INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Paul’s advice to Timothy to ‘fan into a flame the gift that God gave you’ is what all the baptised are being called to do today – to awaken the sleeping giant of their true selves.
It’s time to cast aside timidity and be driven instead by ‘the Spirit of power, and love, and self-control’. In this triad self-control may seem oddly out of place, lacking the dynamism of power and love, but it complements them.
It’s the Stoic ethic of self-discipline or moderation or prudence. It’s not a negative constraint but the positive channelling of energy into the steadfast practice of virtue. That may sound unfashionable in today’s world of self-construction but it’s key to the freedom of the spirit.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For all who have lost confidence in the Christian Gospel and are unsure of what they believe, that Spirit will rekindle faith 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, Jesus dares us to believe that with faith we can change the world. Taking his word to heart, let us pray for a new heaven and a new earth.
READER
We pray in thanksgiving for all who have brought home to us the power of faith. May their example be an unfailing source of inspiration for us. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who have been baptised in Christ. May they fan into flame the Spirit’s gift of power and love and self-control. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for peace in Ukraine and every place of armed conflict. May today’s World Day of Non-Violence (2 October) move opponents to seek peaceful means of resolving their differences. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all living creatures. May the feast of St Francis of Assisi (4 October) strengthen our resolve to protect the habitat they need to survive and thrive. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for Jewish people around the world preparing for Yom Kippur (from sundown 4 October-sundown 5 October). May this solemn observance of atonement and repentance renew their faith in God’s saving mercy. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for asylum seekers still stranded on Nauru and Manus Island and for all temporary visa holders in Australia. May their cruel ordeal be brought swiftly to a just end. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for young people struggling with anxiety and uncertainty. May family and friends accompany them with understanding, love and patience. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for one another. May we help each other nurture our physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. (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 be made welcome at the banquet of eternal life. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
All-embracing God, you never cease to look with love on everything you have made. Make us faithful servants of your goodness. We ask this through Christ our Lord.