ in the Eucharist

                            [READER]                 LORD, GIVE US THAT BREAD…
                            [response]                AND FEED YOUR PEOPLE…

Jesus is the Cup of Redeeming Blood … that the People of the Eucharist might sacrifice in order to be a community of forgiveness, a living parable of reconciliation and a wellspring of healing: as we prepare for our general Election in July, we pray peace and cohesion in our diverse multi-cultural nation, and an equal sharing of health care resources between rich and poor nations and an end to child poverty everywhere

                            [READER]                 LORD, GIVE US THAT BREAD…
                            [response]                AND FEED YOUR PEOPLE…

Jesus is Bread of Eternal Life, Cup of everlasting joy .. that the sick be healed and all health-care workers strengthened and supported; we pray especially for …
That the dead be raised to eternal life: in particular … and all killed in war and conflict around the world;
for all whose anniversaries occur at this time …

                            [READER]                 LORD, GIVE US THAT BREAD…
                            [response]                AND FEED YOUR PEOPLE…

Mary, bearer of Christ,  pray with us for our brother gathered into Full Communion today and for our children preparing to met Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time…

                                                                  HAIL MARY…

We pray in a moment of silence…

God is perfect Relationship – Love that creates, that both gives and receives, that shares and binds in perfect harmony ….  may the Church everywhere be a living Sacrament of this creative love and unity, that all people might know their true identity and destiny.

                                      [reader:]                  GOD OF LOVE
                                      [response]              HEAR OUR PRAYER

God is perfect harmony at the heart of creation …. We pray for greater respect and reverence for Creation, that we will learn how to live in communion with the Earth,  and harvest it’s resources without polluting and destroying God’s beautiful gift of Creation; we pray too for miracles of peace in our war-torn world, especially in Sudan, Gaza and Ukraine, among the peoples of Myanmar, Cameroon, Mali and Congo

                                      [reader:]                  GOD OF LOVE
                                      [response]              HEAR OUR PRAYER

God is the community of equality that empowers the poor …. as we prepare for our general Election, we pray for all who are denied the basic necessities of life and for all refugees and those seeking safe asylum among us, especially those threatened with transportation to Rwanda: may we safeguard their dignity, made in God’s Image and Likeness; for all political leaders that they will speak with honesty, serve not dominate, welcome not reject and always act with integrity.

                                      [reader:]                  GOD OF LOVE
                                      [response]              HEAR OUR PRAYER

God is our Life-Giver … we pray for Oscar Baptised today, for our children preparing to celebrate their First Eucharist; we pray too for all our young people in this exam season:  may they grow to love Christ more day by day and build with us a loving community of faith, service and witness

                                      [reader:]                  GOD OF LOVE
                                      [response]              HEAR OUR PRAYER

God is Unity …. we pray for deeper bonds of friendship and unity between the Churches, in the service of the mission of the Gospel; may we also build together a greater ‘Fellowship of Believers’ as people of different world faiths seeking to build a multi-cultural society without discrimination of any kind

                                      [reader:]                  GOD OF LOVE
                                      [response]              HEAR OUR PRAYER

God is the love that listens, heals and protects … for all medical and care staff and those researching vaccines and treatments for various serious illnesses and for all who work with the mentally ill …. we pray also for the sick and housebound, especially …
for all who have died recently, and those killed in the conflicts in Sudan, Gaza and Ukraine;
and for all whose anniversaries occurs at this time: …

                                      [reader:]                  GOD OF LOVE
                                      [response]              HEAR OUR PRAYER

Mary, beloved of the Father, dwelling place of the Word made Flesh, overshadowed by the Spirit, pray with us for harmony among all peoples…
                                                                         HAIL MARY…

Let us pray in silence for a moment.

