BIDDING PRAYERS
PRIEST
Jesus Christ has called us to be his disciples and to take up our cross daily and follow him. Let us ask God our Father for all the graces which such discipleship means.
READER
We pray for those in the Church who suffer for their faith: may they unite their trials and persecutions with the Passion of their Lord and Saviour. May they be witnesses to the world that the power of faith overcomes the pain of suffering: (pause) … Lord hear us.
Let us pray for leaders of Christian movements in hostile, atheistic nations: may they experience deep inner peace of soul and a clear testimony of conscience in order to faithfully live out their discipleship of Christ: (pause) … Lord hear us.
For those who are confined to bed because of illness: may they see their confinement to a sick room as a sharing with Jesus on the Cross. May their thoughts be centred on him in the glory of the Resurrection: (pause) … Lord hear us.
We pray for those who find it very difficult to take up their own personal crosses, especially those who prefer the ways of the world: may their hearts be moved by the words of the Gospel, and may they find the peace of mind that only a firm and true faith can bring: (pause) … Lord hear us.
We pray with Mary, Mother of the Crucified Lord, as we say: Hail Mary…etc.
In the silence of our hearts, we make our own personal prayers to a Father who is always ready to hear us.
PRIEST
God our Father, in this valley of tears, we make our prayers to you who are our strength and joy, that we may always follow you more closely. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A