The Prayers of the Faithful (Intercessions) for Sundays and Holy Days at St Mary's, Cannock
The Feast of the Epiphany
With the magi we come to the manger to offer our gifts and bring our prayers to the Lord.
Like them we receive far more than we could ever hope for.
Reader
For all agencies working to protect human life, especially the unborn;
that our society and world may give all human life the same value and dignity.
Lord, hear us.
For peace and justice throughout the world;
may violence and hatred give way to understanding and forgiveness.
Lord, hear us.
For all teachers and pupils at the start of a new term;
may they work together for all wisdom and knowledge,
especially the knowledge and love of Christ.
Lord, hear us.
Let us ask our Lady to pray for us all as we say: Hail Mary ...
In silence let us bring our own personal intentions to God.
Priest
Father in heaven,
the light of your Son entered the darkness of our world.
Help us to walk in that light all the days of our life.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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
Reader
Priest:
33rd Sunday of the Year (Sunday 19th November)
We are gathered in the name of Christ, and it is in his name that we now present our petitions to the Father.
Reader
For the Church:
that it will bear clear witness to the presence and love of Christ in the world.
Lord, hear us.
For those who are persecuted for their faith in Christ:
that they may be given the gifts of perseverance, eloquence and wisdom.
Lord, hear us.
For those who are caught up in sinful situations - those who abuse or oppress others, those entrapped in love of self, or money or power:
that they may turn from sin to the Lord who offers life to all.
Lord, hear us.
For God's little ones -
for the sick, for the victims of violence, prejudice and poverty:
that they may receive the justice from God for which they long.
Lord, hear us.
Let us ask our Lady to pray for us. Hail Mary ...
We pray for a moment in silence.
Priest:
Loving Father,
we thank you for your constant loving care.
When we face the hardships of life, keep us faithful to you,
and lead us to the fullness of life you promise.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
32nd Sunday of the Year (Sunday 11th November 2007)
We turn to the Father, who is source of all life, to enliven all that we hope and pray for.
Reader
We pray for the souls of all who have died in wartime, for those who come to the assistance of the injured and bereaved, and especially for the work of the Royal British Legion.
Lord, hear us.
We pray for those whose lives are spent in healing and supporting others: may they always find the energy and freedom to work with devotion and love.
Lord, hear us.
We pray for all Christians: may our way of life reflect our belief in offering healing and goodness to all in need.
Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who have gifts of imagination like artists, writers, musicians, architects and gardeners: may they continue to give glory to God and inspiration to others through their gifts.
Lord, hear us.
We ask Mary, Mother of God to pray for us. Hail Mary ...
Let us pray for a moment in silence.
Celebrant
Father, we thank you for this rich treasury of our world. Help us to use it to your glory and the enlightenment and support of all your children. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
31st Sunday of the Year (4th November 2007)
Priest
We turn with all our needs to the Father, who shows us the path of life and fills us with joy in his presence.
Reader
We pray for all members of the Church: may they always reflect the generosity and compassion of the Lord Jesus.
Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who are outcast and unaccepted by society: may they find confidence through compassion.
Lord, hear us.
We pray for those who rely too much on themselves: may they learn to be more trusting and open in their lives.
Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who work to reconcile individuals and groups, to bring peace to the world: may they find the courage and warmth of heart to persevere.
Lord, hear us.
We pray for the souls of Archbishop Maurice Couve de Murville, Archbishop of this diocese from 1982 till 1999 who died this morning/Saturday morning.
Lord hear us.
Let us ask our Lady to pray for us. Hail Mary.
We pray in silence for all our needs.
Priest
Father, we open our hearts to you in the hope and desire that you will keep us open to all who are in need. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
30th Sunday of the Year (28th October)
Everything we have comes from God. In a spirit of praise and thanksgiving we place our needs before him.
Reader:
Let us pray for our country, and particularly for those who serve in the armed forces especially in Iraq, Afghanistan and other troubled places in the world: may those called to serve their country us always seek the good of every citizen.
Lord, hear us.
Let us pray for those who suffer for their faith, and for the work of Aid to the Church in need.
Lord, hear us.
Let us pray for our parish community that the Lord will always be among us and inspire us to be witnesses to those around us.
Lord, hear us.
Let us pray for r all our friends and relations who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. May they rejoice with the saints for ever.
