Petitions/Prayer of the Faithful for April 3, 2016

Ellen McHugh has prepared these petitions for next Sunday:

Prayer of the Faithful for April 3, 2016

Second Sunday of Easter (Sunday of Divine Mercy)

Celebrant:    The risen Christ brought his peace to the apostles, as he showed them his pierced hands and side. Let us pray confidently in his name, knowing that he brings true peace through his victory over death.  

For Francis our pope, for our bishops, priests and deacons; for all those who live the Easter message with courage, constancy and love—strengthen them with the gifts of your Spirit.  We pray to the Lord.

That the leaders of our world and communities work to promote peace, a sustaining peace that reflects God’s own will for peace, justice, and mercy.  We pray to the Lord.  

For those preparing for First Communion and Confirmation; for their parents, godparents and catechists; that they may experience in the Church the communion of life and love we have inherited from the apostles. We pray to the Lord.

That the gift of forgiveness, entrusted to us through the apostles, may reach all who have been wounded by sin, welcoming them into the Divine Mercy of our Risen Lord.  We pray to the Lord.

That the Risen Lord may heal the sick and comfort all who are afflicted in any way, particularly in our own families and parish.  We pray to the Lord. 

And for those for whom this Mass is offered [name them]. We pray to the Lord.

Let us pause now and silently offer to the Father our own particular intentions [allow for silence. . .].  We pray to the Lord.

Celebrant:  God of mercy, we celebrate the fullness of life shown to us by your Son, Jesus, in the Resurrection. Help us to live as Easter people, confident that life will prevail over death and eager to share our joy with others. We pray in the name of your risen Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns forever and ever.  Amen.