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A Handbook of Prayers for use in school communities

Rejoice in the Lord Always

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For more information, please contact:

Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association#205, 9940 - 106 St

Edmonton, AB T5K 2N2

Phone: 780-484-6209 ~ Fax: 780-484-6248 ~ www.acsta.ab.ca

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Table of Contents

A. Meal Prayers Gathering in Communion .............................................................. 7 Giving Thanks ................................................................................. 8 FindingMagnificenceintheSimple ........................................... 9 AMultitideof Blessings ................................................................. 9 Trusting in You ................................................................................ 10B. Meeting Prayers Opening OpenOurHeartsandMinds ....................................................... 12 WorkingforJusticeandCompassion .......................................... 12 SteadfasttoYourWay ..................................................................... 13 Closing CarryingOutYourMinistry .......................................................... 14 ShowYourFaithinYourWorks ................................................... 14 WeareGod’sServants .................................................................... 15C. Celebration Prayers AdventPrayer .................................................................................. 17 ChristmasPrayer.............................................................................. 17 LentPrayer ....................................................................................... 18 EasterPrayer .................................................................................... 18 Graduation ....................................................................................... 19 SchoolOpenings ............................................................................. 19 PrayerforanAwardsPresentation ............................................... 20D. Prayers for Members of Our Community PrayerforStudents .......................................................................... 22 PrayerforParents ............................................................................ 23 PrayerforSchoolTrustees ............................................................. 23 PrayerforSchoolStaff ................................................................... 24 PrayerforSchoolCouncilMeetingsOpening ............................... 25 PrayerforSchoolCouncilMeetingsClosing ................................ 26E. Prayers for Occasions PrayerforBeginningof theYear .................................................. 28 PrayerforEndof theYear ............................................................ 29 PrayerforDifficultTimes .............................................................. 30F. Pope Francis’ Prayers PrayertotheHolyFamily .............................................................. 32 PrayerforOurEarth ...................................................................... 33 ChristianPrayerinUnionwithCreation ..................................... 34 PrayerfortheExtraordinaryJubileeof Mercy ........................... 36 PrayertoMary,Motherof theChurchand Motherof ourfaith......................................................................... 37

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Notes on Using these Prayers

Begin with the Sign of Our Faith:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen

Suggested conclusion to call upon our Patron Saint - St. Thomas More, saint of politicans and lawyers: “St. Thomas More, pray for us..”

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MealPrayers

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Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large

fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because

they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.

John21:10-13

Gathering in CommunionLordaswegathertoeatthismeal,Letusrememberhowyougatheredincommunionwithyourdisciplesandgavethanks.Letustrustinyourpresence;letusrecognizethatyouarewithuswejointogetherinconversationandgratitude.Weaskthisinthenameof theFather,andof theSon,andof theHolySpirit,Amen.

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I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;before the gods I sing your praise;

I bow down toward your holy templeand give thanks to your name

for your steadfast love and your faithfulness;for you have exalted your name and your word above everything.

On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul.

Psalm138:1-3

Giving ThanksLetuscallontheLordtoblessthefood

thatweareabouttoeat,thosewhomadeit,andallof usgatheredheretoday.Weexperienceyourgraceandloveinmanyways,Lord,includingthroughthegiftof sustenance.Helpustorememberthemanyformsinwhichyousustainusandtocelebratethoseblessings.Wepraythisinthenameof theFather,andof theSon,andof theHolySpirit,

Amen.

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O Lord, my heart is not lifted up,my eyes are not raised too high;

I do not occupy myself with thingstoo great and too marvelous for me.

But I have calmed and quieted my soul Psalm131:1-2

Finding Magnificence in the SimpleJesus,youhavetaughtustofindGod’smagnificenceinthesimplethings:thepetalof aflower,asmilefromastranger,apebbleonthebeach,ahugfromafriend.Themealthatwehavebeforeusisnotelaborate,yetweaskthatyouhelpusrejoiceinitsbountifulness.Asitwascreatedinlove,letuspraisethatloveaswesitdowntoeat.Wepraythisinthenameof theFather,andof theSon,andof theHolySpirit,Amen

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multi-tude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he

had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.

Genesis2:1-3

A Multitude of BlessingsLord,Youhavegivenussomanyblessings;thismealisjustoneof thesegraces.Maywefindyourspiritinthepeoplearoundusandinthefoodweareabouttoeat.Joinwithusaswecelebrateallof yourcreationandgivethanksforthegloriesthatyouhavegivenus.Wepraythisinthenameof theFather,andof theSon,andof theHolySpirit,Amen.