The Spirit clothes the Church with Divine Love … we pray that the Church, led by Pope Francis, Bishop Bosco and the College of Bishops, may unite all peoples, races, classes and cultures in one great human family,  building a universal civilisation of love

                       [reader]                    JESUS BREATHE YOUR SPIRIT…
                        [response]              Fill us Afresh with Your Love

The Spirit reconciles all peoples of the earth … we pray that men and women of violence everywhere will cease resisting the Spirit that urges peace upon them;  that both citizens and world leaders everywhere will give themselves to the task of building peace – we pray especially for Israel/Palestine, the Ukraine, Sudan, the peoples of the Middle East, Mali and Cameroon

                       [reader]                    JESUS BREATHE YOUR SPIRIT…
                        [response]              Fill us Afresh with Your Love

The Spirit renews the face of the earth … we pray that we will learn to live in harmony and respect for the wonder of creation,  working with God’s creative Spirit to heal our damaged earth and bringing true justice that shares the earth’s abundance with all equally

                       [reader]                    JESUS BREATHE YOUR SPIRIT…
                        [response]              Fill us Afresh with Your Love

The Spirit showers gifts of ministry and mission upon the People of God… we pray that this Pentecost each one of us will experience a fresh outpouring of the Spirit’s Charismatic Gifts and so give ourselves generously to the work of the Kingdom – we pray that the Church’s Global Synod will free us to listen to the Spirit and build together a ‘New Way of being Church’

                       [reader]                    JESUS BREATHE YOUR SPIRIT…
                        [response]              Fill us Afresh with Your Love

The Spirit leads us to the heart of our God … we pray for a deepening of the stillness of prayer in our lives, and for the welling up of praise and thankfulness: may we each know how infinitely we are loved by our God who dwells at the centre of our being

                       [reader]                    JESUS BREATHE YOUR SPIRIT…
                        [response]              Fill us Afresh with Your Love

The Spirit sends us out in mission … we pray for all Parish communities everywhere that we will be open to God’s ever-new vision for us, and that together with all Christians of every diversity,  we will work to Proclaim Good News and serve the Kingdom of Justice, Love and Peace; that the whole Church will act with more courage to live out God’s Option for the Poor and protect the vulnerable

                       [reader]                    JESUS BREATHE YOUR SPIRIT…
                        [response]              Fill us Afresh with Your Love

The Spirit heals our every wound, enlightens every darkness: we pray for all suffering the wounds of war, famine and poverty and for all health workers, volunteers and family members who c are for the sick and frail;
the Spirit raises the dead: for all who have died recently, and all victims of hate, gun and knife crime, and those killed in war, especially in Sudan, Gaza and Ukraine
and for all whose anniversaries occur at this time:

                       [reader]                    JESUS BREATHE YOUR SPIRIT…
                        [response]              Fill us Afresh with Your Love

Mary of Pentecost,  help us all to open ever wider our hearts to the Spirit as you did …

                                                             HAIL MARY…

Let us yield to the Spirit praying within us in a moment of silence…

[1] THE SPIRIT BRINGS LOVE:

The Scripture says ‘Love is always patient and kind’

O God our Father, may we always be filled with the Spirit of Love. Help us love one another as Jesus loved us. May it be our joy to share your love with all the world, healing every wound and reconciling every division. May this Spirit of Love and Wisdom guide our Pope, Francis, and our Bishop, Bosco, as we seek to serve the Kingdom

sung response: Veni Sancte Spiritus [x2]

[2] THE SPIRIT BRINGS JOY:

        The Scripture says ‘…that your joy be complete’

O God our Life-Giver, may the Spirit of Joy be with us always, that joy promised by Jesus to all who follow his Way, that our witness to the Good News may be ever joyful; we pray particularly for all saddened by bereavement, grief, terminal illness or turmoil at this time  – may their sadness be turned to joy by your healing love

sung response: Veni Sancte Spiritus [x2]

[3] THE SPIRIT BRINGS PEACE: The Scripture says ‘My Peace I give you…’

O God the wellspring of our Peace, may the Peace of Christ which surpasses all understanding always be in our hearts, and everywhere in all the world. We pray especially for peace in lands where there is conflict and war – in particular for Ukraine, Sudan, Israel/Palestine, Mali and the Cameroon 

sung response: Veni Sancte Spiritus [x2]

