CELEBRANT: Dear Friends, the faith of Abraham and Sarah paved the way for the birth of Jesus.  In union with Mary and Joseph, let us place our trust in God’s covenant love.

LEADER:

We pray for all who honour Abraham as their father in faith, that Jews, Christians and Moslems may bear united witness to the one true God.

(Pause for silent prayer)

Loving God, hear us                           R. Loving God, hear our prayer.

We pray for peace in the lands that gave birth to the great world faiths, that long-standing hostilies may give way to a deep desire for reconciliation.

(Pause for silent prayer)

Loving God, hear us                           R. Loving God, hear our pray

We give thanks for past generations of believers who kept the flame of faith alight for us; may their diversity, that what they have in common may be strong, faithful and forgiving love.

(Pause for silent prayer)

Loving God, hear us                           R. Loving God, hear our pray

We pray for families that are broken or divided, that hurts will be healed and present conflicts resolved.

(Pause for silent prayer)

Loving God, hear us                           R. Loving God, hear our prayer.

We pray for single parent, that they will receive the support they need from family members, friends and the local community.

(Pause for silent prayer)

Loving God, hear us                           R. Loving God, hear our prayer.

We pray for children, that they will grow up in families where they are welcomed, cherished, kept safe and allowed to flourish.

(Pause for silent prayer)

Loving God, hear us                           R. Loving God, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who have been unable to have children and for parents who grieve a child’s death, that they will find their way through sadness to peace of heart.

(Pause for silent prayer)

Loving God, hear us                           R. Loving God, hear our prayer.

We pray for the recently deceased Grey Fregon, Lil Harnett (Ireland), Karen and Baby Thomas Scott, Sister Rosemary Glennen RSM, Peter Cox, Norm Brooks, Tess King, Noreen Dalton, Margaret Snaauw and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, Sister Philip Gleeson, Father Pat Maguire, Ken McLean, Brigid Jones, Sean Murphy, Roo Smith.

(Pause for silent prayer)

Loving God, hear us                           R. Loving God, hear our prayer.

CELEBRANT: Living God and life-giving God, you bring us to birth and watch over us with a mother’s love.  Help us live truly as your daughters and sons.  We ask this through Christ our Lord.