EASTER SUNDAY | SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: EVERYDAY GRACES
In this week’s intercessionary prayers for parishes, we pray for all who dwell in the homeland of Jesus. Easter Sunday Year B, 31 March 2024.
INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Mary Magdalene is first to the tomb of Jesus, finds it empty and returns confused. Simon Peter and the beloved disciple go and see things for themselves.
Strangely it’s the sight of a seemingly mundane detail – a folded head cloth – that sheds light on the wondrous mystery they have encountered. This invites reflection on everyday signs of Resurrection that we are prone to overlook.
Random acts of kindness, the daily faithfulness of love, moments of self-sacrifice, glimpses of beauty, the wonder of melody, the willingness to forgive, the silent intimacy of friendship, the unfolding of a flower – it’s an endless litany of grace.
On this the evangelists agree – no grand display testified to Jesus’ rising. Grace has a million everyday faces.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for all who dwell in the homeland of Jesus – Jews, Moslems, Christians, other believers and non-believers – that by the grace of God they will walk the path of peace together.
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 day of light, peace and joy, let us turn in prayer to our loving and life-giving God.
READER
We pray for the human family around the world, that the light of Easter will dawn in every land, dispel all fear, and show forth the everlasting goodness of God. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the many and varied Christian churches, that they will bear united witness to the good news of Jesus’ victory over sin and death. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all those newly baptised into the death and resurrection of Jesus, that they will be welcomed into their parish community and take their place gladly at the eucharistic table. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who live in a dark world of pain, deprivation and despair, that the kindness of others will kindle the flame of hope in their hearts. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for those at the forefront of the artificial intelligence revolution, that they will ensure its potential is used for human flourishing, not its exploitation. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the First Nations people of Australia, that their traditional wisdom and knowledge will inform our care for the land and all its creatures. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for families unable to afford school holiday travel or entertainment, that they will be able to access healthy and enjoyable low-cost activities. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for family members and friends who do not share our Easter faith, that we will remain united with them through lives of goodness, mercy and compassion. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for those who have died recently . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that they will rejoice and be glad for ever with all the saints. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
Ever-faithful God, in the resurrection of your Son you have given us the pledge of eternal life. May your promise guide and govern our way on earth. We ask this through Christ, our risen Lord.
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SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: THE HUMAN FAMILY
In this week’s intercessionary prayers for parishes, we pray for all those who are reluctant to believe. Second Sunday of Easter Year B, 7 April 2024.
INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Luke’s ideal portrait of a united Christian community in Jerusalem is appealing. So is Pope Francis’ vision for humanity in Fratelli Tutti, his 2020 encyclical on Fraternity and Social Friendship.
“It is my desire,” he wrote, “that, in this our time, by acknowledging the dignity of each human person, we can contribute to the rebirth of a universal aspiration to fraternity. Fraternity between all men and women. . . Let us dream, then, as a single human family, as fellow travellers sharing the same flesh, as children of the same earth which is our common home, each of us bringing the richness of his or her beliefs and convictions, each of us with his or her own voice, brothers and sisters all.” (#8)
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for all who, like Thomas the apostle, are reluctant to believe, that touching the wounds of the world will open their hearts to faith.
PRESIDER
Dear friends, after greeting them with peace, the Risen Lord sends his disciples forth on a mission of forgiveness. Let us commend our world to the mercy and goodness of God.
READER
We pray for Pope Francis, our local bishop and all ministers of the Gospel, that they will be spirited apostles of peace and reconciliation in our fractured world. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for a world-wide revolution of mercy, that past and present enmities will be replaced by a steadfast commitment to forgiveness, healing and renewal. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for children and vulnerable adults conscripted into armies and militias against their will, that they will find the way to break free from lives of murderous violence. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the World Health Organisation, that today’s World Health Day (7 April) will highlight its work for the right of every human being to enjoy good health. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the followers of Islam, that they will celebrate the end of Ramadan this week (9 April) with joy and thanksgiving. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the religious sisters of Australia, that as they grow fewer in number and older in age, they will continue to bear prophetic witness to the joy of the Gospel. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for chaplains in hospitals, aged care facilities and nursing homes, that they will be gracious ministers of God’s loving-kindness for all. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for our parish community, that tomorrow’s feast of the Annunciation (8 April) will inspire us to join Mary in her unreserved yes to God’s invitation to love. (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 blessed with the eternal life promised us by Jesus. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
Loving God, you bring us to new birth in the water and blood of Jesus. Keep us true to his name. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.