INTERCESSIONS FOR 2nd SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS YEAR A

Priest:

At the start of this New Year, let us ask God, Our Father, to bless us with the free gifts of his grace, and to comfort us in our need.

Reader:

1. We ask for God's blessing on our parish, the priests, ministers and people: may we love and support each other in times of sorrow and of joy, and become more united in purpose and stronger in faith. (Pause) Lord, hear us. - Lord, graciously hear us.

2. We ask for God's blessing on the communities suffering after the disaster in the Indian Ocean: may the international response be swift and generous, and may the charities sending aid be properly supported. (Pause) Lord, hear us. - Lord, graciously hear us.

3. We ask for God's blessing on those who are sick or in hospital, on the elderly and housebound, on prisoners and all who are separated from their families at this time: may those who care for them show them the warmth of God's love. (Pause) Lord, hear us. - Lord, graciously hear us.

4. We ask for God's blessing on those who mourn and we pray that those who have died will be happy forever with the Lord. (Pause) Lord, hear us. - Lord, graciously hear us.

We turn to Our Blessed Lady and ask her to intercede for us as we say Hail Mary.

Now, in silence, we pray for our own needs and intentions.

Priest:

Merciful Father, hear these prayers and the prayers of our hearts, and grant that what we ask in faith we may obtain through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen