Once Jesus was in a certain place praying, and when he had finished one of his disciples said, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’
He said to them, ‘Say this when you pray:
‘“Father, may your name be held holy, your kingdom come; give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive each one who is in debt to us. And do not put us to the test.”’
He also said to them:
‘Suppose one of you has a friend and goes to him in the middle of the night to say, “My friend, lend me three loaves, because a friend of mine on his travels has just arrived at my house and I have nothing to offer him”; and the man answers from inside the house, “Do not bother me. The door is bolted now, and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up to give it you.” I tell you, if the man does not get up and give it him for friendship’s sake, persistence will be enough to make him get up and give his friend all he wants.
‘So I say to you: Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For the one who asks always receives; the one who searches always finds; the one who knocks will always have the door opened to him. What father among you would hand his son a stone when he asked for bread? Or hand him a snake instead of a fish? Or hand him a scorpion if he asked for an egg? If you then, who are evil, know how to give your children what is good, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’
(Luke 11:1–13)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
In Jesus’ time, there were many teachers who offered a spiritual path to their followers—a particular ‘way’. In this text, the disciples ask Jesus to teach them his ‘way’ to the Father.
We can understand the reluctance of the man in the parable to get up and help his friend if we understand the houses of the time. Animals often occupied the ground floor at night while the family spread out their sleeping mats on an overhead platform. The door was often difficult to bolt. To get up and help his friend, the man in the parable would have had to disturb his entire family and flock.
Exploring the Word
The God in this gospel text is not vague and distant; he is a God who shares an intimate and fatherly relationship of love. If ordinary parents know what is good for their children and want to give them all that is good, then how much more will our Father in heaven give us what we need. Asking our Father for what we need (rather than what we want) is an expression of our dependence on God. To ask for something is to place ourselves in a state of cooperation with God. We must also commit ourselves to working towards what we pray for, or else prayer becomes a way of evading responsibility, and we make God into some kind of Santa Claus.
We often abuse this privilege of asking God for what we need. In what ways can this happen? In what ways can we turn prayer and petition into something inappropriate?
Persistence is praised in this text. Have you ever felt like giving up on your journey? What has kept pushing you to persevere?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
‘Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find.’ What are you searching for? Have you found any answers yet?
What would you ask God for at this point in your journey?
Have you ever had to refuse someone’s request for your help? Why? What were the circumstances? How did you feel? Did your refusal alter your relationship with the petitioner? Do you regret your decision? Share your stories.
Live out the ‘Our Father: Honour God’, give thanks for your daily bread and forgive others who wrong you.
Learn the Lord’s Prayer by heart, if you do not already know it. Pray it often and carefully this week. Be attentive to each petition as you pray.
Sharing the tradition
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
The Lord’s Prayer is one of the oldest and most cherished prayers of the Church. Reflect on the meaning of each phrase.
Our Father
In what ways do you experience God as loving Father?
Hallowed be your name
How do you give homage to God’s name?
Your kingdom come, your will be done
Explore the meaning of the kingdom or reign of God. How can we know God’s will? What is our responsibility in terms of helping to build the kingdom?
Give us this day our daily bread
What do we need daily?
Forgive us … as we forgive
How easy or difficult do you find forgiveness?
Lead us not into temptation
What are the temptations in your life?
A more in-depth commentary on the Lord’s Prayer can be found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (§§2759–2853).
Symbols and images
The Old Testament often refers to God as the Father of his covenant people, Israel, and as the one who will act to deliver his people. However, when Jesus addresses God as Father, he expresses his unique, personal and filial relationship to God. Through Jesus, the disciples can know God as a gracious and loving Father.
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
Try to live all aspects of the Lord’s Prayer this week. Ask God for what you need (not for what you want!).
Use an image of Jesus at prayer as a focus. Invite catechumens to use the style of a prayer of intercession. You could respond to each prayer using the Taizé refrain, ‘O Lord, hear my prayer’ (GA 431). Conclude with the blessing in the RCIA at §97C.
