INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Isaiah’s vision was magnificent. He gazed at the angelic powers crying out ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts’ and acclaiming God’s glory on earth.
Like Peter when he saw Jesus’ divine power, the prophet was overwhelmed by unworthiness. But neither he nor Peter were allowed to languish in that state. Both are summoned out of their self-consciousness and emboldened for mission.
We repeat the angelic refrain at every Mass. Would that our recital evoked awe within us and dared us to cry out ‘Here I am, send me’! We may marvel at the birth of a child, the power of nature, an exquisite melody or a loving touch. How much untapped potential for wonder and mission there is in the holy mysteries.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For all who are employed in church agencies and institutions, that they will undertake their work gladly in service of the gospel.
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, Jesus calls Simon Peter to forget his fear and put his faith in the power of God’s word. Trusting in God’s pledge to make all things new, let us place our hopes and needs in God’s loving hands.
READER
We pray for all who are called to be prophets, apostles and fishers of people, that they will be fearless heralds of the kingdom of God. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for those whose preaching of the Gospel puts them at risk of ridicule, rejection, harassment or even death, that they will continue to bear resolute witness to Christ. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for all who work in the field of religious media, that they will fulfil their mission of communication with fidelity and creativity. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for sick people around the world, that this week’s Day of Prayer for the Sick (11 February) will give them comfort, strength and connection with others. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for all who have been forced to flee their homes and abandon their life’s belongings, that they will have the courage to begin again, wherever they have found refuge. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for the First Nations people of Australia, that this week’s anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations (13 February) will heal old wounds and assure them of their ancestral rights. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for women who grieve at having given up their baby for adoption, that whether reunited with their child or not they will find peace of heart and fulfilment. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for children who arrive at school hungry, that they will be offered the nourishment they need to fuel their learning and development. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for those who have died recently . . . . , and those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that they will enjoy the vision of God in heavenly glory for ever. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
PRESIDER
Holy God, you sent your Son among us to open our eyes to the wonder of your love. Give us the freedom of heart to share gladly in his mission. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.