INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
A longer version of today’s reading from Romans may be used in funeral services.
Starting with Paul’s observation about the influence we have on others, it finishes at the judgment seat of God. Whether this text is chosen or not, funerals invite us to reflect on the deceased person’s life and the impact it has had on us.
We may learn amazing things we never knew about the one being bade farewell. We may also note a discreet veil drawn over his or her darker self and deeds. Either way, we’re prompted to muse on how our own lives affect others, for better or for worse.
If worse, we pray for forgiveness and healing. If better, we rejoice and give thanks to God.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for all who sow seeds of forgiveness day by day, that their constant practice of mercy will help renew the face of the earth.
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 forgive as generously as we are forgiven. Thankful for God’s boundless mercy, let us open our hearts in prayer for the needs of the world.
READER
We pray for the people of Morocco devastated by deadly earthquake; that all who have been bereaved, injured or made homeless will receive the emergency and long-term aid they need to recover. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for practitioners of restorative justice, that their work will resolve historic conflicts and open the way to deep healing. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for Christian churches around the world, that they will bear credible witness to the all-embracing mercy of God. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for leaders taking part in this week’s United Nations Climate Ambition Summit, that they will agree to take more effective action to halt global warming. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the voters of Australia, that they will consider the referendum question on the Voice to Parliament carefully and vote according to their conscience. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for communities living in fire-prone areas around the country, that they will take the steps needed to prepare for the dangers of a hot dry summer. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for all participants in the upcoming Synod in Rome, that they will be charged with the same Spirit that enthused young believers at World Youth Day this year. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for all who are part of the fabric of our lives, that we will inspire one another to belong to Christ, Lord of the living and the dead. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for those who have died recently . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that by God’s saving power they will rise to eternal life. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
PRESIDER
God of all mercy and compassion, come to our aid. Help us believe in your unfailing love and proclaim it to the ends of the earth. We ask this through Christ our Lord.