The Epiphany of the Lord (A) : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

The Epiphany of the Lord (A)

Priest:

Dearly beloved, the glory of God is all about us. 

With thankful and adoring hearts, let us pray.

Reader:

We pray for the Church of God,

that she may reveal more fully God's abiding love for everyone, 

by drawing closer to the person of Christ.

Lord, hear us. 

We pray for the peace and well-being of the world,

that all leaders of East and West may follow the star which leads to true peace and justice. 

Lord, hear us. 

We pray for the sick and those who care for them,

that Christ's light may shine upon them.

Lord, hear us. 

We pray for those departed this life,

that they may come to see the light of God's glory.

Lord, hear us.  

We pray with our Lady as we say: Hail Mary … .

In the presence of Christ, we make our personal petitions in silence to God our Father.

Priest:

Father, when the Kings came to your Son, your love was revealed for all mankind. May we, in our day, reveal your love for everyone. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (A) : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (A)

Priest:

My brothers and sisters, just as Christ embodies the wisdom of the Father, so Mary mirrors her Son. As we begin this new year, let us pray that we may her worthy children.

Reader:

We pray for the Church,

may we realise that in honouring Mary, we glorify God who has chosen to enter the human family through the channel of her flesh and the pure obedience of her soul. Lord, hear us. 

We pray for those in authority,

may they, like Mary, be so open to the Spirit and humble in their service of others that they do not consider themselves superior, but acknowledge God as the Father of all.

Lord, hear us. 

Let us ask God to bless the sick and those who care for them,

may they call on Mary, who bore her burdens beneath the Cross in a spirit of total surrender to God’s will. Lord, hear us. 

Let us pray for those departed this life,

may Mary welcome them into the kingdom of her Son.

Lord, hear us.  

Let us unite our prayers with the Mother of the Lord. Hail Mary … .

As members of Christ's family, let us now make our own prayers to him in the quietness of our hearts.

Priest:

God our Father, we thank you for bringing us through the changes of time to the beginning of another year. Forgive us the wrong we have done in the year that is past, and, strengthened by the prayers of Our Lady, help us to spend the rest of our days to your honour and glory. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Feast of the Holy Family (A) : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

Feast of the Holy Family (A)

Priest: 

On this feast of the Holy Family we bring our requests to God, our loving father.

Reader: 

For the church.  May its common life and teaching always reflect and put into effect the example of the Holy Family.

Lord hear us

For parents; that in a spirit of generosity and love, they may be strengthened in their vocation, Lord hear us.

For refugees in all parts of the world, who, like the Holy Family, cannot return home for fear for their lives or for their safety. May they be received with kindness in foreign lands and supported in their endeavours to build a new life 

Lord hear us.

For those who have died and whose anniversaries occur at this time, 

May they be blessed with God’s favour. 

Lord hear us.

Let us ask Mary, loving wife and mother to pray for us,  as we say. Hail Mary.

In silence we thank God for our blessings and ask him to hear our personal prayers.

Priest: 

Merciful Father, we beg you, hear and answer all our prayers 

which we bring to you in faith and love 

through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Christmas Day : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

Christmas Day 

Priest:

In Christmas joy and hope, let us present all our needs to God with confidence.

Reader:

We pray for the Holy Church of God throughout the world,

that as she celebrates the birth of Christ, she may grow in holiness.

Lord, hear us.

We pray for peace in the world 

that nations may resolve their conflicts 

inspired and guided by Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Lord, hear us.

We pray for all those who are travelling at this time

that they may arrive safely to join their families, loved ones and friends to celebrate the birth of our Saviour. 

Lord, hear us.

We pray for all those who have died, 

that by the power of Christ's birth on earth, they may be born in heaven. 

Lord, hear us.

We turn now to Mary, Queen of Peace, to intercede for us as we say together:

Hail Mary ….

Let us now pray in silence  to God our Father, who is always ready to hear our prayers.

Priest:

Father, the birth of your Son renews our hope.

As we make our prayers, today,

give us grace always to bear witness to him before the world.

For he is Lord, for ever and ever. Amen.

