Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, May 12, 2024

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, May 12, 2024

As we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus, we turn to the Father and ask for the grace that we too may one day be with him in our eternal home. 

1. That the Church may embark with zeal on its mission to build up the body of Christ and seek unity of faith of all people rather than merely standing and looking at the sky.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That representatives of nations negotiating to end violence and war may live with humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.  We pray to the Lord. 
3. That protests over violence in Gaza will not themselves turn to violence and destruction but rather will encourage peaceful solutions to the raging war.  We pray to the Lord.
4. Though we do not know the times or seasons of the events of our lives, may we wait in joyful hope and expectation for the coming of the Lord to strengthen and guide us. We pray to the Lord.
5. That the Father of glory will give us a Spirit of wisdom and revelation and enlighten our hearts so that we may have knowledge of him and know the hope that belongs to his call.  We pray to the Lord.
6. That the Holy Spirit may be with people throughout the world suffering from war, poverty, or oppression and give them peace in their souls and peace in their hearts even as they live in the turmoil of this world.  We pray to the Lord.
7. In thanksgiving for our mothers — living and deceased — who nurtured us physically, emotionally, and spiritually and that their selflessness may inspire us to care for those needing assistance in overcoming life’s challenges.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That motherhood will be respected as a blessed and cherished role in God’s creative plan so that all mothers and pregnant women will receive the support they need to raise their children with wisdom, patience, and love.  We pray to the Lord.  
9. That children who have lost their mothers due to violence or illness may be consoled in their grief by the help, protection, and intercession of Mary, the mother of all.  We pray to the Lord.
10. That those who are ill or injured will not be abandoned but will be cared for by their friends and families and by compassionate professionals. We pray to the Lord.
11. That deceased mothers, Godmothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, and all who have provided maternal care may be at peace in the eternal joy of the ascended Christ in heaven.  We pray to the Lord.

God, our Father, on this day we celebrate mothers who are signs of your love and instruments of your creation.  We offer our prayers asking that we may each be signs of the presence of your love in this world.  We make our prayer through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord. Amen.