Prayers of the people: Companions in faith and love
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
In this week’s intercessionary prayers for parishes, we pray for parish musicians and song leaders. Fourth Sunday of Advent Year C, 22 December 2024.
INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Sandwiched between Micah’s tantalising promise of a shepherd ruler and Luke’s beautiful story of Mary’s encounter with Elizabeth, today’s reading from Hebrews may have all the appeal of an ugly duckling.
It’s a fragment of the letter’s complex theological argument that the old covenant’s system of sacrificial worship has been replaced once and for all by the self-offering of Jesus. It may seem odd to focus on Jesus’ death just prior to celebrating his birth, but these two critical moments go hand in hand in every earthly life. To be born is to be destined to die. What matters is how we live out this truth.
Mary, Elizabeth and Jesus are our companions in faith and love as we navigate our pilgrim way.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for parish musicians and song leaders, that their ministry will enable the whole community to celebrate the Christmas mystery with joyful praise.
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, Mary’s gracious visit to her cousin Elizabeth was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit. Sharing their gladness and gratitude, let us pray for God’s blessing on the world.
READER
We pray for the leaders of the world’s great faiths, that together they will proclaim a powerful message of grace and peace for all humankind. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for Catholic believers, that the opening of the Jubilee Year on Christmas Eve will call them to set out afresh as pilgrims of hope in our shadowed world. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for all who feel powerless to change the world or their own lives for the better, that they will not be disheartened but find the strength to persist. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for women of spirit like Mary and Elizabeth, that their bold belief in God’s saving power will inspire young and old alike to lives of daring faith. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for the countless women around the world living under cruelly oppressive regimes, that their right to education, independence and freedom of expression will come to be respected. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for all expectant mothers, that their hopes for a safe confinement and the gift of new life will be happily fulfilled. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for those who carry grief in their hearts at this time of the year, that whatever sorrow afflicts them they will be comforted by the love of friends and the embrace of the community. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for ourselves, our families and our friends, that these final days of preparation for Christmas will be peaceful and prayerful for all. (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 be led by the Good Shepherd to the banquet of eternal life. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
PRESIDER
Faithful God, from the dawn of time you have watched over your people. Be with us always on our way through the seasons of our lives. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
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Prayers of the people: Thankful for God’s love
CHRISTMAS DAY
In today’s intercessionary prayers for parishes, we pray for all children being born into the world this day. Christmas Day Year C, 25 December 2024.
INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
There’s a short Christmas reflection in Pope Francis’ recent letter on Jesus’ heart of love: “The Gospel tells us that Jesus ‘came to his own’ (Jn 1:11). Those words refer to us, for the Lord does not treat us as strangers but as a possession that he watches over and cherishes. He treats us truly as ‘his own’. This does not mean that we are his slaves, something that he himself denies: ‘I do not call you servants’ (Jn 15:15). Rather, it refers to the sense of mutual belonging typical of friends. Jesus came to meet us, bridging all distances; he became as close to us as the simplest, everyday realities of our lives.” (#34). For this loving presence we give thanks today.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For all children being born into the world this day, that they will be cherished, kept safe and enabled to flourish.
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, on this holy night/day we thrill with joy at the birth of the Christ-child, Son of David and Prince of Peace. With glad hearts we pray for our sisters and brothers around the world.
READER
We pray for the whole human family, that the glory of Christmas will shine forth across the earth and bring fresh heart to all who long for peace. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for the church at large, that tonight’s/today’s festival of grace and the launch of the Jubilee Year will inspire all believers to live the mystery of Christ. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for the nations and peoples of the Middle East, that the catastrophic toll of death and destruction there will finally persuade leaders to agree to terms of peace. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for Christian believers still living in the land of Jesus’ birth, that though few in number they will stay strong and steadfast in their witness to the gospel. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for the countless men, women and children around the world denied a safe place in which to dwell, that the world community will unite to provide them with secure shelter. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for those who volunteer today to serve the homeless and the hungry, that they will bring the kindness of Christ to those for whom life is a daily struggle, (pause) let us pray to the Lord
We pray for all who will gather for a festive meal with family and friends today, that their table fellowship will be full of love and gratitude and joy. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for those who are burdened by sadness, hurt or loneliness on Christmas Day, that they will find their way to a place of welcome and comfort. (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 be raised up to the glory of the Son of God. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
PRESIDER
Eternal God, today your Word took flesh and dwelt among us. Open our eyes to see him in everyone we meet. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
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Prayers of the people: We are children of God
FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY
In this week’s intercessionary prayers for parishes, we pray for all parents. Feast of the Holy Family Year C, 29 December 2024.
INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Added in 1921, the feast of the Holy Family is a latecomer to the church’s calendar of worship. By contrast, Wednesday’s solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, has an impressive pedigree. Mary was honoured with this title even before the Council of Ephesus decreed its validity in 431.
Old and new, these festivals take us deeper into the mystery of Jesus, uniquely divine and human. They remind us too of our own true identity. “We are already the children of God,” John writes today.
That’s a saying to keep musing on. It invites us to wonder at the best of ourselves – our capacity for selfless love, for delighting in beauty, for relishing the truth. All spirit-inspired, all enfleshed, all to be gratefully cherished.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for parents, that they will be loving, wise and steadfast guides for their children as they make their way to maturity and independence.