Lord, hear us.
We turn in prayer to Mary our Mother in faith. Hail Mary …
We pray in silence for a moment.
Priest:
Lord our God,
hear our prayer.
Grant that we may have the confidence
to turn to you in every need.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.
29th Sunday of the Year (21st October 2007)
Everything we have comes from God. In a spirit of praise and thanksgiving we place our needs before him.
Reader:
Let us pray for our country: may those called to lead and govern us always seek the good of every citizen.
Lord, hear us.
Let us pray for those in prison, especially those who are imprisoned unjustly or because of their faith in Jesus Christ.
Lord, hear us.
Let us pray for our parish community that the Lord will always be among us and inspire us to be witnesses to those around us.
Lord, hear us.
Let us pray for our parishioners who have died and for all our friends and relations who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. May they rejoice with the saints for ever.
Lord, hear us.
We turn in prayer to Mary our Mother in faith. Hail Mary …
We pray in silence for a moment.
Priest:
Lord our God,
hear our prayer.
Grant that we may have the confidence
to turn to you in every need.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.
28th Sunday of the Year (14th October 2007)
Jesus urges us to persevere in prayer, and so we turn to the Father asking with confidence for all our needs.
Reader:
Let us pray for the Church throughout the world, that followers of Christ everywhere may rejoice in God's loving care for them.
Lord, hear us.
Let us pray for those who govern our country that they may do so wisely and with a sense of justice.
Lord, hear us.
Let us pray for those who find it difficult to pray that the Lord may touch their hearts with the assurance of his presence.
Lord, hear us.
Let us pray for ourselves that we may persevere in prayer and never lose heart.
Lord, hear us.
Let us pray for those who have died, especially those who are dear to us:
that the Lord will welcome them into the joy of his kingdom.
Lord, hear us.
Let us ask Our Lady to pray for us: Hail Mary …
We pray for a moment in silence.
Priest:
Lord our God,
your Son Jesus Christ has revealed to us
your great love and compassion.
We ask you to hear our prayers and to answer them,
through the same Christ our Lord.
27th Sunday of the Year (7th October 2007 )
As friends and followers of Jesus Christ we have confidence in God's willingness to hear us. And so we pray for our own needs, the needs of the Church and the needs of the world.
Reader:
Let us pray for the Pope, for bishops and priests and for all who minister in the Church: that their faith will be strong and that they will preach the Lord's message with zeal and compassion.
Lord, hear us.
Let us pray for Sr Felita and for the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart, that they may continue to be richly blessed by God.
Lord, hear us.
Let us pray for those who have fallen away from their faith in Christ, that they may discover that they are not abandoned by God.
Lord, hear us.
Let us pray for our homes and families: that we may be filled with the peace and joy of Christ and always be thankful for his gifts.
Lord, hear us.
Let us ask Our Immaculate Lady to pray for us: Hail Mary …
Let us pray for a moment in silence.
Priest:
Lord our God, in the name of Jesus Christ your Son
we ask you to hear our prayers and to grant them,
through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.
26th Sunday of the Year (September 30th)
The Lord is a just judge, slow to anger and rich in mercy. Let us then approach the throne of grace and ask the Lord to help us live lives of kindness and generosity.
Reader
Let us pray for the Church's work of charity and international aid: may our efforts to help the poor be generous and persevering. Lord, hear us.
Let us pray for the poor in our own land: may we always be alert to the cry of the needy in our own society.
Lord, hear us.
We pray for the people of Zimbabwe, that in this time of extreme hardship and hunger, they may find strength and be encouraged by the warmth of our love, the generosity of our hearts and the support of our actions as they work towards a brighter future.
Lord, hear us.
Let us pray for all who are rich in this world's goods - may they share their blessings with those who have nothing.
Lord, hear us.
We remember those who have gone before us: may they enjoy the rich promises the Lord has given for those who are faithful and generous.
Lord, hear us.
We turn in prayer to our blessed Lady:
Hail Mary …
Let us pray for a moment in silence.
Priest
O Lord our God, pardon our ingratitude and greed. Hear our prayers this day, and pour into our hearts the spirit of prayer and love of the poor, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Twenty-fifth Sunday of the Year (23rd September 2007)
to be upholders of justice and peace
in a world which has its values out of focus.
