1st Sunday Advent Year A December 1st

Prayer of the Faithful

For the Church – that bishops everywhere strive to administer their Dioceses with open and transparent

processes.

(Silence) Reader: Maranatha All: Come Lord Jesus.

For nations at war with neighbouring countries – that they strive for peace with each other, turning ‘swords

to ploughshares’ and ‘spears to pruning hooks.’

(Silence) Reader: Maranatha All: Come Lord Jesus.

For Aotearoa New Zealand – that we be a country of peace and justice where the rights of the vulnerable are

upheld, where just wages are paid and people of minority ethnicities and religions are safe.

(Silence) Reader: Maranatha All: Come Lord Jesus.

For people addicted to drugs or alcohol – that they are healed, that they live lives of dignity and joy, and that

they receive the support they need to bring about healing changes in their lives.

(Silence) Reader: Maranatha All: Come Lord Jesus.

For people who sleep on footpaths, roads or under bridges – that society acts with compassion, that

proper housing be available, and that they are supported to develop the life skills they need to live well with

others.

(Silence) Reader: Maranatha All: Come Lord Jesus.

For students who are ending their school year – that they take time to reflect on opportunities received and

on the application of their own effort, and that the coming school holidays bring a time of new vision, renewal

and refreshment.

(Silence) Reader: Maranatha All: Come Lord Jesus.

2nd Sunday Advent Year A December 8th

Prayer of the Faithful

For the Church – that churches everywhere be places of welcome and encouragement,

places where divisions are healed and enemies come to peace.

All: Come Lord Jesus.

For leaders of nations who are at war – that they pursue peace earnestly, understanding

that the realization of peace, will require their willingness to change, and look cooperatively

for new solutions to problems.

All: Come Lord Jesus.

For Aotearoa New Zealand – that as a people, we seek to live in greater harmony with

nature, learning not to harm or destroy, but preserve and care.

All: Come Lord Jesus.

For children who have a parent in prison – that they not be caught up in a sense of

shame and stigma, but be accepted, loved and supported to live lives of happiness and

dignity.

All: Come Lord Jesus.

For people who are lonely – that they have the support they need, to form relationships of

mutual care, love, respect and understanding.

All: Come Lord Jesus.

3rd Sunday Advent Year A December 15th – Gaudete Sunday

Prayer of the Faithful

For the Church – that that the blind and the lame, the sick, the deaf and the poor are

always made welcome in the Church.

All: Come Lord Jesus.

For leaders of nations – that all leaders of nations pay heed to the need to act, in order to

avert the negative impacts of global warming and climate change.

All: Come Lord Jesus.

For people in Church and community who speak with a prophetic voice – that their

message be well formed, prudent, just, relevant to our time, and that their message be

heard and heeded.

All: Come Lord Jesus.

For users of social media – that social media be used by people to build caring

relationships, develop nurturing communities, encourage right behavior, and that it not be

used for bullying or the promotion of harmful material.

All: Come Lord Jesus.

For people who live their life in fear – that they be strong, have courage, take heart and

seek the support they need to live with freedom, confidence and dignity.

All: Come Lord Jesus.

4th Sunday Advent Year A December 22nd

Prayer of the Faithful

For the Church – that all the baptized take up the call to mission and seek to bring forth the

kingdom of God in their daily living.

All: Come Lord Jesus.

For leaders of nations – that they attend with compassion to the plight of refugees

throughout the world.

All: Come Lord Jesus.

For the people of our nation – that people grow in the desire to do what is kind and right,

to act justly and with regard for their neighbour and consideration for those we share our

roads, parks and markets with.

All: Come Lord Jesus.

For people preparing for the birth of a child – that they look forward with joy to

welcoming the newborn baby, that they are able to provide a warm and safe home, proper

nutrition and an atmosphere of love, care and kindness.

All: Come Lord Jesus.

For people travelling by road this holiday season – that they drive with caution, courtesy

and patience, focusing on the care and safety of themselves and other road users.

All: Come Lord Jesus.