Fourth Sunday of Advent (A) : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithfulo

Fourth Sunday of Advent  (A)

“She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.’ (Mt 1:21)

Priest:

My brothers and sisters in Christ, let us bring to the love of God our Father the cares and concerns of our hearts.

Reader:

We bring to his love all those called to serve Christ in his Church;

that they may not flinch from responding to their calling, but rather abandon themselves to his guidance and protection.

Lord, hear us. 

We bring to his love all who hold positions of authority throughout our world; 

that they may be filled with integrity and a sense of responsibility 

and stand firm for what is right and just.

Lord, hear us. 

We bring to his love the friends and neighbours we meet each day,

that our care of one another may nurture the growth of Christian love amongst us.

Lord, hear us. 

We bring to his love the sick and those who care for them,

may they experience God's unending compassion.

Lord, hear us. 

We bring to his love those departed this life,

may the Lord embrace them with his love and welcome them into his kingdom.

Lord, hear us. 

Let us unite our prayers with those of our blessed Lady, saying: Hail Mary ….

We pray in silence for all our needs.

Priest:

Now Father, as we eagerly await your dwelling amongst us, 

thankful for your unbounded love, we ask you to accept our prayers, 

through Christ Jesus your Son. Amen.

Third Sunday of Advent (A)

Third Sunday of Advent  (A)

Be patient, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. (James 5:7)

Priest:

God’s word tells us patiently to await all the good things that the Saviour brings.  With confidence, we make our needs known to Him.

Reader:

We pray for the Church 

that she may teach the world the patience it needs to await the coming of the Lord of justice, peace and life.
Lord, hear us. 

We pray for world leaders 

that they may prepare for the coming of the Lord by fostering harmony, dialogue and sincere concern for their people.
Lord, hear us. 

We pray for our families as we prepare for Christmas,
that we may grow in patience and faith, 

and that our material preparations may not blind us to God's love, but that he may be central to our celebrations, so that we will rejoice at his coming.
Lord, hear us. 

We pray for the souls of those who we love but see no longer, that we all may be reunited in the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Lord, hear us. 

We offer these our prayers and the prayers of all God’s people, living and dead, to the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, as we say together: Hail Mary ….

We now pray for a few moments in the silence of our hearts.

Priest:

Father, as you hear our prayers,
give us patience
and lead us to the joy of eternal salvation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C) • The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the man who humbles himself will be exalted.’ (Luke 18:13)

Priest: 

Let us pray to our Father in heaven who hears the cries of the humble.

Reader: 

We pray for the Church and all Bishops, Priests and Deacons – 

may they continue to preach the scriptures with fidelity, humility and in true repentance. 

Lord, in your mercy.

We pray for all who may never have heard the Gospel message, 

that through the work of the missions and the witness of each of us, 

they might hear and believe the Good News.

Lord, in your mercy.

Let us pray for our parish, 

that whilst giving thanks for our prosperity, 

we may realise that we are all poor before God. 

Lord, in your mercy.

We pray for those who are sick and for those who care for them, 

that their suffering be turned into lasting joy. 

Lord, in your mercy.

We pray for our sisters and brothers who have died in Christ, 

may they receive the reward of eternal life. 

Lord, in your mercy.

We now ask Mary, our Mother most pure, to intercede for us as we pray: 

Hail Mary

Let us pray for a moment in silence.

Priest:

Lord God, 

may all our words and actions spring from humble and sincere hearts. 

Receive our prayers in the name of Jesus our Lord. 

Amen.

25th Sunday of the Year (C) : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

25th Sunday of the Year (C)

The man who can be trusted in little things can be trusted in great; the man who is dishonest in little things will be dishonest in great. (Luke 16:10)

Priest:

The Lord Jesus tells us that no one can be the servant to two masters. Let us turn now to our true master, ruler and king, and make our prayers to Him  for the needs of the Church and of the world.

Reader:

We pray for all who work with money and in the financial markets;

may they act with fairness, offering true service to society 

so that all people may be free from injustice and have the opportunities to flourish. 

Lord, hear us. 

