Prayers of Intercession

The 3rd (Gaudete) Sunday of Advent (year A)

14th December 2025

For the Church, that by her faithful preaching of the Gospel she may bring joy to the world.

Lord, in your mercy – Hear our prayer.

For all the countries at war, that a just peace will be found and thanks given to God.

Lord, in your mercy – Hear our prayer.

That the needs of the lonely, the old, and the suffering will be met by our response to God’s call.

Lord, in your mercy – Hear our prayer.

For all Christian families, that the birth of Jesus will be remembered in their celebrations and we pray for those who find it hard to celebrate, that the peace of Christ will fill and sustain them.

Lord, in your mercy – Hear our prayer.

For the faithful departed, especially those lately dead, including Salvatore D’Amico, Charlie Main, and  Teresa Possumato, that they may enjoy the vision of God face to face.

Lord, in your mercy – Hear our prayer.

Advent Prayer

Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in dark-ness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!’ Amen.

Henri J.M. Nouwen (1932-1996)

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Prayer for Peace To the Creator of nature and man, of truth and beauty I pray: Hear my voice, for it is the voice of the victims of all wars and violence among individuals and nations; Hear my voice, for it is the voice of all children who suffer and will suffer when people put their faith in weapons and war; Hear my voice when I beg you to instil into the hearts of all human beings the wisdom of peace, the strength of justice and the joy of fellowship; Hear my voice, for I speak for the multitudes in every country and in every period of history who do not want war and are ready to walk the road of peace; Hear my voice and grant insight and strength so that we may always respond to hatred with love, to injustice with total dedication to justice, to need with the sharing of self, to war with peace. O God, hear my voice and grant unto the world your everlasting peace. ( Pope Saint John Paul II)