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When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds

to sit down on the grass. Taking five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate

and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. Matthew14:15-20

Trusting In YouGod,Aswesittoeatthismealhelpustorememberthatwhenwetrustinyouweareneverleftwanting;youfillusupandpresentuswithgiftsinexcess.Letusgivethanksforthegiftof thismealandthegiftsthatwehavereceivedinyouourGod.Weaskthisinthenameof theFather,andof theSon,andof theHolySpirit,Amen.

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MeetingPrayers

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Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters, since you know that from the Lord you will receive the

inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ. Colossians3:23-24

Open Our Hearts and MindsBewithusduringthismeetingGod.Helpustoopenourheartsandourmindstoyou,sothatwemayhearyourWordandfeelyourdesireforourwork.Letusnotbedauntedbythechallengesweface,butratherletussearchoutyourmeaningandyourpurposeforourwork.Guideusinourrecognitionandrespectof themanytalentsandgiftsthatarepresentheretoday.Weaskthisinthenameof theFather,andof theSon,andof theHolySpirit,Amen.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Matthew5:16

Working for Justice and CompassionFather,Aswebeginourmeetingtogether,helpustoworkincommonpurposethatemphasizesyourjusticeandcompassion.Letourworkbedeemedbeneficialtoallandletyourlovecomethroughouractions.Weaskthisinthenameof theFather,andof theSon,andof theHolySpirit,Amen.

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Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord

your labor is not in vain. 1Corinthians15:58

Steadfast to Your WayLord,Uniteustogetherinasenseof sharedpurposeasweembarkonyourworktoday.Bewithusaswediscussanddebate,butencourageustoremainsteadfasttoyourway.Encourageusduringthedifficulttimestoknowthatourworkismadepurposefulwhenweworkinyourname.Wepraythisinthenameof theFather,andof theSon,andof theHolySpirit,Amen.

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Do the work of an evangelist; carry out your ministry fully. 2Timothy4:5

Carrying out Your MinistryLord,Thankyouforbeingwithusduringthismeetingandforhavingguidedourthoughts,words,andactions.Staywithusnowasweleavethismeetingandreturntoourrespectivelives.Helpustokeepyou,asyouarenow,inourthoughts,words,andactions.Weaskthisinthenameof theFather,andof theSon,andof theHolySpirit,Amen.

But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you

my faith. James2:18

Show Your Faith in Your WorksInyouLordwehaveworkedandwillcontinuetowork.Bewithusasweremainactiveinourcommunities,keepourfaithvibrantandletitstrengthenus.Helpustounderstandthatthroughourworkinyou,wewillbesuccessful.Lordhearourprayer,Amen

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For we are God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building.

1Corinthians3:9

We Are God’s ServantsGod,Youhavebroughtustogetherasacommunityunitedinfaith.Asweleavethismeeting,encourageustomaintainthestrengththatwehavewhenweworkinfaithandremindushowvibrantandfulfillingourfaithcommunityis.Letuscarryoninyourwork,doingyourwill.Weaskthisinthenameof theFather,andof theSon,andof theHolySpirit,Amen.

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CelebrationPrayers

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Advent Prayer

Lord,Bewithusinourschoolcommunityasweprepareforyourarrival.AswejourneytogetheroverthisAdventseason,readyourheartsandmindstocelebratethecomingof OurSavior.GrantusthepatiencethatyougavetoMaryandJosephwhoalsoeagerlyawaitedyourcoming.Bestowonustheawarenessthatyougavetotheshepherdstorecognizeyourmagnificence.Andletushavethefortitudeof thewisemen,aswejourneywithyouinfaith.Bewithusaswewaitandthenrejoiceinyourcoming.Weaskthisinthenameof theFather,andof theSon,andof theHolySpirit,Amen.

Christmas Prayer

Todaywerejoicewithalltheangelsof Heavenandearthtocelebrateyourbirth,LordJesus.Letourheartsandvoicesannounceyourarrival,aswesharewiththeworldyourgloriousgrace.Mayweneverstrayfarfromrememberingthegraceandbeautyof theoccasionof yourbirth.WecelebratewithyouLord,Amen

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Lent Prayer

Oftentimesourlivescanbeastruggle.Yetoutof thetrialsof ourjourneyscomesareplenishingandstrengtheningof ourfaith.AswebeginourLentenjourneyLord,helpustorememberwhatyouenduredforoursake.Bewithusaswelooktoourfaithcommunitiesfornourishmentandlove.Remindusthatwetraveltogetherinfaith.Weaskthisinthenameof theFather,andof theSon,andof theHolySpirit,Amen.

