INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
It’s five years since Australian Catholics were asked ‘What do you think God is asking of us in Australia at this time?’
The Plenary Council logo included the words, ‘Listen to what the Spirit is saying . . .’ Now the entire church is engaged in a similar exercise for the second session of the Synod on Synodality. Neither here nor in the church at large have we yet witnessed a dramatic revolution akin to that of the Pentecost event that launched the mission of the church.
It’s time to renew our determination to let God’s Spirit completely transform us. May we be a bold band of apostles that hears and responds to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for children celebrating the sacrament of confirmation this year, that under the guidance of the Holy Spirit they will grow strong in faith, generous in love and resolute in hope.
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, the Holy Spirit has kindled the fire of love in our hearts. In the warmth and power of that love, let us pray for the human family with all its joys and hopes and griefs and anxieties.
READER
We pray for a world-wide awakening to the wonder of creation, that all of humankind will delight in and cherish the gift God has entrusted to our care. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the blessing of peace on our fractured and violent world, that children in every place of bloodshed, anger and injustice can play safely again. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the light of truth to shine out across the world, that the dark power of social media for falsehood and disinformation will be exposed and disarmed. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for a spirit of true freedom to flourish in human hearts, that the decaying fruits of self-indulgence will be turned into a healthy harvest of grace. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the Australian church, that under the patronage of Mary, Help of Christians, it will respond with enterprise to the challenge of contemporary unbelief and disregard. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the doctors, nurses and carers who minister to those approaching the end of their lives, that Palliative Care Week (19-25 May) will help make their work of compassion better understood and appreciated. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for all who received the sacraments of Christian initiation this Easter, that they will continue to grow in the life of the Spirit and bear joyful witness to Christ. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for workers in the old energy sector, that as the industry experiences change and upheaval they and their families and communities will be justly supported. (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 to eternal life by the Spirit of the risen Lord. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
PRESIDER
Holy God, your Spirit anoints us with wisdom and love. Impel us by these gifts to renew the face of the earth. We ask this through Christ, our risen Lord.