Petitions for January 11, 2015: The Baptism of Jeus

I have just finished writing the petitions/Prayer of the Faithful for January 11, 2015. The prescribed readings for that date have some powerful words in them, and I have incorporated some of those words into the petitions. Isaiah, as usual, reminds us to be mindful of those in need, those oppressed, those in prisons, dungeons, darkness. Was there ever a greater prophet/saint than Isaiah?

Prayer of the Faithful for Sunday January 11, 2015. The Baptism of the Lord.

Celebrant: As we celebrate the Baptism of our merciful Lord, Jesus Christ, let us, dear sisters and brothers, approach the one God to voice all our needs.

  

• John the Baptist said, “I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Let us welcome that Spirit into our lives.. We pray to the Lord.

• Isaiah writes, “I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice . .  and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.” May we live up to this prophetic challenge. We pray to the Lord.

• Let us welcome all those who will be baptized and confirmed in our church this year. Let them bring us new energy and grace.. We pray to the Lord.

• For those suffering from lack of good shelter, warmth, clothing, and nourishing food during this winter season. Let us as Catholic-Christians address their needs. 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: Father, we have hope that you will be moved to hear and respond to our sincere prayers, for they are asked in the name of your generous Son, whose Baptism we celebrate, and in the power of your Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.