INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
The least-used eucharistic prayers in the Roman Missal appear to be the two for reconciliation. The first focuses on forgiveness for sin and aligns with today’s gospel. In the preface we pray, “you do not cease to call us to a new and more abundant life and, being rich in mercy, you constantly offer pardon and call on sinners to trust in your forgiveness alone.” The second is concerned with reconciliation in the world, so sorely needed now. In its preface we pray, “by your Spirit you move human hearts, that enemies may speak to each other again, adversaries join hands, and peoples seek to meet together.” How earnestly we pray that this be so, across the face of the earth!
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
For all struggling to survive the brutality of violent aggression, that their terrible suffering will turn hearts of stone to hearts of flesh.
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, by word and example Jesus announced God’s merciful love for all. Let us pray for that love to heal the wounds of our war-torn world.
READER
We pray for all ambassadors of peace, that they remain tireless in their efforts to negotiate an end to death and destruction in Ukraine and all theatres of war. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the world’s humanitarian agencies, that they will be able to provide the shelter, food and safety desperately needed by all who have fled their homeland. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all the peoples of the earth, that in the face of current upheavals and the climate crisis they will respond with collaboration, not competition. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for those who have suffered heartbreaking losses in the floods of eastern Australia, that they will receive the short- and long-term support they need to find a new future. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for ex-combatants in the Democratic Republic of Congo, that our support for Project Compassion will enable them to overcome the trauma and hardships of the past. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the Indigenous communities of Australia, that on-going reform will give them the confidence of receiving fair and just treatment in the administration of the law. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the parents of young children, that they will love them wisely and help them learn to practise peace and mercy in their lives. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for one another, that we will be reconciled to God and made into a new creation. (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 raised from death into the goodness of God. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
God of boundless mercy, you have reconciled us to yourself in Christ. Keep us always on the path of peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord.