Presider
Isaiah tells us that our God comes to save us and to put mourning and sorrow to flight. Confident in his sacred Word, we entrust our petitions to our loving God.
Reader
We pray for Pope Francis and the leaders of our Church. By their words and deeds, may they be for us beacons of joy and gladness as we await the coming of the Lord.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for positive relationships between Christians and Jews. May our mutual celebration of Hanukkah (the Feast of Lights) and Christmas (Christ the Light of the World) show that what unites us can be greater than what divides us.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for the children of our parish schools and their teachers at the close of this academic year. May they be filled with the joy of Christmas and have a safe and refreshing holiday break.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our faith community. May we all take time out from the frantic pace of this Christmas season to quietly meditate on the significance of Advent. Let us make sure there is truly room in our lives for the coming of our Saviour.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for the sick of our parish and for all who have asked for our prayers.
We pray for those who have died recently and for all whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they now be at peace in the joy of God’s kingdom.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
We rejoice in you always, Lord God. We believe you love the just and protect those who are repressed and needy. Hear these prayers from your people, who await your saving word, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.