The Lord is our light and our help-let us call on him for our needs and the needs of the world.

Let us pray that the church will be as full of faith as was Abraham who put his trust in the Lord: may the church be vigilant and courageous in upholding the Christian faith and promoting Christian principles. (Pause) Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

Let us pray for the leaders of nations as they formulate their strategies, that peace may be foremost in their minds; and we pray for the peoples who are displaced from their homes and lands that they will find a safe refuge. (Pause) Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

St Paul exhorts his friends to follow his rule of life - let us pray that encouraged by this holy season we will lift our minds above earthly things and be strong in keeping our Lenten observances. (Pause) Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

We pray for those in trouble: the poor, the sick, those facing redundancy; may we be alert to their needs and generous in our service towards them. (Pause) Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

Let us pray for the children making their First Confession next Saturday, may it be an occasion of grace and encouragement for them and for their parents and teachers. (Pause) Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

We ask for the intercession of Our Blessed Lady as we say Hail Mary…

Let us pray for a while in silence for our own needs and intentions.

Heavenly Father, in your goodness, listen to our petitions and answer our prayer of faith. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.