[4] THE SPIRIT BRINGS PATIENCE:

    The Scripture says ‘We wait for what we do not see in patience’

O God ever patient in waiting upon us, grant us to know when to be patient and long-suffering, and when to share your impatience and love’s anger in the struggles against injustice; may your Spirit teach us right patience as we wait upon your touch, and grant us a patient, caring heart for those we find it hard to love or who have hurt us

sung response: Veni Sancte Spiritus [x2]

[5] THE SPIRIT BRINGS KINDNESS:

      The Scripture says ‘Be kind and tender-hearted to one another’

O God who lavishes us with tender loving, grant us that Spirit of Kindness that will be ever understanding and forgiving after the example of Jesus who befriended all and forgave without limit, disciples who betrayed, denied and deserted Him, and those who nailed him upon the Cross: may kindness be the character of our service, especially in the ministries of Borderlands, the Foodbank and the Parish Office

sung response: Veni Sancte Spiritus [x2]

[6] THE SPIRIT BRINGS GOODNESS:

    The Scripture says ‘Goodness and kindness shall follow me always’

O God of all Goodness, we praise you for your everlasting goodness towards all humanity and our creation. Grant us by your Spirit a hunger for all that is good, gratitude for the goodness in every person and every faith and a heart that listens to the cry of the poor and the cry of the Earth … may your Spirit empower us with action to heal our planet, our ‘common home’ assuring true justice the world’s poor

sung response: Veni Sancte Spiritus [x2]

[7] THE SPIRIT BRINGS TRUST:

        The Scripture says ‘Trust in God and trust in me…’

O God who never leaves us, may your Spirit work in our hearts to bring us to the place of such trust that we will lovingly abandon ourselves into your hands, and offer the gift of trust to one another – may we never disappoint another’s trust in us

sung response: Veni Sancte Spiritus [x2]

[8] THE SPIRIT BRINGS GENTLENESS:

The Scripture says ‘Happy the Gentle, they shall inherit the earth!’

O God of all gentleness, the world is too full of those who act violently and hurt others, even unknowingly. May your Spirit lead us along the paths of gentleness so that you might heal the aggression in our hearts, and by your Spirit’s power we might heal the agressive harshness that wounds our world

sung response: Veni Sancte Spiritus [x2]

[9] THE SPIRIT BRINGS SELF-CONTROL:

 The Scripture says  ‘The Spirit is not timidity, but power, love and self-control’

O God who orders all things for our good and growth, may your Spirit grow in us the self-control that frees spontaneity and freshness in our lives and communities, while enabling us to discern all that will hurt another or ourselves – may we embrace love’s discipline in order to liberate love in each other

sung response: Veni Sancte Spiritus [x2]

The disciples told how they recognised Him in the Breaking of Bread:  May the Church always know deeply and love profoundly the Lord’s presence among us in the Eucharist,  and proclaim to the world that He is Risen

                                  [Reader]          LORD, WE PRAY…
                                  [response]     BE RISEN AMONG US!

The Crucified and Risen One greeted His disciples and His world with the words, ’Peace be with you’: for the peace of our war-wounded world throughout the Middle East,  but especially in Israel/Palestine, Yemen, Sudan the Congo, Mali and Cameroon; for all who walk paths of non-violence and reconciliation and may the repression of the people of Myanmar come to an end

                                  [Reader]          LORD, WE PRAY…
                                  [response]     BE RISEN AMONG US!

Peter said, ‘God raised Jesus from the dead and to that fact we are the witnesses’: we pray for our diocese of Clifton as we prepare to welcome Bishop-Elect Bosco MacDonald … may the Holy Spirit guide him with wisdom and courage as we journey to a different and more synodal future and discover new ways to witness to the Risen Christ by building a new way of being Church 

                                  [Reader]          LORD, WE PRAY…
                                  [response]     BE RISEN AMONG US!

