32nd Sunday of the Year — Prayers of the Faithful etc
Opening Comment
At this time of year, our deceased relatives and friends are often in our minds. Our faith tells us that we needn’t grieve over them like people with no hope. We remember them with love, and entrust them to God’s care.
Penitential Rite: As we celebrate God’s enduring mercy, let us call to mind our moments of unfaithfulness: (pause)
Lord Jesus, you raise us to new life…….
Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Wisdom 6:12-16 — Wisdom is a gift freely given to those who seek it. Wisdom never disappoints.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 — We’re assured that we needn’t grieve over the dead like people with no hope.
Matthew 25: 1-13 — A warning against complacency: we need to be ready, to ‘stay awake.’
The General Intercessions
Introduction (by the Presider) My sisters and brothers in Christ, God’s love is better than life, so we present our prayers to the Lord:
- For all who are worried about the bleak economic situation, that God may be close when times are hard. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
- For the Cork mother whose two young children died as the result of a house fire last weekend, and for all the families mourning today after car accidents and other tragedies (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us
- For those grieving over the loss of a family member in the past year, that they may be consoled (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
- For those who support the grieving, that they themselves may be comforted when desolation comes their way. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us
- For all we have lost to death (especially N and N), that their hope in God may be rewarded. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
- For all our own particular needs, which we remember now….. (Long pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) O God of endless love, in the shadow of your wings we find refuge: hear the prayers we humbly make, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Other Liturgical Suggestions
Penitential rite c-vi. Or, if graveyard prayers are to follow the Mass, start with the blessing and sprinkling of holy water (which can be used to bless the faithful, living and dead). First Opening Prayer. Preface of Sundays in Ordinary Time 4. Eucharistic Prayer 2. Solemn Blessing 2 (Sundays in Ordinary Time 11) or 20 (The Dead).
Songs: ‘Sing a New Song Unto the Lord’; ‘My Soul is Longing for your Peace’; Only in God’.