We pray for ourselves,

may the example of our lives reveal the mercy of God,  

as we share the joy of his love with those we meet.

Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

We pray for all who work alongside the sick, the poor and the needy;

may their caring actions

be a witness to the compassion of Christ, who is master of us all

Lord, hear us. 

We pray for the faithful departed,

that through God's mercy they may rest in peace, and enjoy treasure in heaven. 

Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us. 

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

Let us pray in silence for our own needs.

Priest:

Father, hear the prayers of the family you have gathered here before you. In mercy and love unite all your children, wherever they may be. Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity. He ran to the boy, clasped him in his arms and kissed him tenderly. (Luke 15:20)

Priest: 

We stand in faith before the merciful Father and bring our petitions with trust in His goodness and love.

Reader: 

For the Church, led by Pope Francis: may it be a sign of unity, an instrument of reconciliation and an unfailing community of peace in the world. 

Lord, hear us.

For the indispensable gift of mercy in our own hearts;  May we be ready to forgive others in the same way that God has first forgiven us. 

Lord, hear us.

For peace in all troubled areas of our world: May dialogue replace violence, respect overcome hatred, forgiveness bring healing and love endure all things. Lord, hear us.

For vocations; May many hear and answer God’s call to become priests, deacons, and religious brothers and sisters, bringing mercy, forgiveness and healing to our broken world.

Lord, hear us.

For our departed family, friends and parishioners. 

May they be purified of sin and rejoice in the eternal life of heaven. 

Lord, hear us.

We turn now to Our Lady, Mother Most Merciful, to support us as we say together: Hail Mary …

We now pray for a few moments in the quiet of our hearts before the Lord.

Priest: 

O God, have mercy on us, 

forgive and renew us, fill us with grace, 

and grant peace to our world, through Christ our Lord.

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

None of you can be my disciple unless he gives up all his possessions. (Luke 14:33)

Priest:

In the Gospel, Christ challenges “None of you can be my disciple unless he gives up all his possessions”. Let us give us up our hold on self interest and pride, and open our hearts to those in need. 

Reader:

We pray for the Holy Church of God,

that the Lord may always guide and protect his Church, 

Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

We pray for all the peoples of the world,

that the Lord may unite all peoples in peace and harmony, 

Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

We pray for all our brothers and sisters in need and those who care for them,

that the Lord may inspire us to assist them generously in their need.

Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

We pray for all who have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again,

that they may come into the light of God's presence, 

Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us. 

Now let us joining our prayers with the prayers of Our Lady: Hail Mary.

We make our private petitions to God in a moment of silence.

Priest:

Father, we come before you in faith and love to praise your goodness and acknowledge our need. We ask you to hear the prayers we make in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.

22nd Sunday of the Year (C) : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

22nd Sunday of the Year (C)

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the man who humbles himself will be exalted. (Luke 14:11)

Priest:

Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.

Reader:

We pray for those who hold power in the world;

May the Lord lead them to act with humility, not pride; with generosity, not greed; with compassion and not hatred; always seeking understanding and peace  among the nations. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

We pray for the Church through the world,

may the Lord guide us by the Holy Spirit, 

that all Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in the unity of Spirit, in the bond of peace and righteousness of life.

Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

We pray for those in need and those who care for them,

May the Lord comfort and relieve them in their need; 

give them patience in their sufferings, and bring good out of their troubles.

Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

We pray for the faithful departed,

May those who have died in the peace of Christ, those who have confessed the faith, and those whose faith is known to God alone,  come at last to share with us in God’s eternal kingdom. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us. 

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

In silence, let us make our private intentions to God our Father.

Priest:

Almighty God, to whom our needs are known before we ask, help us ask only what accords with your will; and those good things which we dare not, or in our blindness cannot ask, grant us for the sake of your son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (C) : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

“Men from east and west, from north and south, will come to take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 13:29)

Priest:

My brothers and sisters, God our Father calls those from east and west, from north and south, to come and take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. With confidence in his love for all people let us open our hearts to his merciful love.

Reader:

We pray for the Holy Catholic Church,

that pastors may lead in faith and serve in love the flock which has been entrusted to their care.

Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

We pray for the peoples of the world,

that those from east and west, from north and south may rejoice in the blessing of true peace, the peace which Christ himself gives to us.

Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

We pray for those in need and for those who care for them,

that our suffering brothers and sisters may have their sorrow turned into lasting joy.

Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

We pray for the departed in Christ,

that those who have gone before us in the faith may come and take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God

Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us. 

Let us ask Our Lady, to bring our prayers before the presence of the Father: Hail Mary .

We make our own petitions in silence.

Priest:

Almighty and eternal God, maker of all things in heaven and earth: mercifully accept the prayers of your people, and strengthen us to do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Twentieth Sunday of the Year (C) : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were blazing already! (Luke 12:49)

Priest:

Gathered together in Christ as brothers and sisters, let us call to mind God's many blessings and ask him to hear the prayers which he himself inspires us to ask.

Reader:

We pray for all bishops and priests and the people they have been called to serve. 

Lord, hear us. 

We pray for all those who serve in public office and for all those entrusted with the common good.

Lord, hear us. 

We pray for all who suffer oppression, exploitation, sickness,

for those in anxiety and for all who tend to their needs, 

Lord, hear us. 

We pray for those who have died in Christ,

and for all those who mourn their loss.

Lord, hear us.  

We pray for all of us gathered here in this holy place in faith, reverence and the love of God.

Lord, hear us. 

Let us unite our prayers with the perpetual intercession of Our Lady as we say: Hail Mary …

We pray for a moment in silence.

Priest:

God of love, our refuge and strength, hear the prayers of your Church, and grant us today what we ask of you in faith. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

Fifteenth Sunday of the Year

What must I do to inherit eternal life? (Luke 10:25)

Priest:

Let us ask the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name, to send the Spirit of his Son into our hearts as we pray for the needs of the Church and of the world.

Reader:

Let us humbly pray to the Lord, our creator and redeemer, 

for all people of every race and in every kind of need:

may he make his ways known to them, and reveal his salvation to the nations.

Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

Let us pray for the Church through all the world,

May the Lord guide and govern the Church by his Holy Spirit, 

that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, 

and hold the faith in the unity of Spirit, in the bond of peace and righteousness of life.

Lord, hear us.

Let us commend to God’s fatherly goodness all who are afflicted or distressed 

and those who care for them,

May he comfort and relieve them according to their needs, 

and grant them the love and consolation of the Spirit.

Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

Let us pray for all those holy souls who have died in the peace of Christ: 

May the loving Father give them a place of life and rest, that we may share with them in the glory of Jesus Christ, who died to save us all.

Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us. 

Our Lady is the Mother of the Church and shows her care for us all by her prayers. We join our prayers with hers as we say: Hail Mary.

In a moment of silence, let us make our private petitions to God our almighty Father.

Priest:

Father, hear the prayers of your Church. 

In your great love, make up for what is lacking in our faith. 

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Fourteenth Sunday of the Year : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

Fourteenth Sunday of the Year

Your peace will rest on that man. (Luke 10:6)

Priest:

Let us call with faith upon God our Father, through Jesus Christ his beloved Son, in the Holy Spirit, who inspires our prayer, for the needs of the Church and of the world.

Reader:

We pray for the Holy Church of God,

that the Lord of the harvest may send ever more labourers to his harvest

And so strengthen and enliven his Church. 

Lord, hear us. 

We pray for all the peoples of the world,

that the peace of the Lord may rest on all peoples that they may live together in harmony, 

Lord, hear us. 

We pray for all our brothers and sisters in need and those who care for them,

that the Lord may assist them in their need.

Lord, hear us. 

We pray for all who have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again,

that they may come into the light of God's presence.

Lord, hear us.  

Now let us join our prayers with the prayers of Our Lady: Hail Mary.

We make our private petitions to God in a moment of silence.

Priest:

Father, we come before you in faith and love 

to praise your goodness and acknowledge our need. 

We ask you to hear the prayers we make in the name of Jesus the Lord.

Amen.