We make our prayers to God our Father
for all the spiritual and social needs of this time.
Reader: 1. Let us pray for everyone who works to bring the message of salvation to those who are ignorant or indifferent.
May each parish community be empowered
to spread the Good News to the people in its area.
Lord hear us
2. We thank the Lord for the work of others,
from which we have benefited.
We pray for those who have had difficulties
in bringing in a harvest and ask the Lord to help those
whose livelihoods, and even lives, have been threatened
by adverse conditions
Lord hear us
3. Let us pray for those who are slaves to money,
through love of material things, gambling or debt.
Lord hear us
4. May the Lord help us to avoid
such complacency in our own financial security
that we grow unaware of the needs of others.
Lord hear us
Let us ask Our Lady to help us
to keep our attention fixed on her Son.
Hail Mary
In a few moments of silence let us place all our concerns before the Lord
Priest: Father, make us concerned for the needs of others,
as in our own need we make our prayers to you
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
intercesssions 9th September 2007
from all obstacles that keep us from following Christ,
not only material things but clinging to our families, friends, their
good opinion of us, our reputations and our successes.
May we be given the grace to trust in Him for all our needs.
Reader: 1. Let us pray for the Church in the Western World
that it may be a strong and clear witness to Christ.
We ask the Holy Spirit to help us to make a stand against
the materialistic, self-interested elements in our society.
Lord hear us
2 Let us pray for racial justice in the world,
We pray for the victims of racial hatred wherever it occurs.
May the Lord bless and guide those who are working for peaceful
resolutions to the problems that divide people,
and enlighten the minds of those
who are blinded by prejudice and hatred.
Lord hear us
3. Let us pray for doctors, nurses, paramedic, technicians, research
scientists, carers and for all who work to help the sick in this
country.
Lord, hear us
4. Let us pray for all the priests who have served this parish in the
past, and for the laity who have contributed to its life,
We ask the Lord to bless and guide our present parish community so
that we may all be witnesses to the Gospel
Lord hear us
May the prayers of Mary support us through all our anxieties.
Hail Mary
Let us pray in silence for all our needs,
Priest: Heavenly Father,
we pray that nothing should come between you and us.
Keep us close to you in all we do.
We make our prayers in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Assumption of Our Lady (August 15th)
we in the Church on earth make our prayers for the needs
of the church and the world to God our loving Father.
Reader: 1. Let us pray for the Church throughout the world
that it may follow Mary's example of humble service.
We pray especially for the missionary church.
Lord hear us
2. Let us pray for all Christian mothers
that they may bring up their children
to know their heavenly Father and that they may joyfully teach them of God's love. Lord hear us
3. Let us pray for all those who care for and love
their disturbed or handicapped children.
Lord hear us
4. May God bless all those who use this church to pray,
to search or simply rest. May He grant them the gift of peace
Lord hear us
We praise God with our Lady, saying "The Lord has done marvels for me".
We ask her help in prayer as we sing the Salve Regina
In a few moments of silence let us place all our concerns before the Lord
Priest: Lord, you gave Mary the strength to stand
beneath the cross of Jesus,
and you filled her with joy at his resurrection.
May we share her strength and come to share her present glory
We make all our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord.
29th June 2007 Ss Peter & Paul
of the apostles. On this feast of St Peter and St Paul, let us ask the risen Lord to send his spirit on his Church today.
Reader: 1. Let us pray for our Pope Benedict XVI
and for all who are called to the service
of responsibility and authority in the Church.
May they recognize their weaknesses and rely
on the strength of the true rock who is Christ.
Lord hear us
2. Let us pray for an apostolic spirit in the Church,
looking outward to the whole of humanity.
Let us pray for courage and integrity
that the Church may speak the truth in love.
Lord hear us
3. Let us pray for charity, understanding and
a sense of proportion, when groups of Christians disagree.
Lord hear us
4. May the Holy Spirit bless us with his gifts
of courage, understanding and patience,
that, whatever difficulties we face,
we may always trust in the goodness
and loving mercy of God.
Lord hear us
Let us ask the prayers of Mary who persevered in faith through all her sorrows. Hail Mary.
Let us pray in silence for all our needs,
Priest: Father, we thank you for the example of the apostles
and ask for the grace to spread
the Good News of Jesus Christ as they did.