Easter Prayer

Withthebirthof spring,weexultinyourlifeafterdeath,Jesus.Hopespringsinusaswetriumphatyourlife.Letusrejoiceinfaithaswegivethanksforthepromiseof newlife.Amen

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Graduation

Aswegatherhereonthisspecialoccasion,wegivethanksfortheopportunitythatwehavetolearnandworkinourfaithcommunity.WeaskyouLordtoblessthesegraduatesastheysetoutintotheworld.Helpthemtokeepyourmessageandfaithintheirmindsandheartsastheymoveontonewadventuresandnewcommunitiesof faith.GrantthemthewisdomtorememberthelessonstheyhavelearnedintheiryearsinaCatholicschoolandthecouragetokeepthisfaithinthem.Weaskthisinthenameof theFather,andof theSon,andof theHolySpirit,Amen.

School Openings

Lord,WehavebeenblessedwiththeopportunitytoworkandeducateourchildreninourCatholicfaith.Letustakethismomenttothankyouforthisnewschoolandthispotentialtoexpandourfaithcommunity.Weaskthatyoublessthisschoolandallwholearnandworkwithinit.Inthenameof theFather,andof theSon,andof theHolySpirit,Amen.

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Prayer for an Awards Presentation

Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.

(1Peter4:10)

Weareblessedtobeinaroomfullof peoplewithsomanyuniqueandvariedtalents.Aswecometogethertocelebratetheirachievements,letusgivethanksforeachof theirgifts.Alsoletuscontinuetoremembertouseeachof ourtalentsinwaysthathonorandservetheLord.Weareinagiftedandblessedcommunity.WethankyouLord,Amen.

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Prayers for Members

of Our Community

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Prayer for Students

Students,youarethelifeof ourschoolsandourreasonforbeing.Ineachof youweexperiencethelivingChrist.Heisaliveinyourtalents,yourpersonalities,yourachievementsandyourstruggles.Wepraythat,asyourleaders,weareabletohelpyourecognizeChristinyourlifeandtoshowyouthebeautyof afaith-filledlife.

Lord,bewithourstudentsastheyencounternewopportunitiesandchallengesintheirlives.Helpthemtobeguidedbyyourdesiresforthem.Andleadthemtocometorecognizeyourpresenceinthemselvesandallthosetheymeet.Weaskthisinthenameof theFather,andof theSon,andof theHolySpirit,Amen.

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Prayer for Parents

Lord,Thankyoufortheblessingsof ourparents.TheirdedicationtoCatholiceducationandtheircommitmenttomaintainingafaithlifeinthehome,whichcomplimentsthefaithlifeof theschool,isremarkable.

HelpustosupportourparentsinthevaluableworkthattheyaredoingandtocelebratewiththemthesuccessesthatweshareinourCatholicschools.Weaskthisinthenameof theFather,andof theSon,andof theHolySpirit,Amen.

Prayer for School Trustees

God,IhavebeenputinauniqueleadershippositionandIthankyouforthisrecognitionof myskillsandfortheopportunitiesthatitaffordsme.Guidemyworkanddirectmytalentstodoyourwill.BewithmeduringthechallengesthatIface,andhelpmetoseekyourcounsel,butalsobewithmeinmycelebrationsof faith.Iaskthisinthenameof theFather,andof theSon,andof theHolySpirit,Amen.

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Prayer for School Staff (teachers, administrators, support staff)

DearGod,

Ourschoolcommunitiesareblessedwiththetalentedworkof allourstaff members.

Continuetoguidetheimportantworkof ourvaluedteach-ersastheyworkdailywithourchildrenandinfusefaithintotheirlives.

Continuetoremaininthededicatedworkof oursupportstaff astheyfaithfullyworktoensurethatourschoolcom-munitiesarefilledwithloveandcare.

Continuetoleadourtirelessadministratorsastheyworktoprovidefaith-filleddirectionforourschoolcommunities.

Lord,bewithusinourschoolcommunitiesaswecontinuetoworkinfaithwithyou.

Weaskthisinthenameof theFather,andof theSon,andof theHolySpirit,Amen.

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Prayer for School Council Meeting - Opening

Father,Youhavecalledustogetherasservantstodoyourwill.Grantusthelightof yourSpirittoguideusinourresponsibilitiesasaSchoolCouncil.

