Prayers of the faithful - Thursday of the fourth week of LENT - 23 March 2023

Lord Jesus - you call us to reconciliation 

Christ Jesus - you bring us hope

Lord Jesus - you call us to conversion

In the midst of our Lenten journey, we present our prayer to our heavenly Father: 

1. For our government leaders: that God will give them the wisdom to understand the needs of the people and to inspire within them fresh ideas to advance the common good.  

2. For peace and an end to warfare: that God will change the hearts of those advancing violence, help them to recognize the value and dignity of each person, and open new opportunities for dialogue.

3. For the Church: that we may give witness to the dying and rising of Christ by our lives and be instruments of hope to all who are experiencing loss or limitation. 

4. For the gift of new beginnings: that God will transform our fears into hope, our selfishness into love, and our deaths into new life. 

5. For growth as disciples: that we may place ourselves at the feet of Jesus to learn and accept the gift of life that Jesus alone offers. 

6. For all those preparing for first communion, confirmation, and entry in the Church through the RCIA process: may the Lord continue to bless them and guide them on their journey of faith. 

7. For the prayers we hold in our hearts today. 

With humble hearts, we present these prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN.