Priest:
Brothers and sisters, as we begin this holy season of Advent, let us turn with confidence to God our Father and ask Him to prepare our hearts for the coming of His Son.
Reader:
For the Church: that Pope Leo, Bishop Patrick, priests, deacons and all the faithful may remain watchful in prayer and help the world recognise Christ who has come, who comes among us now, and who will come again in glory.
Lord, hear us.
For the nations of the world: that leaders may seek justice and peace, protect the weak, and remember that all human power is accountable to God.
Lord, hear us.
For our parish: that this Advent may be a true time of conversion, helping us to pray more deeply, turn away from sin, receive God’s grace and prepare our hearts for Christ.
Lord, hear us.
For the sick, the lonely, the anxious and all who carry heavy burdens: that they may know the Lord is near and find strength and hope in His faithful love.
Lord, hear us.
For those who have died: that Christ, who will come again in glory, may forgive their sins, raise them to new life and welcome them into the joy of Heaven.
Lord, hear us.
In a moment of silence, we bring before God the intentions we carry in our hearts.
Silence.
Let us ask the prayers of Our Blessed Lady, who waited in faith for the coming of the Saviour:
Hail Mary…
Priest:
Faithful God,
You have called us to watch and wait for Your Son.
Keep us firm in faith,
awake in prayer
and ready to welcome Christ whenever He comes.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