‘Touch me and see’ … that we might touch the despairing with hope, the broken with healing, the hardened with mercy,  the impoverished with freedom,  and so witness to the Risen Christ

                                  [Reader]          LORD, WE PRAY…
                                  [response]     BE RISEN AMONG US!

‘So slow to believe the full message of the scriptures’ … that our love and understanding of the Bible might grow;  that the Word of God will always be our food, our joy and our constant inspiration; that our faith in the Living Word will deepen

                                  [Reader]          LORD, WE PRAY…
                                  [response]     BE RISEN AMONG US!

‘You are witnesses to this’ … that as a parish community, we will be faithful to the call and challenge to witness to the Love of Christ and the Life of the Spirit,  creating moments of Resurrection in our Inner City

                                  [Reader]          LORD, WE PRAY…
                                  [response]     BE RISEN AMONG US!

‘See my wounded hands and my side’ … we pray God’s healing for the sick and anguished; we pray in particular for …
we pray eternal Resurrection for all who have died recently, especially … and the victims of the horrifying wars that scar our world at this time, as well as all who fleeing conflict and poverty have died on the refugee journey
and for all whose anniversaries are at this time …

                                  [Reader]          LORD, WE PRAY…
                                  [response]     BE RISEN AMONG US!

Mary, Queen of Peace and Mother of the Church, pray with us for our world

HAIL MARY…

We pray in a moment of silent loving…

That God’s People will reject every darkness and choose the Light of Christ, work for peace and liberating our world of injustice, discrimination and poverty so that all can live together in joy, freedom and equality

     [reader]              SHINE ON US,  LORD…
     [response]        WITH THE LIGHT OF YOUR LOVE

Before the dark horror of war and violence in Ukraine, Gaza and Yemen, before the harsh darkness of those oppressed in Russia and elsewhere for protesting against war and aggression, for the millions in refugee camps yearning for the dawn of freedom, peace and a place to belong, for the 300 hundred children kidnapped in Nigeria: we pray the light of peace to come and never be extinguished

     [reader]              SHINE ON US,  LORD…
     [response]        WITH THE LIGHT OF YOUR LOVE

We pray for all the Church’s catechumens as they journey towards the Light of Christ in Easter Sacraments, especially for Gabe and Gray; for our children journeying towards Jesus’ love in Baptism, Eucharist and Reconciliation: may they each know God’s blessing and may the joy of following Christ touch their hearts

     [reader]              SHINE ON US,  LORD…
     [response]        WITH THE LIGHT OF YOUR LOVE

We pray for all who are suffering from the effects of Global Warming: rising oceans, extreme weather conditions and destruction of our forests – may we see the light and change our life-styles so as to heal our planet for future generations; we pray especially on this Mothers’ Day for all mothers who have to watch their children suffer or die because of war, famine or preventable disease, especially in Gaza

     [reader]              SHINE ON US,  LORD…
     [response]        WITH THE LIGHT OF YOUR LOVE

We pray for our mothers on this Mothering Sunday, thanking them for choosing to love us; we pray for mothers who know the sorrow of bereavement or separation, especially those mothers who are forcibly separated from their children because of having to seek safe refuge in a foreign land;  for single mothers as they seek to give all the love needed by their children; and for children who do not experience a mother’s love; for all women whose yearnings for a child have not yet been fulfilled

     [reader]              SHINE ON US,  LORD…
     [response]        WITH THE LIGHT OF YOUR LOVE

For the young people of the Church that they will speak their voice, their hopes and dreams, and so build a Church where they can belong, a Church that will respond creatively to the yearnings and challenges of young Christians  

     [reader]              SHINE ON US,  LORD…
     [response]        WITH THE LIGHT OF YOUR LOVE

For healing for all afflicted with blindness; for light for all trapped in the darkness of depression; for the sick,  especially … ;

For all who have died recently:  Alexy Nivalny,  and all killed in the Ukraine and Israel/Palestine wars, and in all theatres of conflict
and all whose anniversaries are at this time:

