14 January 2024 - 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - prayers of the faithful - prison ministry - Central Mississippi Correctional Facility - women’s prison ministry

Introduction: Today, we hear John the Baptist testify to Jesus, declaring him to be the Lamb of God. Due to this testimony, two of his disciples are intrigued and they follow Jesus to find out more. May we all be conscious of the ways that our testimony in our words and our actions may lead others to the faith.  

Penitential rite -

Lord Jesus - you are the Servant of God. 

Christ Jesus - you bring us new life.

Lord Jesus - you are the light of the nations.

Prayers of the faithful - 

Priest: We now look to God, who sent his son into the world for our salvation. We now present our prayers to God with faith and hope:

1. For our Catholic community here at CMCF, that we may give witness to others to our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We pray to the Lord.

2. For our world leaders, that they may pursue peace amongst all nations, resolving conflicts and animosities, we pray to the Lord.

3. For all missionaries, that they may testify to the light of Christ, so that God’s word may be proclaimed to the ends of the earth, we pray to the Lord.

4. As we honor the memory of Dr Martin Luther King Jr this week in our national holiday, that we may speak out against injustice and work to bring about peace and harmony in our nation and our communities, we pray to the Lord. 

5. For all Christians, that we may pray for Christian unity. May we put into practice our love of God and our love of neighbor, finding common ground in our faith. We pray to the Lord.

6. For the healing of the sickness and brokenness that exist in our lives. We also pray for our family members and friends who have died. We pray for all the men and women here at CMCF.  We pray for the guards, administrators, and employees.  We pray that God’s presence be with us. We pray to the Lord.

7. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts, for our prayers, both spoken and unspoken, we pray to the Lord.

Priest: Generous God, may your precious gifts of the Son and the Holy Spirit guide us as we put your love and mercy into action. We make our prayers through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN.