BIDDING PRAYERS
PRIEST
Jesus Christ shed his blood on the Cross so that, by his death, we might live. In his name, we ask God our Father that Christians everywhere may be given the grace to appreciate the greatness of his love.
READER
Let us pray for the Church: may she spend herself completely in the service of others. May all her sacrifices be united with her Lord’s as she celebrates the triumph of the Resurrection: (pause) … Lord hear us.
We pray for those who give their lives in the service of others: may the sacrifices they make, undertaken in Christ’s name on behalf of a disabled child, aged parent or other dependent, be united with the sacrifices Jesus made for us: (pause) … Lord hear us.
For those whose faith in the Eucharist is struggling: may the spirit of faith fill their lives so that, forgetful of self, they may reach out to others in love. May they come to appreciate what the Lord has done for them: (pause) … Lord hear us.
Let us pray for a spirit of joy in adversity in the community: may we all realise the joy of the Eucharist, that joy which raises up all our sufferings, uniting them with those of Christ on the Cross. In so doing, may we be set free from self-pity and depression: (pause) … Lord hear us.
We pray with Mary who stood by her Son as he hung on the Cross: Hail Mary … etc.
We make our own petitions in silence for a moment or two.
PRIEST
God our Father, we make our prayers to you in the knowledge that you will not refuse what we ask since for us the supreme sacrifice of the Cross was offered. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B