Mayweworktogetherinharmonyforthecommongood.Maywelistentooneanotherinaspiritof genuinerespect.Mayweencourageandhavereverenceforoneanother’suniquetalents.Mayweusethegiftsof theSpiritincreativeChristianleadership.Mayweapproachourdecisionmakingthroughdiscernmentandprayer.Maywerespondeffectivelytotheneedsof thechildreninourcare.

WeaskthisthroughChristourLord,

Amen

Prayer for School Council Meetings - Opening

God,thesourceof everygoodgift.Letuspraythatallof uswillexperienceasenseof warmthandwelcome,andthattherewillbearichsharingof ideas,talentsandenthusiasmastogetherwegoaboutourworkof helpingourchildrentogrowandlearn.

Helpusrecognizeyourpresenceinoneanother.Inspireustolistenwithattentionandpatience,tosharewithcourageandgenerosity,andtowelcometheideasof all.

Maythismeetingof oursstrengthenourfriendships,buildourcom-munitiesandincreaseourconfidenceinourselvesandourschools.

Amen

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Prayer for School Council Meetings - Closing

Godof Love,Yougiveusthegiftsof theHolySpirit.Forthecommongoodmayyourblessingsradiatefromustoothers.Inaspiritof serviceandcompassionmayourschoolcouncilbeleadersinourschool,parishandcommunitiesof faith,serviceandkindness.

WeaskthisthroughJesusChristourLord,theLightof theWorld.

Amen

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Prayers forOccasions

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As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the

sea – for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and

followed him. (Mt.4:18-20)

Prayer for Beginning of the Year

Letuscometogetherinfaithonceagainaswebeginanewschoolyear.Letourrejuvenatedfaithshinethroughourworkinourschoolcommunities.Letusremembertheworkof thedisciples,astheyworkedinfaithtoevangelizeweworktofulfillyourpurposeforus.Guideus,Lord,asweworkdiligentlyinyourname.Helpustoseeyouinallwhomweencounterinourschoolcommunitiesandtohonorthisinourwork.Weaskthisinthenameof theFather,andof theSon,andof theHolySpirit,Amen.

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Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey

everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

(Mt.28:16-20)

Prayer for End of the Year

Asourschoolyeardrawstoaclose,wegiveyouthanksLordfortheblessingsthatwehavereceivedthisyear.Wehavehadmanysuccessesthisyearforwhichwearegrateful.

Asweleaveourschoolcommunitiesforholidays,letusstillbeguidedbyyourdesiresforus,Lord.Watchoverusandkeepussafeaswehavemanynewadventuresthissummer.Bewithusaswejointogetherwithbothnewandoldfriends.Andwhenwereturninthefall,letusberefreshedandreadytocontinuetoembarkonourfaithjourneytogether.Amen

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Do not fear, for I have redeemed you:I have called you by name, you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,

and the flame shall not consume you.(Isaiah43:1-2)

Prayer for Difficult Times

Jesus,Weaskthatyoubewithusnowinourtimeof need.Hearthepetitionsof ourheartsandcalmourmindswithyourpresence.Guideustolooktoourcommunitiesforsupportandlove.Strengthenourfaith,withyourundyingfaith,aswegathertogetherandupholdoneanother.

Weaskthisinthenameof theFather,andof theSon,andof theHolySpirit,Amen.

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Pope Francis’Prayers

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Prayer to the Holy Family

Jesus,MaryandJoseph,inyouwecontemplatethesplendourof truelove;toyouweturnwithtrust.

HolyFamilyof Nazareth,grantthatourfamiliestoomaybeplacesof communionandprayer,authenticschoolsof theGospelandsmalldomesticchurches.

HolyFamilyof Nazareth,mayfamiliesneveragainexperienceviolence,rejectionanddivision;mayallwhohavebeenhurtorscandalizedfindreadycomfortandhealing.

HolyFamilyof Nazareth,makeusoncemoremindfulof thesacrednessandinviolabilityof thefamily,anditsbeautyinGod’splan.

Jesus,MaryandJoseph,Graciouslyhearourprayer.

Amen.

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Prayer for Our Earth

All-powerfulGod,youarepresentinthewholeuniverseandinthesmallestof yourcreatures.Youembracewithyourtendernessallthatexists.Pouroutuponusthepowerof yourlove,thatwemayprotectlifeandbeauty.

