INTERCESSIONS FOR 5th SUNDAY OF LENT YEAR A

Priest:

The Lord has poured out his Spirit upon us and has brought us new life;

we confidently petition him on behalf of the needy and oppressed.

Reader:

1. Let us pray for the Pope, bishops, priests
and all members of religious orders –
that their ministries will be renewed and strengthened by the Spirit.
(Pause) Lord, in your mercy: -- Hear our prayer.

2. Let us pray for all in authority -
that they will cease oppression and violence
and exercise their powers with fairness and integrity.
(Pause) Lord, in your mercy. – Hear our prayer.

3. Let us pray for those in need:
the bereaved, the oppressed,
refugees and those in prison,
the hungry and the homeless,
the sick and disabled -
that God’s spirit may work in those around them to improve their lives.
(Pause) Lord, in your mercy. – Hear our prayer.

4. We pray for ourselves as we continue our Lenten journey -
that our hearts may remain open for the Spirit
to increase our faith and deepen our commitment to Gospel values.
(Pause) Lord, in your mercy. – Hear our prayer.

5. Let us pray for the dying and those who care for them -
that the Spirit of God’s love
will comfort and strengthen them and bring them peace.
(Pause) Lord, in your mercy. -- Hear our prayer.

6. On this Feast of St Patrick, we pray for the people of Ireland,
and especially for peace and reconciliation in the North.
(Pause) Lord, in your mercy. – Hear our prayer.

We ask Our Blessed Lady to pray with us as we say - Hail Mary.

Now we pray for a while in silence.

Priest:

Heavenly Father, you have heard our prayers and the hopes of our hearts;
grant that what we need we may receive,
through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.