The Universal Prayer s1

The Universal Prayer Sunday 14th January 2018 Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Celebrant: Sisters and brothers, the call to follow Jesus comes in our baptism, but is repeated at different stages of our lives so that we can deepen our dedication to him as life changes.

1. We pray for Pope Francis who begins his pastoral visit to Chile and Peru on Monday, where he will highlight the needs of the indigenous people of those nations, thereby encouraging all nations to improve their relationship with their own indigenous peoples, Let us pray to the Lord. Grant this, almighty God.

2. We pray that as Pope Francis highlights the Amazon region in South America, care of the earth, our common home, will be taken more seriously around the globe. Let us pray to the Lord. Grant this, almighty God.

3. We pray for each other that the curiosity of Andrew and Peter to know Jesus better will encourage us to pray to him, reflect upon his Gospel, and live with his charity. Let us pray to the Lord. Grant this, almighty God.

4. We pray for Catholic youth and young adults in Australia in this Year of Youth, that the interest of Andrew and Peter to meet Jesus, will echo in their hearts as they build up their friendship with him. Let us pray to the Lord. Grant this, almighty God. 5. We pray for children and teenagers during this holiday time, that it may strengthen their family relationships, develop their independence and creativity, and following the example of Samuel, keep them alert to what God is saying to them in prayer. Let us pray to the Lord. Grant this, almighty God.

6. We pray for… Let us pray to the Lord. Grant this, almighty God.

7. We pray for those Christians who were killed in their churches on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day in Egypt and in Nigeria, along with … Let us pray to the Lord. Grant this, almighty God.

Celebrant: Heavenly Father, with trust we proclaim that we have come to do your will, today and always. Through Christ our Lord. The Universal Prayer Monday 15th January 2018 Monday Second Week in Ordinary Time Year 2

Celebrant: The story of Saul, whose strengths along with his weaknesses, and failure to carry out God’s will, reminds us of our human frailty, and the need for God’s constant help.

1. May Pope Francis and those travelling with him to Chile and Peru, will have a safe and comfortable flight today. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. May all Christ’s faithful seek God’s will in their lives, and work with the Holy Spirit to live it each day. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. May those who are prophets in the Church today, speaking God’s word, do so with faith free of all personal ambition. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. May the refugees from the violence in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Myanmar, soon be able to return home and rebuild their lives in peace. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. May families mourning the death of a member through terrorist attacks, and those injured in them, not be forgotten by us, but be held up to God in prayer. Let us pray to the Lord.

6. May this 176th anniversary of the birth of Mary MacKillop inspire us to live our baptism with the same spirit of charity and trust in the providence of God. Let us pray to the Lord.

7. May this 89th anniversary of the birth of Martin Luther King Jnr, keep people focused on the need to work for human rights wherever they are denied or are under threat. Let us pray to the Lord.

Celebrant: Heavenly God, grant us your salvation, Through Christ our Lord. The Universal Prayer Tuesday 16th January 2018 Second Week in Ordinary Time

Celebrant: My friends, through the word we see how God always has first care for people.

1. May Pope Francis in his meetings with the President, government authorities, diplomats, bishops, priests, religious and seminarians in Chile today will encourage their faith, as well as works of justice and charity to the needy. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. May the celebration of the Eucharist with the people of Chile in Santiago this morning affirm their faith in Jesus and the bond of charity, so that they work to build a harmonious society. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. May the visit of Pope Francis to a women’s prison this afternoon highlight the need for a justice system which is focused on rehabilitation of people, so that they can contribute productively to society once again. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. That we may resist the temptation to be quick in passing judgments on others because of their appearance or humble situation in life, as did David’s father and brothers. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. That we may be open to see God’s grace where God gives it, not where we think it should be. Let us pray to the Lord.

6. That our Australian nation may rediscover the holiness of the Lord’s Day, and so spend some time in giving thanks and seeking God’s help. Let us pray to the Lord.

Celebrant: Eternal King, you are full of compassion and love. Bless us with those same gifts. Through Christ our Lord. The Universal Prayer Wednesday 17th January 2018 St Anthony of Egypt Second Week in Ordinary Time Celebrant: Jesus has shown us that it is always better to do good through the love and care of our neighbor.