     [reader]              SHINE ON US,  LORD…
     [response]        WITH THE LIGHT OF YOUR LOVE

Mary, Mother of the Church, pray with us for Pope Francis and the ‘New Way of being Church…

HAIL MARY…

Let us drink from the well of silent prayer for a moment…

That all disciples of the Jesus who immersed himself into the world of pain will ‘go and do likewise’, bring hope where there is despair and seek by our love to ‘heal the broken-hearted’

                                [READER]            LORD WE PRAY…
                                  [Response]         Set your People free…

That those imprisoned for so long in cycles of violence and haunted by demons of terror might risk letting go of the weapons of hate and walk through the open door of peace, especially in Palestine and Israel, Russia and Ukraine, Sudan and Cameroon

                                [READER]            LORD WE PRAY…
                                [Response]         Set your People free…

Paul says. ‘I have made myself a slave of all in order to win some’ … we pray for all who serve the community as social workers, carers and teachers: may their work help support the vulnerable and heal divisions on our communities; with Thursday’s Feast of the liberated trafficked slave, St Josephine Bakhita, we pray for all refugees and asylum-seekers and all who have been trafficked and exploited – that they find peace, freedom and healing

                                [READER]            LORD WE PRAY…
                                [Response]         Set your People free…

Jesus got up early to pray and seek God’s direction: in the Year of Prayer, may our parish grow in prayerfulness, explore the depths of contemplation even as we develop further our mission and ministries   

                                [READER]            LORD WE PRAY…
                                [Response]         Set your People free…

For those of our inner city whose lives are alienated and isolated because of drugs and alcohol, because of relationship breakdown and abuse: may the healing love of God touch them through our parish and our companion Christian communities in Easton and St Paul’s

                                [READER]            LORD WE PRAY…
                                [Response]         Set your People free…

For all who serve our children and families who are preparing to celebrate First Eucharist of First Reconciliation … may they grow in a hunger for God, a love for Christ Jesus and an openness to the Holy Spirit, and so become loving disciples in God’s Church 

                                [READER]            LORD WE PRAY…
                                [Response]         Set your People free…

We pray healing and freedom for all those suffering most in this cold weather, especially the homeless and the elderly; we pray too for the sick of our community, especially …
for the recently dead especially … and all who die as victims of poverty and war’s brutality;
for all whose anniversaries are at this time, in particular …

                                [READER]            LORD WE PRAY…
                                [Response]         Set your People free…

Mary, Queen of Peace and Servant of healing, pray with us for the peace of our world…    

HAIL MARY…

Let us pray in the silence for hidden needs…

Seekers after wisdom followed the Light of the Star … we pray that the whole Church will let light of the Spirit guide us during this Global Synod along paths of renewal and reform, the better to guide all in today’s world who search for the wisdom to live their lives in love

                  [reader:]              LORD WE PRAY…
                  [response:]         GIVE US YOUR WISDOM

The Christ-Child attracted the seekers to His Light … may we place as our highest priority the proclamation of the Good News in the Power of the Spirit and so draw to Christ all who seek to build a better world: we pray especially for all in our parish family who will be journeying towards Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist in this coming year

                  [reader:]              LORD WE PRAY…
                  [response:]         GIVE US YOUR WISDOM

For a world scarred by war, conflict and violence, famine and oppression:  may world leaders not escalate conflicts but be guided by the wisdom of God and the cries of their peoples; may they not dominate and exploit, but rather serve justice and freedom for all … we pray especially for the peoples of Ukraine, the Holy Land, Sudan and Central Africa; we pray also that courageous wisdom might prevail and nations will work together that decisive steps be taken to heal our planet in the threat of catastrophic climate change

                  [reader:]              LORD WE PRAY…
                  [response:]         GIVE US YOUR WISDOM

Like the wise men of old,  may we bring our gifts to serve the mission of our parish as we seek to grow as a community of mission and prayer during this coming Year of change: with generosity may we bring the gold of our love, the frankincense of our prayer and the myrrh of our willingness to sacrifice for the King

