The Universal Prayer Sunday: Epiphany of the Lord 5 Jan 2014 Celebrant: Led by the star, the wise men found and worshipped the Christ Child. Led by faith we, too, have found the Christ; and in this Eucharist we worship him. May the light of Christ purify the Church and bring forgiveness to all. Let us pray to the Lord. May the light of Christ renew our world in lasting peace, especially in South Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Let us May the light of Christ bring hope to the distressed, the oppressed, and the lonely. Let us May the light of Christ shine on the Holy Land and bring respect and cooperation to all who live there. Let us May the light of Christ inflame us all with zeal for worship and service. Let us pray to the Lord. May the light of Christ bring courage, patience, and acceptance to the sick. Let us May the light of Christ shine eternally upon the departed, remembering (names). Let us God of love, may your justice and the fullness of peace flourish in our time so that all people may pay homage to you through Christ, our Lord. Page 1 of 7
Monday after the Epiphany 6 Jan 2014 (St. André Bessette) Celebrant: Today we have been reassured that, whatever we ask of God, we shall receive. May every Christian strive to live the kind of life God wants. Let us pray to the Lord. May every Christian believe in the name of God s son, Jesus Christ, and love one another. Let us May we strive to keep the commandments of God so that we live in God and God lives in us. Let us May those who are prone to chase every new novelty or false prophet receive the spirit of discernment in their faith. Let us May those who live in the darkness of doubt or despair be given the opportunity to know Jesus, true light of the world. Let us May the sick at home, in local hospitals, in hostels, and in nursing homes be touched by Jesus, savior of the world. Let us Heavenly God, you have sent us your son as the great light of the world. Help us to follow the light with faith for he is Lord for ever and ever. Page 2 of 7
Tuesday after the Epiphany 7 Jan 2014 (St. Raymond of Peñafort) Celebrant: Today across the world many Catholics of our Eastern traditions, along with Orthodox Christians, celebrate the feast of Christmas. That our Eastern Catholics and all Orthodox Christians maybe filled with joy and peace as they celebrate the birth of Christ this day. Let us That the efforts to work for unity between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches may continue under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Let us That the commandment to love one another may be engraved on the heart of every Christian and be reflected in their every action. Let us That aid agencies around the world may effectively work to alleviate hunger and restore to people their dignity and self-respect, especially in South Sudan and Syria. Let us May the prayers of St. Raymond of Peñafort assist civil and church lawyers to guide people with justice and compassion, promoting the supreme commandment of love. Let us Eternal king, look upon the poor of our world. Hear their cry. Move the hearts of the rich so that justice prevails everywhere. Through Christ, our Lord. Page 3 of 7
Wednesday after the Epiphany 8 Jan 2014 Celebrant: Jesus, walking on the water brought fear and then peace to the apostles. We pray that all fear may be turned to comfort and peace. May those who find that life is like a frightening storm be of good courage so that there is in their hearts a peace which brings calm. Let us May those who make their living on the seas as sailors domestic and tourist crews, those in the fishing industry, and military personnel be kept safe. Let us pray to the Lord. May the work of the Church, through the Apostleship of the Sea assisting the crews of visiting ships, bring them spiritual life, pastoral care, and social interaction. Let us May those who have let love slip from their hearts be loved back into living through the goodness of a neighbor or a friend. Let us May those who are enjoying holidays be kept safe from all harm. Let us pray to the Lord. May there be a swift end to the violence in South Sudan and Syria. Let us pray to the Lord. Lord God, we bow before your holy throne, and we worship you in this Eucharist. Through Christ, our Lord. Page 4 of 7
Thursday after the Epiphany 9 Jan 2014 Celebrant: Sisters and brothers, if one hates, one cannot love; if one loves, one cannot hate. May we be receptive to God s love. We pray for the people of the Holy Land. May all be delivered from bitterness and suspicion. Let us We pray for Christians. May we all be totally committed to loving God and the whole human race. Let us We pray for our world, that love, founded on justice, may bring peace to everyone, especially in South Sudan and Syria. Let us We pray for those with hate in their hearts, that God s Spirit may move their stubborn wills and give them freedom to live in love. Let us We pray for those who have been sent to proclaim the good news in our time, that they may be filled with the spirit of Jesus and proclaim his word faithfully. Let us We pray for a deeper appreciation of the Holy Scriptures, that we may be nourished by the gracious words of Jesus Christ. Let us Lord our God, judge our world with justice. Treat us with mercy so that we, too, can act justly. Through Christ, our Lord. Page 5 of 7
Friday after the Epiphany 10 Jan 2014 Celebrant: Jesus shows great sensitivity to the man with leprosy, affirming his dignity, healing him. May we have a compassionate heart so that, like Jesus, we can treat every person with respect. Let us May we learn to balance active charity with quiet prayer. Let us May we live in this present world knowing that an eternal life in God s presence awaits us. Let us May those who, through the violence of others, endure lifelong injuries and work through bitterness, come to a peace which enables them to live with freedom of spirit. Let us May those who face hardships and doubts know that the word of Jesus will stand as a constant source of truth for them. Let us May diplomacy help to bring an end to the violence of Syria and South Sudan. Let us Lord, our God, hear the cry of the people of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. Bring them that peace which unites diverse people and enables them to live in harmony. Through Christ, our Lord. Page 6 of 7
Saturday after the Epiphany 11 Jan 2014 Celebrant: Dear friends, St. John urges us to be confident in our prayer. That we may enjoy praying and be confident that God hears our every need. Let us That parents, grandparents, teachers, and priests who teach children to pray may do so joyfully and creatively. Let us That all who profess the name Christian may not have an inflated opinion about their own importance, but instead be humble before Christ and lead people to him. Let us That all who have been baptized in this church and parish may follow Jesus Christ in all the circumstances of their lives. Let us That those in leadership in the Church may be like John the Baptist, humble in their service to others. Let us Father and king, with all our being we praise you with song and dance, with voice and music, with shouts and silence! You are our God now and forever! Retrieved January 7, 2014, from adelaide.catholic.org.au/... Edited by Deli Lanoux, Ed.D. (flandin505.wordpress.com) Page 7 of 7