INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
After several readings from Paul’s magisterial letter to the Romans, we begin four from his letter to the Christians of Philippi.
Overall, it’s wonderfully joyful and affectionate, though that’s not evident in today’s excerpt. The tone is set in the opening verses which are omitted here, being allocated to Advent. After a formal greeting, Paul launches into a beautiful prayer for his dear Philippians (1:3-11). “God knows how much I miss you all, loving you as Christ Jesus loves you. . . My prayer is that your love for each other may increase more and more.” He wants them to grow in knowledge and goodness.
It's a shepherd’s prayer for his flock. It begs to be our prayer for one another.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for the multitude of men, women and children enslaved by unscrupulous labour merchants, that the tide of justice will turn and set them free from bondage.
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, the word of God has spoken to us of God’s wonderful generosity. With glad hearts let us pray for all humankind to know the goodness of God.
READER
We pray for all those struggling to decide whether to leave their homeland or stay, that today’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees will help enlarge their freedom of choice. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for all who long for a peaceful world, that today’s United Nations Day for the Elimination of Nuclear Weapons (26 September) will give them reason for hope. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the people of Libya suffering devastation and great loss of life from catastrophic floods, that the world community will come to their relief with emergency and long-term aid. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for Jewish people observing Yom Kippur (24/25 September) and celebrating Sukkot (29 September–6 October) this week, that they will be renewed in their faithfulness to God’s ancient covenant. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for all taking part in the national pastoral musicians’ conference in Brisbane this week, that their reflection on the art of liturgical celebration will enrich parishes in every diocese. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for workers short-changed of their proper wage or entitlements, that their right to fair recompense and just employment will be fully upheld. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for youth workers, community leaders and the police, that their collective efforts to guide young people away from crime will bear much good fruit. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the board members of Catholic health institutions, that they will be blessed with the wisdom they need to protect and promote a gospel-based ethic of life. (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 they will share to the full in the glory of Christ. (pause) let us pray to the Lord.
PRESIDER
God of unfathomable love, you never cease to enliven all that you have made. Set us free to share your life and love with all the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord.