INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
The short sharp texts from Amos and Mark serve as foils for the elaborate blessing they enclose. The prophet and evangelist ground us in the earthy reality of mission.
Amos, uprooted from his work on the land and sent to prophesy, encounters dismissive contempt from the establishment. The Twelve are sent out defenceless and warned they may get a hostile reception.
Paul’s effusive prayer takes us into another realm, that of divine bounty, blessing, grace and glory. If this seems out of this world, one tiny phrase – ‘through his blood’ – brings us back to earth. Paul’s hymn of praise is not the product of a fevered imagination but the fruit of his discovery and following of Jesus, crucified and risen.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for girls and women living under oppressive regimes that deny them education and respect for their full humanity, that they will remain strong in spirit and free in their hearts.
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, called by Jesus to take his mission of mercy and healing to the world, let us open our hearts in prayer for all in need.
READER
We pray for all who have been baptised in Christ and signed with the Holy Spirit, that they will be a people of praise and thanks to God for the wealth of divine blessings they enjoy. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the church, that all its members, lay and ordained, will proclaim the reign of God, call others to a change of heart, and grace them with health of mind, body and spirit. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for our troubled, divided and anxious world, that faithful prophets will stir up fresh hope for a world-wide revolution of love to renew the face of the earth. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for an end to the killing in Ukraine, Gaza, Myanmar, Sudan and every place of bloodshed, that children may be freed from the shadow of death and be able to play again in peace. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for refugees and asylum seekers burdened with constant uncertainty about their future, that local, national and international collaboration will open up pathways to secure settlement for them. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for child protection workers, that with strong personal and professional support they will deal wisely with the complex and challenging cases that confront them. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for company board members and managers, that they will make sure their staff work in a safe environment, free from bullying, harassment and discrimination. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for artists, writers, musicians and all performing artists, that their creative gifts will expand our imaginations and enrich our humanity. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for those who have died recently . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that they will enjoy all the spiritual blessings of heaven in Christ. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
PRESIDER
God of infinite wisdom, in Christ your Son you have revealed to us the mystery of your will. Enlighten our minds and inflame our hearts that we may live truly as your daughters and sons. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.