We make our prayers through the same Jesus Christ.
Ascension Day 20th May 2007
Priest: On the day that Jesus Christ our Lord, ascended into heaven to be seated at the right hand of the Father,
we ask for the graces we need
to be his witnesses in the world today.
Reader: 1. We pray for the Church, that all Christians,
by their example of joy and hope,
may witness to the power of the risen Lord in their lives.
Lord hear us
2. Let us pray for doctors, nurses
and all who work to help the sick
May the Holy Spirit give them the wisdom and compassion they need in their vocation.
Lord hear us
3. Let us pray for those whose lives are torn apart
by serious accident, crime or war, that they may be able
to find the comfort of the Holy Spirit in all their suffering.
Lord hear us
4. Let us pray for those in our parish community
who are burdened with worry
that the Holy Spirit may guide them in their decisions
and bring them peace.
Lord hear us
We turn to Mary, who rejoiced in the Lord, that we may learn from her how to do his will with gladness. Hail Mary …
Priest: Father, hear the prayers that we make to you
And grant our requests where they are in accordance with your Divine purpose.
We make our prayers through Jesus Christ your Son
Sixth Sunday of Easter 13th May 2007
so that we may play our part in the salvation of the world. With this in mind, we pray for all the needs of the Church and the world and for ourselves that we may live lives of grace.
Reader: 1. We pray for the Church, for the Pope,
bishops, priests, religious and people,
that we may all be so guided by the Holy Spirit
that the Church can continue to proclaim
the good news of true peace for our world.
Lord hear us
2. We pray for all those who have power in world affairs.
May they seek not only to avoid war between nations,
but through laws based on human rights and dignity,
lay the foundations of lasting world peace.
Lord hear us
3. We pray for lasting peace in Northern Ireland.
Lord hear us
4. We pray for the people of this area
that they may be able to work together to achieve economic, cultural, social and spiritual development.
Lord hear us
5. We pray for a spirit of renewal in our parish community.
We ask the Holy Spirit to transform our lives
with his joy, hope and peace.
Lord hear us
May Mary, Queen of peace, be our example in obedience to the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary..
We pray in silence for all our needs,
Priest: Father, we place all our trust in you
that you will guide and bless us
through the power of your Spirit.
We make our prayers in the name of Jesus Christ your Son.
4th Sunday of Lent 18th March 2007
Priest: Lord God, our light and our salvation,
help us to speak to others
of our joy and consolation in your presence.
Secure in your love we pray for all our needs
Reader 1. We pray for our diocesan family; for Archbishop Vincent and bishops Philip, David and William, and for all priests, deacons, religious, and lay men and women.
May we experience afresh, through repentance and the sacrament of Reconciliation, God's mercy, grace and healing.
We pray for all those in our diocese
who will be received into the Church at Easter.
(Pause) Lord in your mercy..
2. We pray for people who are searching for meaning
and true happiness in their lives;
may we help them to discover Christ as the one
who will fulfil their needs.
(Pause) Lord in your mercy. ..
3. On this Mothering Sunday we pray for all mothers;
may they always experience joy and love from their children.
We pray for mothers and children who are separated from each other by distance, bereavement or estrangement. (Pause) Lord in your mercy...
4. We pray for the healing of relationships in our families;
and for the grace we need to forgive or to ask forgiveness. (Pause) Lord in your mercy. .
May Mary, the sorrowful Mother, who stood at the foot of the Cross, join her prayers to ours as we pray, Hail Mary...
In silence let us bring our own personal intentions to the Lord.
Priest: Father, you created us in love with the gift of free will.
Give us the grace to live in your light,
and to stay clear of illusions and self-deception.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
3rd Sunday of Lent 11th March 2007
Priest: Lord God, our light and our salvation,
help us to meet you in prayer, to walk in your ways.
Knowing that you respond generously to us,
we turn to you with our needs and prayers.
Reader: 1. We pray for the Church that, through the holiness of the lives of Christians, all people may come to know
God's unconditional love for them. (Pause)
Lord in your mercy. ..
2. We pray for all law-makers throughout the world;
may they enact laws that are just
and which respect the gift of human life,
especially the rights and dignity of the unborn,
the sick and the elderly. (Pause)
Lord in your mercy...
