INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Faced with our mortality, we’re unlikely these days to act on Paul’s advice to the Thessalonians – to comfort each other with talk of trumpets, archangels, and meeting the Lord in the air. The imagery no longer persuades us.
In the process, the question of how we transition from this life to the next has faded into silence. Funeral services now seem to combine remembrance of the deceased person’s life with a naïve faith in their immediate resurrection. What is lost is an honest recognition of their human failings and the need for some kind of purification to prepare them for the vision of God.
We used to call it purgatory. There’s work to be done to re-imagine our destiny and how we arrive there.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for children orphaned by war or natural disaster, that the loss of their parents will be eased by the loving care of relatives, friends and the community.
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, ever watchful for the signs of God’s gracious presence among us, let us pray for our fractured world to find new hope and peace.
READER
We pray for the whole human family, that leaders with deep wisdom, breadth of vision and true humanity will arise to rekindle the world’s hopes for peace. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for the Christian churches, that their communities will be a joyful sign of the divine wedding feast to which all are invited. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for those who are driven by power, hate or revenge to wage war on the innocent, that by the power of God’s Spirit they will forsake their rage and lay down their arms. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for scientists and engineers developing technologies to reduce global warming, that their creative endeavours will gain enough support to prevent climate failure. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for volunteers and agencies caring for refugees and asylum seekers in the Australian community, that they will succeed in making them feel welcome and at home in our midst. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for civil celebrants officiating at weddings, funerals and other services, that their ministry will be a blessing for all taking part in these milestone events. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for councillors and staff working in local government, especially in regional Australia, that their engagement with local communities will foster a spirit of sharing and solidarity. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for parents blessed with the birth of their first child, that they will treasure the gift of new life and grow together as a loving family. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for those who have died recently . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that they will rise with Christ and remain with him for ever. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
PRESIDER
Holy God and Fount of Wisdom, you promise us the fullness of joy in your presence. Sustain us with hope as we make our way to you. We ask this through Christ our Lord.