INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
The ancient words of Wisdom – ‘the world’s created things have health in them’ and ‘God takes no pleasure in the extinction of the living’ – have gained powerful new force in our time, for all the wrong reasons.
Once healthy ecosystems are under severe threat from global warming. Many species are under threat of extinction. We have yet to realise with sufficient clarity that human wellbeing is dependent on and interdependent with the health of creation.
Pope Francis published his ground-breaking encyclical on ecology and climate, Laudato si’, nearly a decade ago. It’s time to both re-read it and redouble our efforts to put it into practice. Governments and industry have much to do, but the work begins in our own hearts and homes.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for all who live with chronic pain and debilitating illness, that with medical help and loving care they will succeed in leading fulfilling lives.
SAMPLE INTERCESSIONS
These intercessions are offered for selected use at Sunday Mass in the parish alongside those that express local needs and concerns.
PRESIDER
Dear friends, for those who turn to him in faith, Jesus offers healing and life. Let us pray for the whole world to find fulfilling life in him.
READER
We pray for Christian communities in every land, that they may be families of faith in which all can find healing, wholeness and hope. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the spiritual renewal of humanity, that everyone will come to recognise the dignity and glory that is theirs as created images of God. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for a global sharing of wealth, that nations with an abundance of resources will use their assets to enrich those with little to get by on. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for baptised believers in historic lands where their communities have shrunk and are in decline, that their steadfast faith will give rise to new growth and vitality. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for climate scientists, that their expertise will persuade government and industry policy-makers to do all in their power to keep the planet safe and healthy. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the young Australians losing hope in ever securing affordable housing, that their plight will spur effective action to overcome generational inequity. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the police and all whose work is to keep the community safe, that they will hold fast to their ideals of service and be respected for their role. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for those who grieve the loss of loved ones, that they will treasure their memories, find peace of heart, and dare to trust in the future. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the recently deceased . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that they will be awakened from the sleep of death to the dawn of eternal life. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
All-loving God, you never cease to bless us with the gift of life. Open our hearts in generous love for all that you have made. We ask this through Christ our Lord.