3. We pray for the problems of people in North Staffordshire
especially for those connected with health, education, employment and social integration.
May we grow as an active and caring community. (Pause)
Lord in your mercy...
4. We pray for this parish community;
may Lent give us the opportunity to choose a simpler life-style, based on prayer, fasting and almsgiving,
and to grow in awareness of the needs of others.
We pray for the sick and housebound of our parish,
and for all who visit and bring them Holy Communion (Pause) Lord in your mercy...
May Mary, Mother of the Church join her prayers to ours as we pray, Hail Mary...
In a moment of silent prayer let us bring our own personal intentions to the Lord.
Priest: Father, we thank you for your Son and we acknowledge him, with gratitude, as the Saviour of the world.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen
2nd Sunday of Lent 4th March 2007
Priest: Lord God, our light and our salvation,
we thank you for the desire that you have planted in our hearts, our yearning to see your face.
With trust and confidence we come before you in prayer.
Reader: 1. May the glory of Christ proclaimed by the Church be a constant source of wonder and joy for the whole world.
We pray for our diocesan family; for Archbishop Vincent and bishops Philip, David and William, and for all priests, deacons, religious, and lay men and women.
May we catch a glimpse of the glory of God in each other.
(Pause) Lord, in your mercy. ..
2. We pray for all the children of Abraham, for Jews, Christians and Muslims; that we may all recognise our common belief in the one God, treat each other with dignity and respect, and seek ways to work together.
(Pause) Lord, in your mercy. ..
3. We pray for the needy and hungry of the world,
and for the development and relief work of CAFOD.
May the Friday Fast Day serve to remind us of the call to live more simply and put our faith into action.
(Pause) Lord, in your mercy. ..
4. For ourselves that, by prayer, fasting and almsgiving,
and by living more simply,
we may build up our homes as holy places.
(Pause) Lord in your mercy...
May Mary, who was always responsive to the Word of God, join her prayers to ours as we pray, Hail Mary.. .
In silence, let us bring our own personal intentions to the Lord.
Priest: Father, enable us to see, as Abraham did,
the wonder of your promise.
Give us the courage to take the paths which lead to eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.
The First Sunday of Lent 25th February 2007
Priest: God our Father allowed his only son
to be tempted in the desert.
We make our prayers to him this Lent
confident that he who always hears our voice
when we call on him
will be with us in all our needs.
Reader 1. Let us pray for the Church and her leaders.
May we always remember the need to pray
for those who have roles of leadership in the Church
that they may carry out their duties
with the grace of the Holy Spirit
and the support of God’s people.
Lord in your mercy
2. Let us pray for Elisabeth and for all those who are attending the Rite of Election at the Cathedral this Sunday.
May they be supported on their journey in faith
by their parish communities and their prayers.
Lord in your mercy
3. We ask the Lord to send us good government
at international, national and local level.
May people of good will and integrity be called
to take the responsibility of office
and be given the wisdom to reach good decisions.
Lord in your mercy
4. We pray for ourselves that,
whenever we find it difficult to live the Christian life,
we are able to call upon the Lord to lead us out of temptation.
Lord in your mercy
We turn to Mary, the mother of our Saviour. Hail Mary
Let us pray for a few moments in silence.
Priest: Father, we place all the needs of the Church and the world
And all of our personal worries into your hands,
confident that you are all that is good
and all that is compassionate.
We make our prayers through Jesus our Lord
7th Sunday of the Year 18th February 2007
Priest: God is our compassionate Father
who knows each of us by name.
He sent his only son to heal and restore us.
We place before him all our needs.
Reader: 1. Let us pray for the Church in her ministry of forgiveness
that she may always welcome repentant sinners
and, through the sacrament of Reconciliation,
lead them to grace reconciled with God and his people.
Lord hear us
2. Let us pray for young people who are involved
with gang culture, addiction and violence.
May the Lord help us to show them
a richer and more meaningful way of life.
Lord hear us
3. We pray for all prisoners and we ask the Lord
to give them the means to reconcile themselves with society.
We pray for their dependents
Lord hear us
4. May the Lord console those of our parish community
who are grieving for the death of loved ones.
Through their mourning may they come
to strengthen their faith in the resurrection.
Lord hear us
Let us turn to Mary, full of compassion and love. Hail Mary.
