Petitions/Prayer of the Faithful for Easter 2016

Ellen McHugh wrote these beautiful petitions for Easter:

Prayer of the Faithful for March 26th and 27th, 2016

Easter Vigil / Easter Day

Celebrant:   The light of the risen Christ shines forth from the Easter Candle. May that flame of faith in our hearts inspire us as we offer prayers for the needs of all our brothers and sisters here and throughout the world.

For the Church as it joyfully celebrates the Resurrection of the Lord; for Francis our pope, for our bishops, priests and deacons; for all God’s holy people who live the gospel with courage, constancy and love. We pray to the Lord.

For peace and reconciliation among all peoples and nations; for those who have lost their lives to violence and for all who mourn their loss; may the risen Christ lead them from despair into hope. We pray to the Lord.

For this parish and for all Christian communities who embody the triumph of life over death; help us to truly live as Easter people—to promote peace, to practice compassion, to live in the example set by Jesus.  We pray to the Lord  

For those who work to protect life – human life and all life on the Earth on which human life depends – may the Lord bless, support, and empower them in their work.  We pray to the Lord.

For those who have received the sacraments of Christian initiation—that they may grow in true faith as we welcome them; may their hearts and minds be open to proclaiming the joy of the Resurrection and the wonders of God’s infinite love and mercy.  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 life, today 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.