Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday), April 28, 2019

Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday), April 28, 2019

As we continue our Easter celebration, we rejoice in the risen Lord confident that just as Jesus overcame death, he will be with us as we strive to overcome the crosses in our own lives. With faith, we offer our prayers and petitions knowing that the Lord hears us and answers all our needs.

1. That the Lord will have mercy on his church and forgive us for our failure to consistently bring the message of Easter joy to the world. We pray to the Lord.
2. That world leaders will turn to the Lord with resolve to reform their lives seeking mercy for their failures to promote religious freedom, to respect human life at all stages, and to ensure the welfare of their people . We pray to the Lord.
3. That the Diocese of Venice will receive God’s mercy and be freed from the forces that seek power, money, division, and the destruction of faith. We pray to the Lord.
4. That the bishops of the Church will turn to the Lord recognizing their need for mercy for their failure to protect children from predators and for failure to work to rid the Church of all forms of abuse. We pray to the Lord.
5. That those who are filled with hatred for others and seek to divide for their own selfish goals may receive the grace of mercy so that they will be able to work for the Lord’s peace and unity. We pray to the Lord.
6. That the merciful Lord will relieve the people of Sri Lanka from their anguish as they make efforts to recover from the horrific attacks on Christian churches and people of good will. We pray to the Lord.
7. That the Orthodox faithful who celebrate Easter today will rejoice in the risen Lord and be recipients of his mercy and grace. We pray to the Lord.
8. That those who struggle to believe in the Resurrection may receive the mercy of Jesus who showed himself to Thomas who was able to declare his profound faith, “My Lord and my God.” We pray to the Lord.
9. That Father Christopher will be the recipient of divine mercy which frees him from his physical ailments, relieves the stress he is under, and offers him his unfettered priesthood that he may able to live his vocation. We pray to the Lord.
10. That the sick in our community who are facing serious illness may receive the Lord’s mercy, be relieved of their suffering, and look to the future with determination, hope, and joy. We pray to the Lord.
11. That those who have died will receive the Lord’s mercy and be welcomed into the everlasting life of heaven with all the angels and saints. We pray to the Lord.
12. For our own intentions that we recall in silence…….. We pray to the Lord.

O God, we know that Jesus performed many signs in the presence of his disciples not recorded in John’s Gospel.  May we have the faith of Thomas, confident that in your mercy you continue to perform signs in our lives in answer to the prayers we make through Christ our Lord.   Am