Prayers of the Faithful - Feast of St James - July 25 2018

Lord Jesus - you called James to be your apostle - Lord have mercy. 
Christ Jesus - you called your apostles to break out of their limitation and fears - Christ have mercy. 
Lord Jesus - you called James and your apostles to preach your Good News - Lord have mercy. 

Prayers of the faithful: 
Encouraged by our fellowship with St James and with all the saints, let us make our prayers to the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ as we celebrate the feast of St James today.

1. Father, as your Son called men and women to leave the past behind them and to follow him as disciples, we pray that you bless those whom Jesus calls as his disciples today. 

2. As your Son told his disciples not to be afraid, we pray that you bless with courage and tenacity the ministers, missionaries and church leaders who bring your Gospel message to the world today. 

3. As your Son sent out disciples to heal the sick, we pray that us of us may reach out to the sick and shut-ins and those in need of healing and reconciliation.  

4. We pray for all present, former, and future pilgrims to the Camino of Santiago in Spain.  May their love of pilgrimage and their devotion to St James be a witness to the world.  

5. We pray for the repose of the souls of the faithful departed, especially for those souls in the process of purification in purgatory.    

Almighty God, as we celebrate St James the Greater today,  grant that your Church may faithfully hold and make known the faith that has come to us through him and thru the other apostles.  We make these prayers thru Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.