PRIEST: United in the commandment of love, we turn to the Lord with all our needs.
READER: We pray for the Church throughout the world that Christian communities, gathered at the Lord’s Table, may be seen as a people called by God out of every nation, ethnic origin and tradition, to follow Christ in all things. We pray for ourselves, that we may truly become disciples of Christ as we worship together in this Mass. Lord hear us. Lord graciously hear us.
Let us pray for those who have evil and violence in their hearts. May they abandon their hatred and come back to the Lord who is rich in forgiveness and compassion. Lord hear us: Lord graciously hear us.
In God’s infinite love we have each been called to repent and return to God in whole hearted faith. We pray that, as we celebrate the Lord’s Baptism, we remember our own baptismal promises to help each other to grow in our understanding of God’s call. Lord hear us: Lord graciously hear us.
Let us pray for the world’s leaders and diplomats that all nations may work together for a world of non-violence, justice and peace and hope for future generations. Lord hear us: Lord graciously hear us.
Let us remember the hungry and homeless, the unemployed. We pray that the world’s wealth and abundance may be justly shared with all who are in need. Lord hear us: Lord graciously hear us.
Let us pray for all who are sick and for all who are in hospital that they may be aware that the Lord is with them in their troubles. Lord hear us: Lord graciously hear us.
We pray for those who care for the sick and injured, may they have the skill and compassion they need and be given the resources and means to serve with love and joy. Lord hear us: Lord graciously hear us.
In the silence of our hearts, let us pray for our own families and friends and our own intentions. Let us ask Mary the Mother of the Lord to pray with us. Hail Mary …
PRIEST: Jesus did not break the crushed reed or snuff out the faltering wick. We are all weak and crushed and faltering flames, we are all in need of healing and hope. So on this feast of the Baptism we are reminded that we have been reborn as children of God. May we find the fullness of life in Christ our Lord.
AMEN.
