June 24 2018

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

Cel: Dear brothers and sisters, today we honour St John the Baptist who became the
forerunner of the Lord Jesus. True to his vocation the Baptist prepared the people and
led them to Jesus. He allowed his own disciples to leave him and become disciples of
Jesus. Let us place our petitions before the Lord so that they may be transformed as
graces we need, saying,

Response: Lord, may your grace transform us.

1. For the pope, the bishops, the priests and the clergy that as the Baptist prepared the
people with powerful words and deeds, the pastors of the Church may bring vigour
and vitality into Christian living, We pray to the Lord

2. We pray that as John the Baptist showed great humility on encountering the Lord
Jesus, we too may embrace the virtue of humility in our dealings with our fellow
human beings, We pray to the Lord

3. For married couples that they may prepare themselves to welcome new lives which
is God’s gift to them, just as John the Baptist, a miraculous child, was a gift his
parents received through incessant prayers, We pray to the Lord

4. For parents who lose their children at young age due to disease or accidents that
they may be comforted and consoled through the loving mercy of God, We pray to the
Lord
5. That John the Baptist may become a model of fearlessness, fairness, integrity and
austerity that we too need in order to be good Christians and good citizens, We pray
to the Lord

Please respond "Lord hear our prayer"

Let us pray for all Believers around the world and those who seek Christ,
that they may receive blessings and open their hearts to God's word…
We pray to the Lord

For all experiencing some form of social injustice,

that they may feel physical and spiritual relief…
We pray to the Lord

For all of the new students joining our community,

may they find a community that welcomes them and makes them
comfortable in their new surroundings…
We pray to the Lord
For the students, faculty, and staff of our school,
may we be able to work together as a community to accomplish all the goals
set before us this school year…
We pray to the Lord

For all the sick and suffering,

may they experience healing and a full recovery with God's grace…
We pray to the Lord

For all those connected to our community who have recently passed away,
may they feel the grace of the Spirit as they enter the heavenly reign of God...
We pray to the Lord

For all the special intentions we hold in our hearts…(Pause for 5 seconds)
We pray to the Lord
Take a moment to reflect on your summers. When were you “salty”? When were you “light”? (Pause) Now
think of the coming school year. How can you be the salt for this school? Who will you inspire today?

Let us offer prayers of petition to our Lord.

The response is, “Lord, hear our prayer.”
For our school, may it continue to be a beacon of light to the students, teachers,
staff, and parents involved in this community.
We pray to the Lord. (Lord, hear our prayer.)
For the Church, may it continue to bring light to those in darkness.
We pray to the Lord. (Lord, hear our prayer.)

For all people who have made this new school year possible, especially faculty
and staff. Bless their work now and throughout this school year.
We pray to the Lord. (Lord, hear our prayer.)

For the students, may join together in unity and support of one another in the
classroom, in clubs, and on sports teams.
We pray to the Lord. (Lord, hear our prayer.)

Beginning of School Year

As we light our candle, may the love of God open us to the possibilities that this
year will bring God our Father, we know that you love and care for us with an
everlasting love. Today we pray for your blessing on each one of us as we begin
this new school year. Open our minds to the possibilities that this year holds.
Open our eyes to the wonder of each new day. Open our hearts to the love of
your Spirit. Lord, hold us in the palm of your hand and help us grow in mind
and body. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

As we open this space up to all that this year brings, we open our hearts and
minds too. Lord we welcome all who enter our school. May we show your love
and respect to one another!
 Lord , help us to be open to the opportunities that will come our way. May Your
Holy Spirit fill us with energy and joy!

We open our books and look forward to all we will learn and understand. Jesus,
help each one of us to see more clearly!

We open our hands to all that we will do this year. May we use them to help one
another!

We open our hearts to all that God has in store for us. May we always make
room for God in our hearts!

We open our eyes to one another. May we see clearly that each one of us is
special and loved completely by God!

Let us make our prayers to God, as we pray at the beginning of our school year:

Look after us Lord, during this coming year; help us live in this school as a Christian community.
Lord, hear us.

We pray for all who work in this school – our teachers, Principal, Deputy Principal and all the office
and cleaning staff. Bless them all and their families. Lord hear us.

We pray for all past pupils, for those who left last year; we remember especially those who are sick,
unemployed or in any sort of trouble. Lord, hear us.

For any of our school who have died: Lord have mercy on them and welcome them home to
heaven. Lord, hear us.

We pray for anyone that is new to our school especially the first years. We hope they will be happy
here and find plenty of friends. Lord hear us.

Let us pray:

Help us Lord, to use well the talents you have given each of us. Help us bring them to our studies
so that we work to the best of our ability. May all in this school feel valued, for who we are in your
sight. May all we do and learn be in your service, and in the service of love, both now and in the
future.