Let us pray for a few moments in silence.
Priest: O God and Father of us all,
may your Spirit give us the grace to love as you do,
to love without expecting any return.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
5th Sunday of the Year 4th February 2007
Priest: God our Father sent his only son, Jesus Christ,
on his mission of love and reconciliation.
We ask the Lord for the grace
to respond to his call in our daily lives.
Reader: 1. We pray for missionaries in the Church
that there may be workers to be sent into the harvest,
to preach the gospel to everyone
and bring the life of grace to those
who have not heard of Christ.
Lord hear us
2. Let us pray for people who try to achieve their aims through intimidation and violence.
May their minds and hearts be enlightened.
We pray for their victims in their suffering.
Lord hear us
3. We pray for Catholic schools and colleges in this country and for all who teach and learn in them.
May they be centred on the Gospel
and play an active role in evangelisation.
Lord hear us
4. We pray for all Christians who take their faith for granted and have grown lukewarm in their calling.
May they, like Peter, be brave enough to try again
and resume their service of the Lord
in a spirit of renewed hope.
Lord hear us
Let us turn to Our Lady with our needs. Hail Mary …
Let us pray for a few moments in silence.
Priest: Father, we responded to your call in baptism,
May we now live out the challenge of your invitation
to be living examples of the presence of your word
in the world.
We ask this in the name of Jesus your son
4th Sunday of the Year 28th January 2007
Priest The love of Jesus Christ
through the power of the Holy Spirit
is given to all believers.
Let us ask the Lord for the same Holy Spirit
to fill the church and the world with his love.
Reader 1. Let us pray for our holy father, Pope Benedict.
May the support of the whole church give him
the strength to continue his special mission
of care and concern for the Church and the World.
Lord in your mercy
2. Let us pray for all the people of the world
who struggle to get enough to eat.
Let us pray that the hearts of those who are not hungry
may be filled with compassion for them.
We pray for the work of Cafod and other organisations
who work to help the poor.
Lord in your mercy
3. Let us pray for the political freedom in our society
to be able to work for the good of others
in accordance with the Church’s teaching
and so without compromising our consciences
Lord in your mercy
4. We pray for all those in our parish community who are ill.
May the Lord send his healing spirit upon them,
and give to their families and friends the strength
to cope with the problems and anxieties
that the illness generates.
Lord in your mercy
Let us ask the prayers of Mary, our refuge, Hail Mary
Let us pray for a few moments in the silence of our hearts.
Priest: Father, we make our prayers to you
in the love of the Holy Spirit,
who inspired us to ask you for all that we need
in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
3rd Sunday of the Year 21st January 2007
Priest: We are members of the family of God.
Each of us has something to give
and we each need to receive.
Let us place our gifts and our needs
before our heavenly father.
Reader: 1. Let us pray for all Christians that we may put Jesus Christ
at the centre of our lives and, through love for him,
may we come to understand and forgive each other
for the wrongs and divisions of the past.
May the Lord give us the grace to work together
to show his glory to the world.
Lord in your mercy
2. We pray for the Christian communities in this area
that they be active in their mission
and witness to God’s love in a materialistic society.
Lord in your mercy
3. We pray for the millions of people in the world
who do not have enough food, safe water and medical care.
We pray that they may have justice and compassion.
Lord in your mercy
4. We pray for our parish community
that we may each use our gifts to serve each other.
Lord in your mercy
We ask Mary, our model of gentleness and care for others,
to pray for us Hail Mary
Let us pray for a few moments in silence
Priest: Father, we are united with you and each other
through your son, our saviour.
Help us to follow him more perfectly.
We make our prayers in his name, Jesus Christ our Lord.
2nd Sunday of the Year 14th January 2007
Priest: The scripture readings show the Lord’s love for his people
and his power to provide for their needs.
Trusting in them, we bring the problems of the world
and the Church and our own needs before him in prayer.
Reader: 1. We pray that all Christians may join in witnessing
to the power, the glory and the infinite love of the Lord manifested to the Church as his bride.
May he be the beginning and the end and at the heart
of all that we do in his name.
Lord hear us.
2. Let us pray for peace of Christ in the world.
May the Spirit help and guide those statesmen
who have the power to choose peaceful objectives
and the peaceful means to achieve them.
