Prayers
FOR PRIESTS
Lord Jesus, you have chosen your priests
from among us and sent them out
to proclaim your word and to act in your name.
For so great a gift to your Church, we give you praise and thanksgiving.
We ask you to fill them with the fire of your love that their ministry may reveal your presence in the Church.
Since they are earthen vessels, we pray that your power shine through their weakness.
In their afflictions let them never be crushed;
in their doubts never despair;
in their temptations never destroyed;
in persecutions never abandoned.
Inspire them through prayer to live each day|
the mystery of your dying and rising.
In times of weakness send them your Spirit,
and help them to praise your heavenly Father
and prayer for poor sinners.
By the same Holy Sprit put your words on their lips
and your love in their hearts,
to bring good news to the poor and healing to the brokenhearted.
And may the gifts of Mary your mother to the disciples
whom you loved, be your gift to every priest.
Grant that she, who formed you in her human image,
may form them in your divine image,
by the power of your Spirit,
to the glory of God the Father.
Amen.
(By Fr. Kevin Scallon, CM)
FOR SEMINARIANS
Loving Father, send fourth the power of your Holy Spirit
upon the seminarians of our Archdiocese
who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood.
Grant them the graces they need
at this time in their lives,
particularly the graces of clarity, simplicity of heart,
and deep trust that will enable them
to continue to respond generously to your call.
Give them wisdom and insight, Lord,
that they may know your will,
and grant them the courage they need
to follow it with all their hearts.
Mary, we entrust our seminarians
to your Maternal Intercession.
Teach them to be generous, faithful men
who desire to draw close to your Son, Jesus.
We ask all this through the intercession of
Mary, Mother of the Church,
Saint Joseph, patron of the Universal Church,
Saint John Vianney, patron of priests,
and in the Holy Name of Jesus. Amen.
FOR VOCATIONS
God our Father, You made each of us
to use our gifts in the Body of Christ.
We ask that You inspire
young people whom you call to
priesthood and consecrated life
to courageously follow Your will.
Send workers into Your great harvest
so that the Gospel is preached,
the poor are served with love,
the suffering are comforted,
and your people are strengthened
by the sacraments.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
