NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Prayers of the people: Way of revolutionary love

6 August 2021

In this week’s intercessionary prayers for parishes, we pray for all who have lost their way in life. Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Year B, 15 August 2021

INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION

On the very day that the church turns its gaze heavenward, seeing Mary as ‘a sign of sure hope and comfort to your pilgrim people’ (Preface), it repeats her praise of the God who turns this world upside down.

She exults in God who has ‘routed the proud of heart . . . pulled down princes from their thrones . . . sent the rich empty away.’ She rejoices that God has exalted the lowly and filled the hungry with good things.

The message is clear. Even as it confirms our hope of glory, today’s feast specifies the path that leads there. It’s the way of revolutionary love; not the highway of hubris, but the pathway of humble service.

THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS

For all who have lost their way in life, that the compassion of others will rekindle hope 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, we thank God today for bringing Mary’s life of faith to heavenly fulfilment. With her unbounded trust in God’s power and goodness, let us pray for all our needs.

READER

  1. We pray for the church as the pilgrim people of God. May all the baptised look to Mary as Mother of the Church and sign of their glorious destiny. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  2. We pray for those for whom Mary prayed – the lowly, the hungry, and all in need of mercy. May God use us to do great things for them. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  3. We pray for the many famine-stricken peoples of Africa. May this week’s World Humanitarian Day hasten the provision of emergency relief. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  4. We pray for scientists around the world, especially those working on remedies for the COVID pandemic and the climate crisis. May their endeavours keep all people safe. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  5. We pray for community groups providing shelter for homeless people and refugees. May this dedicated service give many the security they need for a fresh start in life. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  6. We pray for all who work in childcare centres and kindergartens. May they find joy in caring for the young children entrusted to them. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  7. We pray for single parents. May they be encouraged and well supported by their families, friends and community. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  8. We pray for the members of institutes of consecrated life inspired by Mary’s life of faith. May their lives testify to God’s mercy and compassion. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  9. We pray for the recently deceased . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time. May they be raised to glory with Mary and all the saints. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.

PRESIDER

Holy God, you show the greatness of your power by raising up the lowly and filling the hungry with good things. Help us bless the world with your mercy. We ask this through Christ our Lord.