INTERCESSIONS FOR 4th SUNDAY OF ADVENT (C)

Priest:

As we prepare with joy for the birth of the Messiah at Christmas, we turn again in prayer to God and ask him for what we need.

Reader:

We pray for the grace to be ready for Christmas,
may we enter more deeply into the hidden mysteries of our God
and be filled with joy at the fulfilment of God’s promises.
(Pause) Lord in your mercy – Hear our prayer.

We pray for a time to be calm and refreshed in our busy lives,
especially for those who are overworked, or suffering from stress and exhaustion,
 may we find God’s inner peace.
(Pause) Lord in your mercy – Hear our prayer.

We pray for the gift of knowing God’s will,
may we be open to God’s will for us,
not seeking to impose our desires on God,
but being aware that he has plans for us all
that are beyond our human imaginings.
(Pause) Lord in your mercy – Hear our prayer.

We pray for all expectant mothers and for the children growing within them,
for the babies being born today,
and for those children who are suffering from neglect or abuse,
that all children may be loved, cherished and protected.
(Pause) Lord in your mercy – Hear our prayer.

We pray for those suffering from illness,
and those who are too sick to be at home with their families this Christmas,
especially young children.
(Pause) Lord in your mercy – Hear our prayer.

Let us pray for those who have died,
particularly those whose anniversaries occur at this time,
that they may be at rest in the peace and joy of God’s heavenly kingdom.
(Pause) Lord in your mercy – Hear our prayer.

We ask Mary, the Mother of our Saviour, to help us with our prayers as we say Hail Mary...

We pray in silence for our own needs and intentions.

Priest:

Heavenly Father, fill our hearts with joy this Christmas
and grant that what we need we may obtain through Jesus, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen.