Priest:

As God’s chosen people, made holy and loved through the birth of His Son Jesus, let us ask our Father to receive these prayers for the needs of our world

Reader:

We pray for the leaders of our Church that they may continue to be guided by the Holy Spirit during the year ahead and provide an inspiration for others to follow. (pause) Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer

We pray for the leaders of all nations that they govern justly and wisely, with due consideration for the needs of peace, justice and equality for all people. (pause) Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer

We pray for all families, may they experience peace at this special time, and may the spirit of Christmas be with them and our Parish community throughout the year ahead. (pause) Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer

We pray for all missing persons and their families, all who are rethinking their direction, and all who are physically separated from their loved ones. We pray for the hungry and the homeless and for all who are finding life a struggle at this time. (pause) Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer

Finally we pray for all who have died, we think especially about those from our own families and those who have died in the last year. (pause) Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer

We now turn to Mary the mother of our God whose special day we celebrate tomorrow, and ask her to intercede for us in our prayers as we say, Hail Mary…

We now pray silently for our own private intentions

Priest:

God of peace, you have made us one family in Christ Jesus. In His name, we ask you to share with us and with all your people the blessings of your Incarnate Son. Let your everlasting love bind us close to Him and to each other, this day and every day, both now and forever. Amen