Priest: God the Father reveals to all the nations that Christ, his son, is to be their Saviour. Confident in his great love for us all – from kings to the poorest of the poor – we voice our needs and the needs of the world.

Reader: We pray for the Church, and for all bishops, priests and religious who bring the light of the gospel to those in darkness.      

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Reader: We pray for world leaders.  In these times of fear and tension, may they be less concerned with retribution and domination and more interested in cooperation and dialogues for peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Reader:   We pray for the poor and needy, and the helpless. Let us hear their cry and be the ones to help them, especially those suffering famine and natural disasters.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Reader:   Let us pray for ourselves, that we may joyously follow our Infant King and bring the light of his love to all we meet.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Reader:   We pray for all our family and friends that have died, may they rest in peace in the light of God’s glory, and may those who mourn be comforted. We remember especially Paul Grant whose funeral will take place here this week.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Now we ask for the intercession of Our Blessed Lady as we say – Hail Mary…. 

Let us pray for a while in silence, remembering our own needs and the needs of our families.

Priest: Loving Father, hear the prayers that we make in faith and grant us your blessing. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.