Filluswithpeace,thatwemayliveasbrothersandsisters,harmingnoone.OGodof thepoor,helpustorescuetheabandonedandforgottenof thisearth,sopreciousinyoureyes.Bringhealingtoourlives,thatwemayprotecttheworldandnotpreyonit,thatwemaysowbeauty,notpollutionanddestruction.Touchtheheartsof thosewholookonlyforgainattheexpenseof thepoorandtheearth.Teachustodiscovertheworthof eachthing,tobefilledwithaweandcontemplation,torecognizethatweareprofoundlyunitedwitheverycreatureaswejourneytowardsyourinfinitelight.Wethankyouforbeingwithuseachday.Encourageus,wepray,inourstruggleforjustice,loveandpeace.

Amen

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Christian Prayer in Union with Creation

Father,wepraiseyouwithallyourcreatures.Theycameforthfromyourall-powerfulhand;theyareyours,filledwithyourpresenceandyourtenderlove.Praisebetoyou!

Sonof God,Jesus,throughyouallthingsweremade.Youwereformedinthewombof MaryourMother,youbecamepartof thisearth,andyougazeduponthisworldwithhumaneyes.Todayyouarealiveineverycreatureinyourrisenglory.Praisebetoyou!

HolySpirit,byyourlightyouguidethisworldtowardstheFather’sloveandaccompanycreationasitgroansintravail.Youalsodwellinourheartsandyouinspireustodowhatisgood.Praisebetoyou!

TriuneLord,wondrouscommunityof infinitelove,teachustocontemplateyouinthebeautyof theuniverse,forallthingsspeakof you.

Awakenourpraiseandthankfulnessforeverybeingthatyouhavemade.Giveusthegracetofeelprofoundlyjoinedtoeverythingthatis.

Godof love,showusourplaceinthisworldaschannelsof yourloveforallthecreaturesof thisearth,fornotoneof themisforgotteninyoursight.Enlightenthosewhopossesspowerandmoneythattheymayavoidthesinof indifference,thattheymaylovethecommongood,advancetheweak,andcareforthisworldinwhichwelive.

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Thepoorandtheeartharecryingout.OLord,seizeuswithyourpowerandlight,helpustoprotectalllife,toprepareforabetterfuture,forthecomingof yourKingdomof justice,peace,loveandbeauty.Praisebetoyou!

Amen.

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Prayer for the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy

LordJesusChrist,youhavetaughtustobemercifulliketheheavenlyFather,andhavetoldusthatwhoeverseesyouseeshim.Showusyourfaceandwewillbesaved.YourlovinggazefreedZacchaeusandMatthewfrombeingenslavedbymoney;theadulteressandMagdalenefromseekinghappinessonlyincreatedthings;madePeterweepafterhisbetrayal,andassuredParadisetotherepentantthief.Letushear,asif addressedtoeachoneof us,thewordsthatyouspoketotheSamaritanwoman:“If youknewthegiftof God!”

Youarethevisiblefaceof theinvisibleFather,of theGodwhomanifestshispoweraboveallbyforgivenessandmercy:lettheChurchbeyourvisiblefaceintheworld,itsLordrisenandglorified.Youwilledthatyourministerswouldalsobeclothedinweaknessinorderthattheymayfeelcompassionforthoseinignoranceanderror:leteveryonewhoapproachesthemfeelsoughtafter,loved,andforgivenbyGod.

SendyourSpiritandconsecrateeveryoneof uswithitsanointing,sothattheJubileeof Mercymaybeayearof gracefromtheLord,andyourChurch,withrenewedenthusiasm,maybringgoodnewstothepoor,proclaimlibertytocaptivesandtheoppressed,andrestoresighttotheblind.

Weaskthisof you,LordJesus,throughtheintercessionof Mary,Motherof Mercy;youwholiveandreignwiththeFatherandtheHolySpiritforeverandever. Amen.

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Prayer to Mary, Mother of the Church and Mother of our faith

Mother,helpourfaith!OpenourearstohearGod’swordandtorecognizehisvoiceandcall.Awakeninusadesiretofollowinhisfootsteps,togoforthfromourownlandandtoreceivehispromise.Helpustobetouchedbyhislove,thatwemaytouchhiminfaith.Helpustoentrustourselvesfullytohimandtobelieveinhislove,especiallyattimesof trial,beneaththeshadowof thecross,whenourfaithiscalledtomature.Sowinourfaiththejoyof theRisenOne.Remindusthatthosewhobelieveareneveralone.Teachustoseeallthingswiththeeyesof Jesus,thathemaybelightforourpath.Andmaythislightof faithalwaysincreaseinus,untilthedawnof thatundyingdaywhichisChristhimself,yourSon,ourLord! Amen