                  [reader:]              LORD WE PRAY…
                  [response:]         GIVE US YOUR WISDOM

The Wise Men, strangers bringing gifts, represent the nations coming together in Christ …. may our nation change its attitude and policies about immigration and racism, about those who come seeking safe sanctuary among us; we pray also for the 120 million refugees world-wide, particularly all those who have been trafficked in the dangerous waters of the Mediterranean and the English Channel as they seek safety, freedom and peace

                  [reader:]              LORD WE PRAY…
[response:]         GIVE US YOUR WISDOM

That all who care for the sick may do so with the wisdom that heals and may experience renewed strength as they serve; that our elderly will be respected for their wisdom and experience; and for …
that the Light of Eternal love will forever shine upon all who have died recently, especially … and all victims of the poverty, poor health-care, terror and war;
and for all whose anniversaries are at this time, …

                  [reader:]              LORD WE PRAY…
                  [response:]         GIVE US YOUR WISDOM

Mary, Morning Star and Seat of Wisdom, pray with us for for Wisdom as we seek to witness to the Light of Christ in today’s world

                                                       HAIL MARY…

We pray for the deepest needs of our hearts in a moment of silence…

Mary is Mother of all Christians … we pray that the year just begun will see the whole Church journey towards visible unity in faith, service and mission, and so be a more effective sign and instrument of God’s Peace, Justice and Love to the world

                    [Reader]          LORD WE CRY TO YOU…
                    [Response]    BLESS OUR WORLD WITH PEACE

Mary is a sign of hope and humanity to the world … we pray on the threshold of our New Year that we will recognise every person as the dwelling of God; may peace and reconciliation defeat war and conflict especially in Israel/Palestine, Ukraine and wherever there is no peace: may justice and freedom everywhere progress, and all humanity be converted to their sisters and brothers

                    [Reader]          LORD WE CRY TO YOU…
                    [Response]    BLESS OUR WORLD WITH PEACE

Mary bore the Word of God to the world … we pray that in this coming Year of Synod, the People of God will walk together, listen together and renew and reform the Church together, and so find a new way of being the Church of God’s Love

                    [Reader]          LORD WE CRY TO YOU…
                    [Response]    BLESS OUR WORLD WITH PEACE

Mary, mother of the Creator, is the Mother of all Creation … may her wisdom and generous love guide us to take decisive life-style  and political decisions to limit Climate Warming before it is too late for the future of our planet and our children

                    [Reader]          LORD WE CRY TO YOU…
                    [Response]    BLESS OUR WORLD WITH PEACE

Mary opened her heart to the Divine dwelling within her and urges us to welcome as she did God’s amazing love … we pray for one another in our parish family,  that we may embrace the challenge of the God’s overshadowing Spirit to renew our inner life and rebuild our community in this challenging year that lies ahead

                    [Reader]          LORD WE CRY TO YOU…
                    [Response]    BLESS OUR WORLD WITH PEACE

Mary treasured the wonders of God in her heart … as this New Year begins, may all of us learn the art and joy of prayer more deeply and walk the life-giving paths of Silence and Contemplation

                    [Reader]          LORD WE CRY TO YOU…
                    [Response]    BLESS OUR WORLD WITH PEACE

Mary gathers all her sorrowing children – we pray for those regions of the world afflicted by war, famine and flood – for the grieving mothers of Gaza and Israel, Yemen and Sudan, Cameroon and Mali: may the world become weary of death, grow in compassion and justice, and seek to build one world shared equally and peacefully with all peoples

                    [Reader]          LORD WE CRY TO YOU…
                    [Response]    BLESS OUR WORLD WITH PEACE

Mary is a sign of wholeness and servant of healing: we pray for sick and those wounded in mind and body by the horror of war and for the courageous medical staff in Gaza’s hospitals:
Mary cared for both Joseph and Jesus at their dying – may carers, nurses, doctors and researchers treat all with dignity and with reverence for Life;
for all who have died recently especially… and victims of war and conflict, and all whose anniversaries are at this time: Pope Benedict XVI