Solemnity of SS Peter & Paul (29th June) • The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

Solemnity of SS Peter & Paul

29th June

Priest 

Jesus brought healing, comfort and new life to those who believe. Let us join our prayers of intercession for our needs and the needs of the world.

Reader 

For Pope Francis, successor of St Peter, and all the Bishops of the Church who follow in the line of the apostles: may they continue to be a sign of faith to all people in a world faced with sadness and strife. 

Lord, hear us. 

For all our priests and deacons, especially those soon to be ordained or recently ordained. May their lives of service be an inspiration to all, and so lead to an increase in vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and the religious life. 

Lord, hear us.

For our Parish and all its people; may we  encourage others to share their gifts, energy and enthusiasm within the Church, that our community of faith may be a living example of the mystery of God’s presence among us. 

Lord, hear us. 

For the souls of all who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur about this time. 

May they enjoy the eternal light of God’s  risen glory. 

Lord, hear us. 

Let us now ask Mary to pray for us as we pray Hail Mary…

We now pray for a few moments in the silence of our hearts.

Priest 

Loving Father, through the holy apostles we received the beginnings of right religion

and through their teaching, their successors, and their prayers 

they continue to guide and lead us. 

Hear these prayers which we make 

with confidence in your continuing love and mercy 

in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Corpus Christi (C) • The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

Corpus Christi (C)

Priest: 

We are gathered together to celebrate the great love of God in the Eucharist -spiritual nourishment to sustain us on our journey in faith.  In confidence, we pray to our Father in heaven, for the needs of the Church and for the whole world. 

Reader: 

For Pope Francis and all the clergy: 

may their faithful ministry make the love of God known throughout the world as a gift of true peace, joy and hope. 

Lord, hear us. 

For peace in the world; 

May those who have control of great destructive power withhold their hand, and may all those affected by the horrors of war, conflict, violence and terrorism, be given the hope of peace.

Lord, hear us. 

For an increased devotion to the Eucharist; 

at the breaking of bread we are truly present at the Last Supper and the Banquet of Heaven: may the Eucharist we share bring us reconciliation, love and hope. 

Lord, hear us.

For all those who have departed this life: 

[especially for those who have died recently]

that we may all meet again in the banquet of the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Lord, hear us. 

We ask Mary, Mother of the Lord, to intercede with us for all God’s people, living and dead, as we say together: Hail Mary …

We pray in silence for our private intentions.

Priest:

Heavenly Father, hear our prayers for your people 

and grant us what we need, 

through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. 

Amen.

Trinity Sunday (C) • The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

Trinity Sunday (C)

Priest 

Today we proclaim our faith in the mystery of the Holy Trinity, three persons in one God, all equal in majesty and splendour, as we pray for all our needs.

Reader: 

For bishops, priests and deacons: may they work tirelessly to foster within the hearts of the God’s people a strong love of the faith. Lord, hear us.

For all Christian people: may we proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ through our lives, giving glory to God and witness to one another. Lord, hear us.

For all those in positions of authority and influence: may they use their positions not for selfish ends, but for the good of all people, especially the most needy. Lord, hear us.

For the sick and those who care for them: may they know the healing power and the eternal love of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Lord, hear us.

For those who have died, remembering especially members of our own families and those who are known to us: may they enter into the everlasting peace of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Lord, hear us.

We offer these our prayers and the prayers of all God’s people, living and dead, to the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, as we say together: Hail Mary …

We now pray for a few moments in the silence of our hearts.

Priest 

Almighty Father, in the power of the Holy Spirit, we make these prayers through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen 

Pentecost • The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

Pentecost

Priest: 

We rejoice on this great feast day, the birthday of the Catholic Church: may the Holy Spirit guides us to bring to our heavenly Father our concerns for the whole of his creation..

Reader: 

We pray for Pope Francis: may his simplicity and directness lead us all to a renewal of faith and love for God. 

Lord, hear us. 

For the leaders of the nations: may they be inspired by the Holy Spirit to make peace instead of war and always to be aware of the needs of the poor and most vulnerable. 

Lord, hear us. 

For all those in need, for refugees, captives, those held in slavery, especially women and children:

may there be healing and justice for those who have found freedom 

Lord, hear us.

