CELEBRANT: As we wait for the light of Christ to dawn in our darkness, let us place our hopes into God’s loving care.

 

LEADER:

We pray for Pope Francis and all religious leaders, that in the spirit of the Lord they bear joyful witness to God’s boundless mercy.

(Pause for silent prayer)

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

 

We pray for all who wield political, economic or cultural power, that they exercise their influence with integrity and use it to serve the common good.

(Pause for silent prayer)

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

 

St Paul encourages us to be happy at all times and to pray constantly.  The Plenary Council calls us to be joyful, hope-filled Servant Community.

We pray that the spirit of joy and hope fill our hearts and overflow to all we meet.

(Pause for silent prayer)

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

 

We pray for the member states of the United Nations, that this year’s International Migrants Day will spur their efforts to ease the global

(Pause for silent prayer)

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

 

We pray for the world-wide Jewish community, that the celebration of Hanukah, Festival of Light, will strengthen their faith in God’s covenant love.

(Pause for silent prayer)

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

 

We pray for governments at every level in Australia and for all peak bodies in industry and commerce, that the onset of summer will hasten effective action on climate change.

(Pause for silent prayer)

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

 

We pray for the people of Australia, that the commissions of enquiry into aged care, the disabled, bushfire management and war crimes will make the nation safer and healthier.

(Pause for silent prayer)

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

 

We pray for children caught up in bitter divorce disputes, that their needs for security, support and loving care will be given the priority they deserve.

(Pause for silent prayer)

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

 

We pray for all who have struggled with the challenges of this difficult year, that the season of Advent will renew their hope for better times.

(Pause for silent prayer)

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

 

We pray for the recently deceased Peter Goold, Michael Lenehan, Margaret Mansell, Betty Allen, Gavin Duke, Sister Gertrude Kelly, Maree Smail, Vasco Domingos de Arooja, Jessie Ward, Melly Amelia dos Reis Hornai and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, Vincent Griffen, Leo Kelly, Michael Slattery and Nora Forrest.

(Pause for silent prayer)

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

 

CELEBRANT: God of faithful promise, you raised up John the Baptist to herald the coming of your Son.  Send us out as joyful agents of your love.  We ask this through Christ our Lord.