In this week’s intercessionary prayers for parishes, we pray for the delegates to the Plenary Council. Sixth Sunday of Easter Year B, 9 May 2021
INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
The insight came independently – to Paul, via a mystical experience on the Damascus road, to Peter, in a vision during prayer in Joppa. Both saw that the good news of Jesus was destined for all.
Three times Peter saw a sheet lowered from heaven filled with unclean creatures for him to eat, a telling sign that sent him to the house of Cornelius to declare that salvation knew no limits.
In Pope Francis’ words, the Gospel must be preached ‘to all: to all places, on all occasions, without hesitation, reluctance or fear. The joy of the Gospel is for all people: no one can be excluded’ (The Joy of the Gospel, 23). Gospel joy – that’s the spirit of Easter.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For the delegates to the Plenary Council, that they will be filled with the joy of the Gospel and the wisdom of the Spirit.
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 us to love as he has loved. Assured of the Father’s answer to our prayer, let us ask for God’s blessing on all that lives.
READER
- For all who take the Gospel to new places and peoples, that like Peter they will witness an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For all who have been baptised in the name of Jesus, that they will be a credible sign of God’s saving love for the world. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the leaders of industrialised nations, that they will become committed champions of climate justice. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For all who are tending the dying and burying the dead in COVID-ravaged countries, that they will stay strong in body, mind and spirit. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the followers of Islam marking the end of Ramadan, that they will celebrate joyfully with family, friends and their faith community. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For mothers, grandmothers and all who have a motherly role, that they will be blessed by the children they have raised with love. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For nurses around the world, that International Nurses Day will reinforce community appreciation for their devoted service. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For those who risk their lives defending indigenous rights, that their courage will secure the protection of their lands and culture. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the recently deceased . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that they will be born anew into the life of God. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
God of all goodness, by his self-sacrificing love your Son Jesus has freed us from sin. Guide us in the ways of love and mercy. We ask this through Christ our Lord.