25 April 2023 - Prayers of the faithful - Feast day of St Mark the Evangelist

Lord Jesus, you were sent to preach the good news of light in the darkness of the world: Lord, have mercy.

Christ Jesus, you were sent to plant in our hearts the spark of eternal life: Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you were sent to reconcile us to yourself by the shedding of your blood: Lord, have mercy.  

Prayers of the faithful: 

Priest: Encouraged by our fellowship with all the saints, as we celebrate St Mark the Evangelist today, let us make our prayers to the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1. Jesus called men and women as his disciples to leave their past behind and to follow him in the way of the cross. Look with mercy upon those whom he calls today, with those he marks with the cross and makes his disciples within the Church. 

2. Jesus told his disciples not to be afraid and breathed on them his gift of peace. Look with mercy upon the world into which he sent them out, and give us the peace for which we long. We pray for an end to war, violence, and terrorism. 

3. Jesus formed around him a company of disciples who were both servant leaders and friends. Jesus called all those who obeyed him his brothers and sisters. Look with mercy upon our families and our friends and upon the communities in which we share. 

4. Jesus sent out disciples to preach and heal the sick. Look with mercy on all those who yearn to hear the good news of salvation. Renew among your people the gifts of healing. We pray for those who are sick in mind, body, or spirit. 

5. Jesus promised his followed him that they would share the banquet of God's kingdom. According to this promise, look with mercy on those who have walked with Christ in this life and now have passed through death. 

6. For the prays we hold in the silence of our hearts.  

Priest: Almighty God, grant that your Church may faithfully hold and make known the faith that has come to us through Mark the Evangelist and the other members of the community of saints,  that with them, we may inherit the glories of eternal life. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord forever and ever. Amen.