Jesus came to a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who sat down at the Lord’s feet and listened to him speaking. Now Martha who was distracted with all the serving said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do the serving all by myself? Please tell her to help me.’ But the Lord answered: ‘Martha, Martha,’ he said ‘you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part; it is not to be taken from her.’
(Luke 10:38–42)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
Mary’s attitude in this text is one of discipleship. To sit at the feet of the Master is to be a follower or disciple. In Jesus’ time, such an attitude was often reserved for men.
Mary and Martha, the sisters of this text, are also mentioned in the Gospel of John. Although Luke does not name the village in which they live, John notes that they live in Bethany, just outside Jerusalem, with their brother, Lazarus.
Exploring the Word
After our first reading of this text, many of us would sympathise with Martha, who is left to do all the work. However, a more careful reading of the text uncovers the real problem. Martha is ready ‘to welcome Jesus into her house’. And yet, she becomes so preoccupied with the fuss of preparing food that she fails to do what she had originally intended: to offer welcome to the person of Jesus. In contrast, Mary is attentive to Jesus’ words and teachings. In this story, who has offered the true welcome? Mary and Martha’s responses are not in opposition; they indicate two ways of acting that should become integrated into our relations with others—that is, we should have attentive friendship as well as generous and practical service. The gospel of the Good Samaritan from last week shows us a model of selfless service. In today’s text, we are presented with the other side of the story: the need to also be attentive and to listen to the word of God so that we are not preoccupied with ultimately unimportant activities and preparations.
With which of the women in this story do you identify with the most?
How could you cultivate the other side of yourself?
Identify circumstances in which both contemplation and action are required.
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
What causes you to ‘worry and fret’? Is this a distraction from God?
What happens when you take time to be still and attentive to the voice of God?
In the busyness of life, it is often difficult to pay genuine attention to others. Spend time in pairs reviewing the week and recalling times when you provided your undivided attention to the important people in your life. Is there something to be learned from this exercise? If you need to, resolve to do better this week!
Make time this week to ‘sit at the feet of the Master’. This could mean reading the Scriptures or other religious literature, or listening to someone who can teach you something about the life of faith.
Use today’s prayer after Communion as your prayer this week: Graciously be present to your people, we pray, O Lord, and lead those you have imbued with heavenly mysteries to pass from former ways to newness of life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
Alternatively, you could spend some time each day praying without words. Make yourself still and close your eyes. Fix your heart on God, who dwells within you. If you find yourself being distracted, don’t worry and turn your mind back to God.
Sharing the tradition
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
The tradition of the Church honours many people who are known as ‘mystics’ or contemplatives.
Explain these terms.
Some famous examples include St John of the Cross, Hildegard of Bingen, St Theresa and Padre Pio.
Explore the lives and writings of some of these people.
The Church also honours many who were people of action, such as St Francis Xavier, St Mary (MacKillop) of the Cross, Frederick Ozenam, Don Bosco and Catherine McAuley.
Explore the stories of some of these people.
It should be remembered that people of action find the motivation for their ‘doing’ in a deep spirituality and close relationship with Jesus. How might you integrate both aspects into your own life?
Symbols and images
In this text, Jesus does not rebuke Martha because of her acts of service. Far from it! The real point of his criticism is that she has allowed herself to be distracted by unimportant matters instead of concentrating on what really matters: God!
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
This week, practice both aspects of welcome. Invite someone home for dinner and be attentive to them and their needs. Each day, make space to simply ‘sit at the feet of the Lord’. What is God saying to you?
Create a quiet focus for prayer, perhaps with a simple cloth and candle. You could listen to a Taizé chant such as Adoramus te Domine or use Adoramus te Christi (GA 305). Pray quietly for each other. Conclude with the blessing in the RCIA at §97I. Ensure that you continue being attentive to each other while sharing a cup of tea and a bite to eat.
