Ascension, May 13, 2018

Ascension, May 13, 2018

As we celebrate Jesus’ Ascension into heaven, we come to God with our needs and hopes confident that He is with us even to the end of days.

1. That Pope Francis may receive the gift of God’s grace to persevere in his calling to build up the body of Christ with mercy, justice, and love. We pray to the Lord.
2. That world leaders may put aside vanity and self-interest to serve the best interests of all humanity with humility. We pray to the Lord.
3. That refugees and their families and all forced to flee violence, hatred, and persecution may find support and encouragement from people living Jesus’ commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves. We pray to the Lord.
4. That we may respond to the Lord’s command to go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature by our actions and by the way we live our faith. We pray to the Lord.
5. That children who suffer the loss of a parent or grandparent may be consoled in their grief and cherish the memories of their loved ones. We pray to the Lord.
6. That students who are graduating and moving on to the next stages of their lives may be grateful for their education and use it for the good of society. We pray to the Lord.
7. That Fr. Cristopher will remain steadfast in his determination to fight for his priesthood and be buoyed up by grace from the Spirit and the unwavering support of those seeking justice. We pray to the Lord.
8. In gratitude for our mothers, and all mothers, that they may see their work as a call from God and be united in purpose and spirit with Mary the mother of us all. We pray to the Lord.
9. That those who are suffering in body or spirit may be uplifted, consoled, and supported by family, friends, and the grace of God. We pray to the Lord.
10. That we may celebrate well the lives of those who have died, and that they may be welcomed into the peace and joy of heaven with all the angels and saints. We pray to the Lord.
11. For our own intentions that we recall in silence…….. We pray to the Lord.

O God, we sometimes join the disciples merely looking intently at the sky in search of you with us.  May we instead be active instruments of your love as we offer our prayers to you and participate in making your will known to those we encounter here on Earth.  We make these prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.