19 January 2025 - 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - prayers of the faithful

Introduction: Last weekend at Mass, we celebrated Christ’s baptism, when the Father revealed to those present that Jesus was the son of God. Today’s Gospel tells of Jesus’ first miracle, of changing water into wine at the wedding banquet in Cana. In Jesus’ miracles, we see signs, as they reveal to us his divinity. May we listen to Jesus’ wondrous deeds at Mass today, as we seek to grow and strengthen in our faith. 

Lord Jesus - you are the Servant of God. 

Christ Jesus - you bring us new life.

Lord Jesus - you are the light of the nations.

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

1. For the Church, that by our prophetic words and works of service, we may give witness 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 our Church’s 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, may we courageously speak out against injustice and work to bring about peace and harmony in our nation and in our communities, we pray to the Lord. 

5. For all Christians, as we approach the week of prayer for Christian unity, that we may 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, and for the repose of the souls of the faithful departed, we pray to the Lord.

7. For our first responders, our veterans, the men and women who serve in the military, and our medical professionals. For all who keep us safe in society. We pray to the Lord. 

8. 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.