There was a lawyer who, to disconcert Jesus, stood up and said to him, ‘Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the Law? What do you read there?’ He replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.’ ‘You have answered right,’ said Jesus ‘do this and life is yours.’
But the man was anxious to justify himself and said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbour?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man was once on his way down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of brigands; they took all he had, beat him and then made off, leaving him half dead. Now a priest happened to be travelling down the same road, but when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. In the same way a Levite who came to the place saw him, and passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan traveller who came upon him was moved with compassion when he saw him. He went up and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. He then lifted him on to his own mount, carried him to the inn and looked after him. Next day, he took out two denarii and handed them to the innkeeper. “Look after him,” he said “and on my way back I will make good any extra expense you have.” Which of these three, do you think, proved himself a neighbour to the man who fell into the brigands’ hands?’ ‘The one who took pity on him’ he replied. Jesus said to him, ‘Go, and do the same yourself.’
(Luke 10:25–37)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
The priest and the Levite in this parable were religious professionals. They were on their way to perform their duties in the temple. If they had touched the wounded man, then they may have come into contact with blood; consequently, they would have become ritually unclean and unable to perform their duties. Their obsession with religious regulations blinded them to the even more fundamental commandment to love their neighbour.
The denarius was a Roman silver coin equivalent to one day’s pay. The Samaritan’s action is extremely generous!
The road from Jericho to Jerusalem was the normal route that people took when they were travelling to the holy city and the temple. Jericho was the usual crossing point of the River Jordan.
Exploring the Word
The parables that Jesus told were always designed to shock those who were listening. As modern listeners, we are shocked by the priest and Levite simply walking past the wounded man; however, this would not have been shocking to people who lived during Jesus’ time. These men had sacred duties to perform in the temple. If the man was dead, or even bleeding, and they came into contact with him, then they would not have been able to perform their obligations to God! The real shock to listeners in Jesus’ day was the Samaritan’s response. An enmity and suspicion existed between Jews and Samaritans that had lasted for centuries. Samaritans do not behave like that! To be so moved by compassion for the wounded man that the Samaritan bathes and dresses his wounds and pays for his further care is an outrageous scenario for the Jews to comprehend. This practical application of ‘love of neighbour’ is taken a step further when Jesus commands the lawyer to act in the same way as the Samaritan. This too would have been a shock!
What are some modern ‘stereotyped’ images that we have of certain groups or people today?
Explore some of the barriers that exist in our own society.
How are we called to break down those barriers and build bridges instead?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
Ask yourself the fundamental question: what must I do to inherit eternal life?
Who is your neighbour? Identify those who suffer today.
'Go, and do the same yourself.' What does this mean in our world?
Share an experience in your life in which someone that you least expected helped you or attended to you. Has a perfect stranger ever helped you? Share your stories. Alternatively, share an experience in which you were moved by compassion and responded positively.
Respond with generosity to someone in need this week. Donate to an agency who works with the poor or needy. Better still, become involved in that work.
A verse from today’s psalm is a suitable prayer for this week: This is my prayer to you, my prayer for your favour. In your great love answer me, O God, with your help that never fails: Lord, answer, for your love is kind; in your compassion, turn towards me.
Sharing the tradition
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
The story of St Francis and his life-changing encounter with the leper is just one in the Church’s treasury of stories that involve an unselfish love of neighbour. Other examples of such stories include those of Damien of Molokai and of St Martin and the beggar.
Explore some of these stories of selfless giving.
Are there people in your parish who work tirelessly for the disadvantaged? Arrange for them to share their stories.
One of Pope John Paul II’s greatest contributions during his papacy was his constant call to engage in interreligious dialogue to break down barriers and build bridges between all peoples of the human family. Pope Francis shares this commitment to interreligious dialogue, as he encourages us to pray that ‘sincere dialogue among men and women of different faiths may produce the fruits of peace and justice’ (video prayer message, 8 January 2016). What does this mean? The response to certain events such as the Christchurch mosque attacks of 2019 may offer some insights into what can be achieved through mutual respect and dialogue.
