Advent 3 (December 16th)

Priest

As the desert and the wasteland found cause for rejoicing, so may this world find renewed vigour in the approaching birthday of Christ. 

Reader

Let us pray for all followers of Christ: may the gifts of faith and hope truly energise us to proclaim God's love to the world. 

Lord, hear us. 

Let us pray for all victims of violence: may our care and concern for them help heal the devastation of their lives. 

Lord, hear us. 

Let us pray for our enemies: may the Lord's healing power help us to overcome pride and prejudice. 

Lord, hear us. 

Let us pray for all who are in prison: may they grow strong in hope for a better and brighter future. 

Lord, hear us. 

We ask our Lady to pray for us. Hail Mary

Priest

O Lord, healer of the oppressed and downtrodden,
hear our prayers and help us.
May your mercy take root in us for the peace and consolation of the world, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Advent 2 (December 9th)

Priest

We turn to the God of hope, strong in our trust in him.

Reader

Let us pray for the Pope, and for bishops and priests everywhere,
that they may be fearless and inspiring in their preaching of God's Word.
Lord, in your mercy.

Let us pray for ourselves,
that we may listen to God's Word with open and generous hearts.
Lord, in your mercy.

Let us pray for those who live without hope
that they may discover the Good News of the coming of the Son of God
and find their hearts lifted up anew.
Lord, in your mercy.

Let us pray that Christian people will do all in their power
to spread the Kingdom of justice, peace and love.
Lord. in your mercy.

Let us ask for the prayerful support of Mary, Mother of the King of Kings:
Hail, Mary.

Celebrant

Lord, help us to make these days of Advent special days when we strive by prayer, by scripture reading but above all by the way we live our lives to prepare a worthy welcome for Christ our Saviour and King. We make our prayer through the same Christ, our Lord.

Advent Sunday (December 2nd 2007)

Priest

Advent has begun; 

we ask the Lord to help us to prepare well for the coming of Jesus

Reader 

For the Church throughout the world: 

that it may grow in appreciation of all that the Incarnation means for us. 

Lord, hea us. 

For those who serve in the armed forces, 

particularly in situations of danger:

that they may be patient and hopeful in times of stress and anxiety. 

Lord, hear us. 

For the sick, the sad and the disheartened: 

that the season of Advent may bring the renewed hope. 

Lord, hea us. 

For carers who look after loved ones who are terminally ill: 

that they may find strength, courage and consolation in their difficult task. 

Lord, hear us

Let us ask Our Lady to pray for us. Hail Mary ... 

Let us pray for a moment in the silence of our hearts. 

Priest: 

Lord, 

as yet another Advent begins, 

we pray that we may enter the holy season in spirit of joyful expectation 

and do all we can to be ready for the coming of the Lord, 

through the same Christ our Lord.