INTERCESSIONS

4th SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR B

Priest:

We take refuge in the Lord and call on him to answer our needs and the needs of the world.

Reader:

We pray for Pope Benedict, and for all bishops, priests and religious - that they will take Jesus, the Good Shepherd, as their model, and be faithful and inspiring teachers of God's way. (Pause) Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for vocations to the Priesthood and the Religious life: that the Lord may grant the grace of a vocation to many young men and women in the church, so that the followers of Jesus may be shepherded wisely and lovingly. (Pause) Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for the young people of our parish who will be receiving the sacrament of Confirmation on Thursday: may this be a true turning point in their spiritual lives, and an occasion of abundant grace for them and their families. (Pause) Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Let us pray for the children being baptised today: may the Lord bless them and their parents, brothers and sisters and may he renew the grace of our baptism in each one of us. (Pause) Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for those needing help in our community: in Jesus' name, Peter brought the gift of healing, may we too reach out to others and by our faith in Christ bring healing and wholeness to those who are needful. (Pause) Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Christ, the Good Shepherd, went before us through suffering and death so that we could follow in safety: we pray for those who have recently died and for those whose anniversaries occur at this time, that they will experience the peace and joy of the heavenly kingdom. (Pause) Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

In this special month of May we ask Mary, Queen of heaven, to intercede for us as we say - Hail Mary…

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

Priest:

Heavenly Father, hear our prayers of petition and grant that what we ask in faith we may obtain through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.