BIDDING PRAYERS
PRIEST
God the Father calls us to himself in prayer and worship. On this Racial Justice Sunday, let us open our hearts to him.
READER
We pray for our country: may God make us a society in his image, a society which welcomes the stranger, gives refuge to the homeless and shares its riches with those in need: (pause) … Lord hear us.
Let us pray for our bishops and priests: may the Lord grant them wisdom and endurance in their work for justice. May their efforts help to make the Church a community rooted in fairness, reflecting in all its aspects, God’s love for each human person: (pause) … Lord hear us.
Let us pray for all victims of racial injustice: we pray for skilled and unskilled young men and women who experience difficulty getting jobs because of their skin colour; we pray too for families intimidated by violence and abuse in their homes or in the streets around which they live: (pause) … Lord hear us.
Let us pray for ourselves: may we not harden our hearts but open our eyes and ears to the appeals for justice by our fellow citizens. Strengthen us to eradicate prejudice in our own hearts, and discrimination in our society: (pause) … Lord hear us.
We join our prayers with Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church, as we say together: Hail Mary …etc.
Let us pray in silence for our own intentions.
PRIEST
God of our past, present and future, you created each one of us in your image and likeness, help us to recognise you in each person. As we pray for an end to suffering caused by racism lead us this day to walk with one another, pray with one another and work together, so that we create a future based on justice and healing, where all can fulfil the hope you have for all peoples. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Racial Justice Sunday