Explore some of the Church’s initiatives in this area—such as the ecumenical World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.
There is a timelessness in the parable told in this text. The pathos of the injured man urges us all to come to the aid of wounded humanity. We are asked to respond compassionately and generously to those in need. We are called to more deeply understand what faith in the God of life truly demands rather than rest in simple adherence to ritual obligation.
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
How does your community help break down barriers between peoples and faiths? Are there ways in which catechumens can become involved?
This might be an appropriate time for an anointing of the catechumens given in the RCIA at §101. Use a phial of oil as a focus. Talk about how the Samaritan used oil for healing. Adapt the prayer to reflect today’s gospel. Pray for each other and for all those who care for the needy. An appropriate song could be The Servant Song (GA 487).
The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him, in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit. He said to them, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest. Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road.
‘Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, “Peace to this house!” And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the same house, taking what food and drink they have to offer, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not move from house to house.
‘Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is set before you. Cure those in it who are sick, and say, “The kingdom of God is very near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not make you welcome, go out into its streets and say, “We wipe off the very dust of your town that clings to our feet, and leave it with you. Yet be sure of this: the kingdom of God is very near.” I tell you, on that day it will not go as hard with Sodom as with that town.’
The seventy-two came back rejoicing. ‘Lord,’ they said ‘even the devils submit to us when we use your name.’ He said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Yes, I have given you power to tread underfoot serpents and scorpions and the whole strength of the enemy; nothing shall ever hurt you. Yet do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you; rejoice rather that your names are written in heaven.’
(Luke 10:1–12, 17–20)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
The vineyard is often used in the Old Testament as an image of God’s people; they must be tended to and cultivated well so that a rich harvest is yielded.
The Church has always understood its main function of announcing the Gospel to others. This is the Church's mission, and missionaries conduct the work.
All baptised people are called to be a part of this missionary activity of the Church.
Exploring the Word
At the end of the Gospel of Luke, Jesus’ final instruction to the disciples is to proclaim the Good News to all the nations (Luke 24:47). In today’s text, it seems as if Jesus is throwing the disciples into the deep end! Although they are sent on their first missionary assignment as raw recruits, with little to help them, the lessons they learn in their missions will be greatly needed later. For whatever they seek to achieve in Jesus’ name, they are given the assistance they need. However, Jesus reminds them that the crucial factor is not that they are powerful or that they are successful; it is that they are doing God's will, in Jesus’ name, which is the reason for their ultimate salvation.
In this text, the disciples are not yet fully formed, but they are willing to undertake the mission. Explore how the catechumens are like the disciples in this story. What lessons are they learning?
Do they feel as if they are lambs among wolves? Explore this idea. How is it ‘dangerous’ to be a Christian in today's society?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
How have you been received into the family of God’s people?
In what ways are you called to spread the Good News to others?
At this early stage of the gospel, the disciples are hardly formed for the task they receive. Have you ever been given a job that set you on a ‘steep learning curve’? How did it make you feel? What was your response? How well did you achieve your task? Share your stories with others.
Offer the gift of hospitality to someone this week. Make them feel welcome and give something of ‘the peace of Christ’ to them. Reflect on how this enriches you yourself as well as the recipient of your hospitality.
Use the gospel acclamation as the basis of your prayer this week: May the peace of Christ reign in my heart and may the fullness of his message live in me.
Sharing the tradition
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few.’ All the faithful are called to fulfil their vocation in the Church. For some, this means priestly vocation or religious life. For others, their vocation is fulfilled as a married couple or single layperson.
Explore the idea of vocation in all its rich diversity. You could invite a priest or religious brother or sister to discuss their vocation. Invite a married couple or single layperson to do the same.
One specific vocation within the Church is that of the missionary, who leaves his or her own culture to work in another.
