Fourth Sunday of Advent—2001 Intercessions

Priest:

On this blessed day we turn to God in prayer.

Reader:

In the first reading and in the Gospel, we hear about Emmanuel, which means God-is-with-us.

Let us pray that we will always be able to remember this, and be aware that God is with us at all times.

(pause) Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Many people will be travelling over the Christmas holidays.

Let us pray that we ourselves show concern for other travellers, and do all we can to avoid accidents. We also pray for the Emergency Services who are always there when needed.

(pause) Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Not everyone will be able to enjoy Christmas, perhaps through illness, poverty, unhappy relationships, or other difficulties.

Let us pray that we may try to help those in need, and to be as thoughtful and caring as we can, in our relationships.

(pause) Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Many people will not be at home this Christmas, those in hospital and residential accommodation, those in prison, and of course the homeless.

Let us pray that those who care for people far from home, may be able to let the Spirit of Christmas shine through their lives and their caring.

(pause) Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We are grateful for the concern and support of our priests, Father Alex, Father Tom and Father Charles.

Let us pray that they enjoy good health and that we try to help them to enjoy a happy Christmas.

(pause) Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let us ask our Blessed Lady to pray for us as we say Hail Mary…

Let us pray for our own intentions in silence.

Priest

God our Father we ask you to listen to all our prayers because we make them in faith and in the name of Jesus your Son who is Lord for ever and ever. Amen.