BIDDING PRAYERS
PRIEST
Let us pray to God our Father, who sent his only Son to save us from our sins, and ask the help of his Holy Spirit for all the graces for the Church and the world.
READER
We pray for our Holy Father, Pope Francis: may he be guided by the Holy Spirit in all that he says and does and so help to provide this world with the spiritual leadership it needs: (pause) … Lord hear us.
Let us pray for a greater spirit of understanding in society: may all leaders seek to achieve reconciliation and mutual forgiveness between polarised sections of the community so that all may strive to live in peace, justice and harmony: (pause) … Lord hear us.
We remember those whose lives are adversely affected by unjust governments and vested interests: may the international community use all means at its disposal to exert pressure on those who use violation of human rights as deliberate policy that it is essential they change their ways: (pause) … Lord hear us.
We pray for a deeper spirit of prayer in the community: may we ask the Holy Spirit to help us in our weakness, teaching us how to pray for the things of the Spirit by always calling on God as a Father: (pause) … Lord hear us.
We pray with Mary, the Help of Christians, as we say: Hail Mary … etc.
We pray in silence for our own intentions to God our Father, who knows our every need.
PRIEST
God our Father, you give us your Holy Spirit as strength in our weakness. Help us, through that same Spirit, to grow in holiness of life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A