You could recount the story of famous saints who have ‘gone out to the nations’, such as those of St Patrick, St Columban, Francis Xavier and Mother Teresa.
You could discuss the work of missionaries today, or even invite a returned missioner to be with the group. Resources and personnel may be available from the Catholic Mission, Melbourne Overseas Mission or St Columban’s Mission Society.
Symbols and images
This reading makes it clear that Jesus' message is available freely to all. However, it is how people respond to the invitation to faith that differentiates them. Some accept it and peace rests with them, while others reject it and must accept the consequences of their choice.
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
How does your community manifest this missionary aspect of the Church or support missionary groups? How can catechumens become involved in these activities?
Use an image of a pair of sandals and a staff as a focus for prayer. Pray for those who work as missionaries today. Pray for vocations to religious life. Pray for each other as you too seek to understand your vocation. A suitable song could be Take Christ to the World (GA 369). Conclude with the prayer of exorcism in the RCIA at §94F.
First reading
Genesis 18:20–32 Abraham negotiates with the Lord.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 137(138):1–3, 6–8 R. Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.
Second reading
Colossians 2:12–14 Christ has brought you to life with him and forgiven us all our sins.
Gospel acclamation
Romans 8:15bc You have received the Spirit which makes us God’s children, and in that Spirit we call God our Father.
Gospel
Luke 11:1–13 How to pray.
Images from the Word
Teach us
Persistence
Ask
Give me leave
Been raised up
Liturgical notes
In the Lord’s Prayer a petition is made for daily food, which for Christians means preeminently the Eucharistic Bread, and also for purification from sin, so that what is holy may, in fact, be given to those who are holy.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §81
The inclusion of the Lord’s Prayer in the Mass dates back to early times, and its inclusion during Communion draws us in two ways. First, as God’s holy people, we petition the holy one to share his holiness with us: ‘Give us today our daily bread.’ This petition then links the Eucharist with our petition for forgiveness: ‘Forgive us as we forgive.’ God’s generous gift invites us to extend the same forgiveness to those who ‘have trespassed against us’. We then move from this prayer to the sign of peace.
‘Accept, O Lord, we pray, the offerings which we bring from the abundance of your gifts, that through the powerful working of your grace these most sacred mysteries may sanctify our present way of life and lead us to eternal gladness.’
—prayer over the offerings
First reading
Genesis 18:1–10 ‘Next year your wife Sarah will have a son.’
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 14(15):2–5 R. The just will live in the presence of the Lord.
Second reading
Colossians 1:24–28 A mystery hidden for generations has been revealed to God’s saints.
Gospel acclamation
cf. Luke 8:15 Happy are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.
Gospel
Luke 10:38–42 Martha works; Mary listens.
Images from the Word
Welcomed
Distracted
Few are needed
Visit you again
Christ among us
Liturgical notes
For in the celebration of Mass, in which the Sacrifice of the Cross is perpetuated, Christ is really present in the very assembly gathered in his name, in the person of the minister, in his word, and indeed substantially and continuously under the Eucharistic species.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §27
When we gather for Sunday Mass, much more happens than meets the eye. To recognise the depth of what we do, we need attentive faith. Sunday after Sunday, we come to church—and it is all too easy to let this become a routine or empty ritual. Yet, we stand in the very presence of God when we are in the sacred assembly of his beloved people, to whom he speaks through word and sacrament.
‘O God, who in the one perfect sacrifice brought to completion varied offerings of the law, accept, we pray, this sacrifice from your faithful servants and make it holy, as you blessed the gifts of Abel, so that what each has offered to the honour of your majesty may benefit the salvation of all.’
—prayer over the offerings
First reading
Deuteronomy 30:10–14 The Law is not beyond your strength or beyond your reach.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 68(69):14, 17, 30–31, 33–34, 36–37 R. Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live.
Second reading
Colossians 1:15–20 All things were created through Christ and for Christ.
Gospel acclamation
cf. John 6:63c, 68c Your words, Lord, are spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life.
Gospel
Luke 10:25–37 The good Samaritan.
Images from the Word
My neighbour
Half dead
Compassion
Obey
Unseen God
Liturgical notes
The celebration of Mass should be planned:
With due regard for the nature and the particular circumstances of each liturgical assembly, the entire celebration is planned in such a way that it leads to a conscious, active, and full participation of the faithful both in body and in mind, a participation burning with faith, hope, and charity, of the sort which is desired by the Church and demanded by the very nature of the celebration, and to which the Christian people have a right and duty by reason of their Baptism.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §18
The faithful participating at Mass is the heart of its celebration. However, this participation should involve much more than mere actions. What we do must touch our hearts—we need to be ‘living with faith, hope and charity’ as we engage in the celebration. We also need to carry the spirit of the celebration into our lives, and similarly burn to recognise and serve the Christ among us.
‘Look upon the offerings of the Church, O Lord, as she makes her prayer to you, and grant that, when consumed by those who believe, they may bring ever greater holiness.’
—prayer over the offerings
Presider
Jesus teaches us to ask and we will receive, to seek and we will find, to knock and the door will be opened to us. Trusting in his words, we come with confidence before the throne of mercy.
Reader
We pray for Pope Leo and the priests of our Church who lead us in prayer. May Jesus foster in them a deep sense of response to the Spirit, as he did for his disciples.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for those who are oppressed by any need. When life seems difficult, may Jesus’ encouragement to persevere in prayer help them pray in good faith.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for the needs of the local community. May the Lord’s Prayer be a source of inspiration, especially for those who struggle to find their own words to pray.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for everyone in this community of faith. May we pray daily as Jesus taught us, praising God, thanking him for all we have been given, asking him for forgiveness and remembering to forgive others.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who are sick in our parish and for all who take care of them. We pray for those who sleep in Christ, especially those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they be brought to a full life with Christ.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
Gracious Father, receive our prayers of petition. Whenever we call on you, we believe that you will answer us. Amen.
Presider
God has made known the riches of Christ’s glory in us. As a people of prayer, we proclaim our hope to all who are hurting or suffering in some way.
Reader
We pray for Pope Leo and the College of Bishops. May they be strengthened in their ministry of inspiring all people to open their hearts to the word of God.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for the pastoral role of the Church. May it always and everywhere be a house of welcome to all people, regardless of race, beliefs, skin colour, sexual orientation or religion.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for the leaders of nations throughout the world. May they be driven by a sense of duty and service to their people.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for a sense of collaboration in our faith community. May the aspirations of both Martha and Mary continue to be shared in goodwill and mutual service.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who are sick in our parish and for all who have asked for our prayers. We remember those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries we recall at this time. May God welcome them into the eternal kingdom and reward them for their faithful service.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
Merciful God, as with Abraham and Sarah, you give us what we most deeply need. May our prayers, like theirs, find favour in your sight. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Presider
God has brought us reconciliation through Christ. Today, we pray for God to continue helping all who need healing, freedom and peace.
Reader
We pray for Pope Leo and all Church leaders. May they constantly be inspired to proclaim Christ through their ministry of humble service.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our Church agencies that work throughout the world. May they respond to those in need in the spirit of the Good Samaritan—may they be ever willing to challenge the ‘priests and Levites’ of our day.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
On this Apostleship of the Sea Sunday, we pray for all seafaring men and women who work on the oceans. May they be protected from all dangers and return safely to their homes.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who need healing and support in our community. In the spirit of the Good Samaritan, may we do everything we can to improve their lot, whatever it may cost us.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who are sick in our parish and for all who care for them. We remember those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they be led to the fullness of eternal life.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
Merciful God, your Son Jesus has helped us see our neighbour in everyone who is in need. May we fulfil the Gospel’s command by loving God and our neighbour. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
