Prayers of the faithful - 28 April 2024 - 5th Sunday of the Easter season

Introduction - As we continue our journey through the Easter season, we hear Jesus tell us how we are connected to him and the Father just like a vine is connected to the vine grower. Let us give thanks for the opportunity to live as the Body of Christ here in our parish community. May God continue to bless us as individuals and as a community of faith and may he continue to grant us his grace that helps us meet our challenges in life.

Priest - Penitential Rite

Lord Jesus, you are the way that leads to freedom from the slavery of sin: Lord, have mercy.

Christ Jesus, you are the truth that reveals the mercy of the Father: Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you are the way that leads to the eternal dwelling place: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: God has made us a chosen people, a royal priesthood who has been set apart. Now, let us pray for those in need:

1. For the holy Church, as we seek to follow Christ so that we may show the whole world the way to the Father. We pray to the Lord.

2. We pray that our national and world leaders choose the path of peace over the ways of violence and conflict. We pray for those communities and countries divided by violence and war. We pray to the Lord.

3. For all deacons, whose ministry of service dates back to the early days of the Church, for all transitional and permanent deacons in our diocese. And for Hunter Yentzen and Chris Halliwell as they continue their diaconate formation program. We pray to the Lord.

4. For those whose hearts are troubled, who have lost their way and who are in need of guidance and support, that they might find what they need in our community of faith. We pray to the Lord.

5. For the sick and shut-ins of our community. We pray for healing in body, mind, and spirit. We pray to the Lord.

6. For the repose of the souls of the faithful departed. For their entry into eternal life. We pray to the Lord.

7. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts, we pray to the Lord. 

Priest: God of love and mercy, your son Jesus Christ shows us the way to you. Teach us to follow him more closely, and hear all these our prayers that we make in his name, for he is our Risen Lord for ever and ever. Amen.