                    [Reader]          LORD WE CRY TO YOU…
                    [Response]    BLESS OUR WORLD WITH PEACE

Mary, Mother of God, help us bring the Peace of Christ into the Year that lies before us

                                                   HAIL MARY…

On the threshold of another year, we pray in silence for our world and our families…

Jesus in the midst of the Holy Family teaches us that the Church is called to be a family of love and faith, safeguarding life and sharing compassion … may the Church always live the challenge of being family in Christ

                       [reader]                   LORD WE PRAY …
                       [response:]            Teach us how to love …

The Holy Family of Bethlehem were homeless, persecuted, refugees and exiles … we pray for the families in Gaza and Palestine, for all families exiled from their homeland,  for refugees fleeing war and violence which destroy life and the respect for life, for those seeking safe asylum in our land, for the millions of unaccompanied child refugees throughout the world; we pray too for all parents forcibly separated from their partners or children: may they be protected and find peace and stability

Jesus in the midst of the Holy Family teaches us that the Church is called to be a family of love and faith, safeguarding life and sharing compassion … may the Church always live the challenge of being family in Christ

                       [reader]                   LORD WE PRAY …
                       [response:]            Teach us how to love …

The Holy Family of Bethlehem were homeless, persecuted, refugees and exiles … we pray for the families in Gaza and Palestine, for all families exiled from their homeland,  for refugees fleeing war and violence which destroy life and the respect for life, for those seeking safe asylum in our land, for the millions of unaccompanied child refugees throughout the world; we pray too for all parents forcibly separated from their partners or children: may they be protected and find peace and stability

                       [reader]                   LORD WE PRAY …
                       [response:]            Teach us how to love …

We pray for the work of the CCS Adoption Society, asking God’s blessing as they seek to find good and safe homes for our most vulnerable children: may the Spirit work in the hearts of many families to encourage them to consider adoptive parenthood and fostering

                       [reader]                   LORD WE PRAY …
                       [response:]            Teach us how to love …

In a world of broken relationships and shattered dreams, we dare still to believe in love: so we pray for all families in all their diversity and challenges: for single parent families,  for same gender couples and their children, for all whose hopes for love have ended in divorce or separation,  for all children hurt by the break-up of parents … may they all experience healing and the hope of new beginnings

                       [reader]                   LORD WE PRAY …
                       [response:]            Teach us how to love …

We pray for all organisations that support marriage and the family, for those who offer counselling and healing for life’s wounds: for Marriage Encounter and Catholic Marriage Care, for Relate and the Association of Separated and Divorced Catholics; we pray too for the ministry to our LBGT+ community and for all whose sexual orientation lead them to other forms of family life – may we be a Church of Mercy and Welcome bringing hope and healing to those who feel excluded by the Church

                       [reader]                   LORD WE PRAY …
                       [response:]            Teach us how to love …

The Holy Family of Nazareth reveals to us God’s school of love:  we pray for all for Christian families that they may discover Christ and risk living his ideal of faithfulness and tenderness in their homes;  we pray for all the families of our parish and throughout the City,  that we may teach each other how to be truly human

                       [reader]                   LORD WE PRAY …
                       [response:]            Teach us how to love …

The sick, the elderly and the dying deserve special care and respect from families and the world of medicine – as we give thanks and pray for nurses, doctors and researchers who treat all people with dignity and with reverence for Life especially in Gaza; we pray for …;
for those who have died recently, especially … and all victims of the Israel/Palestine war and the many other conflict afflicting our world at this time
and for all whose anniversaries occur at this time, in particular …

                       [reader]                   LORD WE PRAY …
                       [response:]            Teach us how to love …

Mary and Joseph,  pray with us for the peace and stability of the peoples of our troubled world …

                                                             HAIL MARY …

We pray in a moment of silence for all the families of the world…