1. May Pope Francis and the indigenous people of Chile, with whom he shares lunch with some today, be a sign of the Church’s profound respect for indigenous people everywhere. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. May the young people who will meet with Pope Francis tonight, and those at the University which he will visit, be affirmed in their faith and in their role as leaders of integrity, now and into the future. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. May those who suffer in their hands through arthritis, skin complains, weakness or disability, be people of courage with trust in God’s care for them. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. May the Spirit who was with young David be with all people of goodwill as they seek to overcome their enemies, so that love conquers hate, and justice triumphs over greed, and mercy over revenge. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. That the profound reverence for God which St Anthony of Egypt was the foundation of his life, be an inspiration for the Christians of Egypt today who suffer so much persecution for their faith.

Celebrant: Lord God, stand close to all who suffer, give hope to those who are apprehensive, and affirm with love all who feel unworthy. Through Christ our Lord. The Universal Prayer Thursday 18th January 2018 Second Week in Ordinary Time

Celebrant: Sisters and brothers, Jesus in his preaching and healing drew people to himself so that they could receive salvation.

1. We pray for those who gather with Pope Francis for the Eucharist today at Iquique in Chile, that a sense of solidarity in the faith will be a great enrichment for the country. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. We pray that Pope Francis’ visit to Peru, beginning this evening will bring healing to a country which has suffered much in recent decades. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. We pray for all who are suffering sickness and disease at this time, that Christ the Healer may bring them peace and hope. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. We pray for those who are jealous of the successes of others, as was King Saul jealous of young David, that they may be graced with humility. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. We pray for world leaders that they may have the skills of diplomacy and the wisdom of heart as seen in Jonathan who calmed the anger of his father Saul. Let us pray to the Lord.

Celebrant: Lord our God, do not abandon the poor of our time, but grace all people with that commitment to justice which will ensure dignity for everyone. Through Christ our Lord. The Universal Prayer Friday 19th January 2018 Friday Second Week in Ordinary Time

Celebrant: Sisters and brothers, as Jesus called the twelve and named them as his apostles, so we have been called through our baptism to be his apostles in today’s world.

1. We pray blessings upon the meeting of Pope Francis with the President, government authorities and diplomats of Peru this morning, that they will make a commitment to justice and mercy in their service of people. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. We pray that the meeting of Pope Francis with the people of the Amazon will highlight the dignity of people, the importance of land rights for indigenous people, along with the preservation of forests and sensitive ecological environments. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. We pray that the visit of Pope Francis to a children’s home in Puerto Maldonado will bring joy to the children and highlight the needs of children who live in difficult situations. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. We pray each other, that we may be apostles in the world, bringing the truth, mercy and justice of Jesus to our places of work, our communities, neighborhoods and homes. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. We pray that God may give the same grace to all who face their enemies as he gave to David, who would not raise his hand against the anointed King Saul, and that the tears of repentance by King Saul will inspire people to seek reconciliation. Let us pray to the Lord. Celebrant: Lord our God, just as kindness and truth meet in you, so may they embrace in our hearts and lives for the good of all who suffer. Through Christ our Lord. The Universal Prayer Saturday 20th January 2018 St Fabian, pope St Sebastian, martyr Second Week in Ordinary Time

Celebrant: Dear friends, Jesus in his ministry had to face misunderstanding from his own family.

1. That the visit of Pope Francis to Trujillo in Peru with the celebration of the Eucharist and the visit to a struggling neighbourhood, will be a source of encouragement and hope. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. That the meeting of Pope Francis with bishops, priests, religious, seminarians and novices of northern Peru will inspire them to be servants of the people, not seeking privilege or power. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. That when misunderstanding arises within families, people are able to discuss and negotiate, so that difficulties do not fester and become a source of long lasting division. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. That those who suffer serious mental illness, or who live with Dementia or Alzheimer’s, may receive that care which is always respectful of their human dignity. Let us pray to the Lord.

5.That those who honour St Sebastian as Patron: soldiers, local police, and all involved in neighborhood watch, along with physicians and those working for protection against contagious diseases, will find strength in his intercession. Let us pray to the Lord.

6 May the election of the layman Fabian as Bishop of Rome in the 3rd century, alert us to how the Spirit moves mysteriously in the life of the Church. Let us pray to the Lord.

Celebrant: Father and King, you reign over us with justice and mercy. Help us to live our Christian life with a spirit of joy. Through Christ our Lord.