For ourselves: 

may we be open to the Holy Spirit and always to bring his power to those of different backgrounds, beliefs and languages. 

Lord, hear us.

For the holy souls

{For … for whom this mass is offered], [for those whose anniversaries fall at this time  …]

May the Holy Spirit lead us into the glory of heaven.

Lord, hear us,

We ask Our Blessed Lady to pray with us as we say Hail Mary. 

Now we pray in silence for our own intentions.

Priest: 

Come Holy Spirit, fill us with your love; make us strong and constant followers of Christ, on fire with the desire to live the Gospel and proclaim its promise. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Easter 7 (Sunday after Ascension) : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

Easter Seven

The Priest introduces the prayers:
Brothers and sisters in Christ, Our Lord told his apostles to stay in the city and to pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Let us call on him now, that he will send the Spirit upon us, as we pray for the Church and for the world.

Reader:
We pray for the holy Church of God,
may the Lord send the Spirit on all priests and all the faithful, that they may serve him and make his presence known in the world.
Lord, hear us.

We pray for peace in the world,
may all rulers be led by the Spirit, and remember that Christ is head over all, and may all people live together in harmony and peace.
Lord, hear us.

We pray for those in special need of our prayers,
for the unemployed and those threatened with redundancy; for all in anxiety for the future; for those in grief with broken hearts; amidst their worry and sorrow, may they be aware of Christ's presence with them.
Lord, hear us.

We pray for the departed in Christ,
may Christ, who has ascended to the heavens,
gather them all to himself.
Lord, hear us.

With Our Lady, we pray. Hail Mary .

Let us bring all our own intentions, before the feet of the Father.

The Priest concludes the prayers:
Father, send your Spirit upon us, that we may be the instruments of your love in the world: strengthen us in your service and hear our prayers; through your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

Ascension Day : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

Ascension Day

The Priest introduces the prayers:
On this day when Christ our Lord ascended into heaven, we make our prayers for the Church and the world, trusting that the Father will answer them out of love for his Son.

Reader:
We pray for the Church,
may Christians use media wisely and creatively to spread the Gospel
and to build God’s Kingdom of justice and truth.
Lord, hear us.

We pray for peace among the nations
may God rid the world of violence that we may serve him in freedom.
Lord, hear us.

We pray for the sick and those who care for them,
may they always feel Christ's presence with them
in the midst of their suffering.
Lord, hear us.

We pray for the dead,
may Christ, who has gone before us into heaven,
prepare a place for us all in his eternal kingdom.
Lord, hear us.

With the Mother of Jesus, we pray. Hail Mary …

Let us pray in silence to our Father in heaven.

The Priest concludes the prayers:
Father, just as your Son ascended to you,
may our prayers rise up before your throne,
and may our requests be granted.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sixth Sunday of Easter (C) : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

Sixth Sunday of Easter (C)
“Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you” (John 14:27)

Priest:
We turn to our God in prayer asking him to grant us his peace and give us his saving help.

Reader:
We pray that Pope Francis, and the bishops, priests and deacons of the church will receive the peace of the Holy Spirit as they lead us on our journey of faith.
Lord hear us.

We pray that we may be open to all the promptings of the Spirit: that we may find in ourselves the strength to forgive and understand.
Lord, hear us.

We pray for our parish community: that we may we draw closer Jesus and to each other by supporting and caring for one another in good times and in bad.
Lord, hear us.

We pray for all who are in need of the peace that Christ gives- the poor, the lonely and the sick, and all those who suffer because of human wickedness: that those struggling under the burden of their suffering may be strengthened and comforted by that the spirit of peace. Lord, hear us.

For all those who have died: [especially for …] and for all whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they enter the peace of the kingdom where faith melts into the vision of God, where hope is fulfilled, and love abides forever. Lord hear us

In this month of Our Lady, the mother of peace, we ask for her intercession as we say Hail Mary.

Let us pray for a moment in silence

Priest:
Father, hear our prayers, make us like your Son in the peace which dwells within us and which we share with others, that we may be witnesses of your everlasting love and mercy for the world. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.