Prayers of the faithful - 1 June 2025 - The Ascension of the Lord

Introduction: Today, we hear Jesus tell his apostles that through the power of the Holy Spirit they are to go out to the ends of the earth to be witnesses of his Gospel message. In ascending to heaven, it becomes possible for Christ to be with the Church always and everywhere, rather than in just one place and time. As a Church, we continue our celebration of the risen Christ in the season of Easter.

Lord Jesus, you are the eternal Son of the Father: Lord, have mercy. Christ Jesus, your presence fills the universe: Christ, have mercy. Lord Jesus, you guide us home with you into bright glory: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST: We now present our prayers for our needs and the needs of the world to the God the Father who sent us his son, our Lord Jesus Christ:

1. That we in the Church give glory to God the Father just as Jesus Christ has done. We pray to the Lord.

2. That the leaders of our country proclaim justice and peace without regards to race, nationality, and religion. We pray to the Lord.

3. That those who celebrated the sacraments of initiation this Easter season may grow in their faith and understanding. We pray to the Lord.

4. For those who are persecuted for their religion, that they receive new life and new opportunities. We pray to the Lord.

5. For Vacation Bible School in our parish this upcoming week. We pray that this be a wonderful opportunity for our children to deepen their relationship with God. We pray to the Lord.

6. For the sick and afflicted of our community. For those in the hospital, hospice, and nursing home. We pay to the Lord.

7. For 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, for our prayer intentions spoken and unspoken, we pray to the Lord.

PRIEST: God of all, we believe that we shall see the good things that you have in store for us in the land of the living. Hear the sound of our call, have mercy on us and answer us, through your son Jesus Christ, our risen Lord forever and ever. AMEN.