May he support those people and organisations
who work for peace in violent situations.
Lord hear us.
3. We pray for people who are having problems
in their marriages or relationships.
May God’s love for us help them to find ways
of achieving a deeper love for each other.
Lord hear us.
4. Let us pray for all the sick of our parish community,
May the Lord ease their pain, comfort their anxiety
and bring them to greater understanding of his love for them.
Lord hear us.
We ask Mary, who interceded at Cana, to pray for us.
Hail Mary
Let us pray for a few moments in the silence of our hearts.
Priest: Father, we ask you that,
just as your son turned the water into wine,
you transform our good intentions into deeds.
We make our prayers in the name
of the same Christ our Lord
Feast of the Holy Family 31st December 2006
Priest:: God sent his Son into our world as a helpless child
who needed the warmth and protection of a human family.
In our helplessness we turn to him in prayer.
Reader: 1. Let us pray for the Church, the family of those who follow Christ;
may we show to all we meet the love and care of the Holy Family. (pause) Lord in your mercy...
2. Let us pray for the leaders of nations;
may they enact laws and pursue policies which protect family life.
We pray for peace in parts of the world where violence is endemic
Especially in Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia. (pause)
Lord in your mercy...
3. Let us pray for all families, especially those experiencing difficulties;
may the prayers of the Holy Family help to unite them in love. (pause)
Lord in your mercy...
4. We pray for the sick and housebound members of our parish,
that they may experience God's love in a new and deeper way
this coming New Year. (pause)
Lord in your mercy...
May Mary, the wife of Joseph and the Mother of the Lord, join her prayers to ours as we pray, Hail Mary. . .
In silent prayer let us bring our own personal intentions to the Lord.
Priest: Father, you sent your Son into the human family
to bring about the work of redemption.
Help us to appreciate all you have done for us.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Feast of the Holy Family 31st December 2006
Priest:: God sent his Son into our world as a helpless child
who needed the warmth and protection of a human family.
In our helplessness we turn to him in prayer.
Reader: 1. Let us pray for the Church, the family of those who follow Christ;
may we show to all we meet the love and care of the Holy Family. (pause) Lord in your mercy...
2. Let us pray for the leaders of nations;
may they enact laws and pursue policies which protect family life.
We pray for peace in parts of the world where violence is endemic
Especially in Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia. (pause)
Lord in your mercy...
3. Let us pray for all families, especially those experiencing difficulties;
may the prayers of the Holy Family help to unite them in love. (pause)
Lord in your mercy...
4. We pray for the sick and housebound members of our parish,
that they may experience God's love in a new and deeper way
this coming New Year. (pause)
Lord in your mercy...
May Mary, the wife of Joseph and the Mother of the Lord, join her prayers to ours as we pray, Hail Mary. . .
In silent prayer let us bring our own personal intentions to the Lord.
Priest: Father, you sent your Son into the human family
to bring about the work of redemption.
Help us to appreciate all you have done for us.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
3rd Sunday of Advent 17th December 2006
Priest: As we await with joy the Lord who will renew us with his love,
we bring our prayers to God in trust and confidence.
Reader: 1. For Archbishop Vincent, his auxiliary bishops,
and all priests, deacons, religious and people of this diocese.
May the Holy Spirit renew us this Advent and bring us closer to the Lord
in prayer, in love and in joy. (pause)
Lord in your mercy...
2. Let us pray for the Christine and Peter who have renewed their marriage vows today
that the Lord may continue to pour down his blessings upon them
(pause) Lord in your mercy. . .
3. Let us pray for the souls of the women found dead in Ipswich.
We pray for their families and friends who mourn them,
for the police, priests and social workers who work to provide support
at this frightening time and for all who are ensnared in the evils
of drug addiction, prostitution and other forms of exploitation. (pause)
Lord in your mercy.
4. Let us pray for all who are separated from their loved ones,
especially those in hospital, in prison or in the armed forces;
may the joy of the Lord's coming unite them in his love. (pause)
Lord in your mercy...
5. Let us ask the Lord for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon us,
that we may never become blinded by materialism and self-sufficiency
but always recognise our need of God's love and mercy. (pause)
Lord in your mercy...
May Mary, who rejoiced in God her Saviour, join her prayers to ours as we pray, Hail Mary.
