Prayers of the faithful - 4th Sunday in the Easter Season - 21 APRIL 2024

Introduction: Our Easter celebration continues today on “Good Shepherd Sunday,” the fourth Sunday of Easter.  Today is a good day to reflect upon and be thankful for all the people who have been good shepherds in our faith life, to pray for all pastors, priests, and lay leaders, as well as for vocations for the future of our Church.

Lord Jesus, you are the gate for the sheep—the way to eternal life: Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you are the the Good Shepherd—the way to true and lasting peace: Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you are the way to union with the Father: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST: As we return to the shepherd and guardian of our souls, let us now pray for our needs and the needs of all in the world around us.

1. For Pope Francis and all the leaders in our Church, both ordained leaders and lay leaders, as they strive to follow Christ the Good Shepherd and encourage us to do the same, we pray to the Lord.

2. For all governmental leaders in our country and in the world, that they might follow the example of the Good Shepherd in caring for the needs of all who are entrusted in their care, we pray to the Lord.

3. For all those who are celebrating their Confirmation and First Communion this Easter season, that they may deepen their faith and commitment to the Lord, we pray to the Lord.

4. For men and women in every faith community, that they might hear the voice of the Good Shepherd calling them into ordained and lay ministries, we pray to the Lord.

5. For the lost and wounded sheep of our own flock, that they may know the love and care of the Good Shepherd through our efforts, we pray to the Lord.

6. For the sick and shut-in of our parish community, for those in the hospice, hospital, and nursing home, for healing and wholeness, we pray to the Lord. 

7. For the the repose of the souls of the faithful departed, for their entry into eternal life, we pray to the Lord. 

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

PRIEST: Tender God, your care for us knows no bounds. Lead us with your love, and graciously hear these our prayers that we make through Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd and Risen Lord for ever and ever. Amen.