BIDDING PRAYERS
PRIEST
In the name of Jesus Christ, our brother, who has given us a new commandment that we are to love even our enemies, we make our prayer to God our Father, confident in the knowledge that he loves us and will answer our prayers.
READER
- Let us pray for the leaders of the Church: may they be so strengthened in faith and love that they will lead their people in the ways of love and forgiveness: (pause) … Lord hear us.
- We pray for the governments of our world: let them seek love and understanding among all peoples of whatever race, colour or creed. May they never lose sight of the fact that this alone is the basis for lasting peace and justice in the world: (pause) … Lord hear us.
- For those who have no one to care for them: may the widows, the orphans and the lonely of our world discover the deep inner peace of soul which God’s love, revealed to us in Christ, makes available to all who believe: (pause) … Lord hear us.
- Let us pray that we may be blessed with the grace of forgiveness: may we forgive from our hearts all those who have injured us in any way. May we be the first in seeking reconciliation by asking pardon from others for our own faults: (pause) … Lord hear us.
- We make our prayers with Mary, one who was filled with the grace of God, as we pray together: Hail Mary … etc.
- We pray in silence to God our loving Father for a few moments.
PRIEST
God our Father, when sin alienates us from your love, you give us your only Son to guide us back to you. Conscious of such a gift, we make our prayers to you in loving confidence. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A