In silent prayer let us bring our own personal intentions to the Lord.
Priest: Father in heaven, may your gifts of joy and love give us the courage
to remain faithful to the work of your Son until he comes again in glory
we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
2nd Sunday of Advent 10th December 2006
to see and know the salvation that he offers.
Reader: 1. Let us pray for the whole Church, that Christians everywhere may,
by the power of the Holy Spirit, live up to their baptismal calling
to help spread the Good News. (pause)
Lord in your mercy.. .
2. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem;
may this holy city of three faiths be blessed,
and may all the children of Abraham learn to live together
in peace and harmony. (pause)
Lord in your mercy...
3. Let us pray for all doctors, nurses,
and those whose task it is to care for the sick and the wounded;
may God give them sensitive hands and compassionate hearts. (pause)
Lord in your mercy. . .
4. Let us pray for the young people in our diocese,
especially in its parishes and schools,
that they may feel encouraged to play an active part in the life of the Church. (pause)
Lord in your mercy.
May Mary, the one filled with the Holy Spirit, join her prayers with ours as we pray, Hail Mary. .
In a moment of silent prayer let us bring our own personal intentions to the Lord.
Priest: Father, bless us with an understanding of your ways,
and strengthen us in times of doubt.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Walk with Me prayer
as used in the Archdiocese of Birmingham
Lord God, our light and our salvation
we praise you for your gifts
of life and faith.
We thank you for the desire
that you have planted in our hearts:
our yearning to see your face.
Help us to meet you in prayer,
to walk in your ways,
and to speak to others
of our joy and consolation
in your presence.
Give us faithfulness
in this present life
so that we may come to know
and praise your beauty,
with all our brothers and sisters
in the life to come.
We make this prayer
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
1st Sunday of Advent 3rd December 2006
Priest: As we stand ready for the coming of the Lord,
let us offer prayers to God who guides the humble in the right path.
Reader: 1. Let us pray for Archbishop Vincent, and his auxiliary bishops,
Philip, David, and newly appointed Bishop William;
May the Lord bless and empower them to lead our diocese
with courage and deep faith. (pause)
Lord in your mercy. . .
2. Let us pray for the leaders of all nations,
that they may serve their peoples by working for a just and peaceful world.
We think especially of those whose countries are torn by war and famine (pause) Lord in your mercy. . .
3. We pray for those who suffer depression,
for those in despair and for those who see no meaning or purpose in life. May the Lord help them to discover the wonder of themselves
and all creation, and the eternal destiny of all things. (pause)
Lord in your mercy. . .
4. Let us ask the Lord to bless the sick and housebound of our parish
that they may experience God's love in a new and deeper way this Advent. (pause) Lord in your mercy...
We ask Mary, who pondered God's Word in her life, to join her prayers with ours as we pray, Hail Mary.. .
In a moment of silent prayer let us bring our own personal intentions to the Lord.
Priest: God our Father may the light of your truth enter our hearts,
that we may see more clearly what promise your coming holds out for us and have the courage to live our lives for you.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Ordinary Time Sunday 24 17th September 2006
Let us pray for the gift of faith, that we may trust the Lord
and follow him, even in suffering and in death.
We ask him for the needs of the world,
in the knowledge that God’s ways are not easy to accept.
Reader
1. Let us pray for the Church in this diocese,
for her work in evangelising to the people of this area,
for her witness to the Lord through her ministry of care
to those in need, through individuals
and through organisations as the Father Hudson’s Society
Lord in your mercy
2. Let us pray for peace and justice in the world,
especially for the Middle East, Afghanistan and Africa.
May the Holy Spirit guide and bless those working for peace
and those helping the victims of violence.
Lord in your mercy
3. We pray for the terminally ill and the dying
that they may find strength and comfort through faith.
Lord in your mercy
4. We pray for ourselves that we may be inspired
to manifest our faith by the good works that we do.
May the Lord help us to serve those who need our help.
Lord in your mercy
Let us ask Mary to help us to stand, as she did, by the cross of Jesus. Hail Mary.
Let us pray for a few moments in silence.
Priest:
Father, we thank you for giving us your Son
so that we may have the courage to follow in his footsteps
and so share in his glory.
We make our prayers in his name, Jesus Christ the Lord