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, from an early age Jesus set himself to do God’s work. Let us join him in spirit and pray for God’s will to be done in our world.
READER
We pray for families, that in all their diversity they will share in the same blessings of love, wisdom and life in abundance. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for parents, that they will take great delight in their children and enable them to thrive. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for children, that year by year they will grow, as Jesus did, in wisdom, maturity and grace. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for national leaders, that they will promote social policies and fund support systems that allow families to flourish. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for the whole human family, that New Year’s Day and the feast of the Mother of God will usher in a new era of peace, mercy and love. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for all who bear grief or regret in their hearts, that the dawn of a new year will offer them healing and hope. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for young adults setting out in life, that they will give prayerful consideration to choosing a life of Christian service. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for holiday-makers and travellers, that they will enjoy a refreshing break and return home safe and well. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for those who have died recently, those who have died this year, and those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that they will be welcomed with joy into the communion of saints. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
PRESIDER
God of all ages, in the fulness of time you sent your Son to be born among us and grow up in a human family. Open our eyes to see him as our Emmanuel, God-ever-with-us. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
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Prayers of the people: Who is Jesus to us?
FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY
In this week’s intercessionary prayers for parishes, we pray for artists of every kind. Feast of the Epiphany Year C, 5 January 2025.
INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Matthew’s story of the Magi captured the imagination of early Christians. A depiction of it appeared in the Roman catacomb of St Priscilla around the middle of the third century.
Three shadowy figures approach a seated mother and child. It’s a rough and ready representation in comparison with the finely wrought detail and glorious colour of the Renaissance masters, but it invites us to bypass the later legends and return to Matthew’s original account. As much as we might speculate on the identity of the mysterious visitors, the key issue is the identity of the child. Matthew calls him ‘Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham’ (1:1). How, we might wonder, to best name this child for ourselves and for our time?
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for artists of every kind, that their creative works will offer us fresh insight into the truth and beauty and goodness of God.
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, today we rejoice in the revelation of God’s saving grace for all humankind. With confidence and peace we place the hopes of the world in God’s loving hands.
READER
We pray for all members of the human family. May we proclaim our common humanity and work together for global peace and freedom. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for those who care for our natural world. May they reveal the glory of creation to us and inspire us to cherish and protect it. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the tens of millions of displaced and famished people of Sudan. May this terrible humanitarian catastrophe be brought to a merciful end. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the Eastern Christian churches celebrating Epiphany today. May they enrich the whole Body of Christ with their time-honoured traditions of faith and worship. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who have left their homeland to bear missionary witness to the gospel in other lands and cultures. May they make the saving mystery of Christ known to all. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful of Australia’s country dioceses, especially those that are most remote and under-resourced. May their grass-roots ministry strengthen the solidarity of local communities. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for children who are hospitalised at this time. May they receive fine medical, nursing and pastoral care and be comforted by the loving support of family. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for emergency and essential service workers on duty through the summer holidays. May they keep themselves and the whole community safe. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the recently deceased . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time. May they see God face to face and live in glory for ever. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
God of unfailing mercy, your Son has led us out of the shadow of death into your glorious light. Help us live always as children of the light. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
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Prayers of the people: Season of salvation
BAPTISM OF THE LORD
In this week’s intercessionary prayers for parishes we pray for all those who devote themselves to a life of prayer in community. Baptism of the Lord Year C, 12 January 2025
INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
In today’s preface, we thank God for the ‘signs and wonders’ of Jesus’ baptism. They have led us ‘to believe in your Word dwelling among us’ and ‘to know that Christ your Servant has been anointed with the oil of gladness and sent to bring the good news to the poor.’
With the feast of Jesus’ baptism, we fly over the silent years of his childhood and youth and arrive at the brink of his public ministry. Soon enough Jesus will be in the synagogue of his hometown to launch his prophetic mission of good news, liberation and jubilee (Lk 4:18) and also to catch a glimpse of the cross.
Today we bid farewell to Christmas and welcome a new season of salvation.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for those who devote themselves to a life of prayer in community, that they will know God’s favour rests on them.
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, today we look to Jesus, baptised by John and named from heaven as God’s Beloved Son. Let us pray for the world as the baptised children of God.
READER
We pray for all who have been baptised in Christ. May their life in the Spirit display God’s saving love for the whole human family. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for Pope Francis and all the bishops of the church. May they be spirited ministers of the gospel and faithful shepherds of the flock. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the church in Australia. May parishes and dioceses progress on the path of synodality this year. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for people living in lands of drought and water scarcity. May governments cooperate to ensure supplies of safe clean water are justly shared. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for defence personnel engaged in peace-keeping in places of hatred and violence. May they succeed in keeping communities safe and reducing tension. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for park rangers and all who are custodians of Australia’s natural heritage. May they lead us to a deep appreciation of the wonders with which our land is blessed. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for holiday-makers and travellers. May they enjoy a refreshing break and return home safe and well. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who depend on community services that are reduced at this time of year. May the support of family, friends and volunteers see them safely through. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the recently deceased . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time. May they inherit the eternal life promised to the whole human race. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
Holy God and Father of Jesus, you looked with favour on your Beloved Son. Bless us always as your adopted daughters and sons. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.