Presider’s Page for 4 February (Ordinary Time 5)
As we come together for worship, each of us brings worries, anxieties and fears. We gather them all together and entrust them to the one who heals his suffering people.
Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Out of your power and compassion, O God,
you sent your Son into our afflicted world
to proclaim the day of salvation.
Heal the brokenhearted,
bind up our wounds.
Bring us health of body and spirit
and raise us to new life in your service.
We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Job 7:1-4, 6-7 — Job’s prayer is the prayer of one seriously ill. Many who have been in that state will recognise the sentiments of despair and desperation.
I Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23 — Paul talks about his own ministry as an apostle, and what motivated him.
Mark 1:29-39 — Jesus begins his busy ministry of healing, praying and preaching.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) Our Lord is great and almighty, so we bring our prayers with confidence.
- For those spread the Gospel — that God’s Spirit may support them when they feel weary (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For powerful people — that they may say “NO” to corruption (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For the brokenhearted — that God may bring them healing (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For all the sick — that we may visit them often and pray for them always (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For those who suffer from depression — that in moments of despair they may know that God is with them (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For mothers-in-law and fathers-in-law — that families may be places of love (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
The Presider prays for the dead: For those who passed beyond this life (especially N and N), that our caring God may love them into eternity (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) Almighty God, we praise you, for you heal the brokenhearted: graciously hear our prayers and grant us the grace we need, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord God,
you have provided food and drink
to sustain our earthly life;
grant, we pray, that this bread and wine
may become the sacrament that gives eternal life.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
PREFACE (Eucharistic Prayer for Various Needs & Occasions, D: Jesus, the Compassion of God)
It is truly right to give you thanks,
Father of mercy, faithful God,
it is fitting that we offer you praise.
You sent Jesus Christ your Son among us
as redeemer and Lord.
He was moved with compassion
for the poor and the powerless,
for the sick and the sinner;
he made himself a neighbour to the oppressed.
By his words and actions
he proclaimed to the world
that you are a father
and care for all your children.
And so, with all the angels and saints,
we sing the joyful hymn of your praise: Holy, holy, holy
Holy indeed are you, Lord God,
and greatly to be praised:
your faithful love attends us
as we journey through life.
Blessed is your Son, Jesus Christ,
who is present among us
when his love gathers us together.
As once he did for his disciples,
Christ now opens the scriptures for us
and breaks the bread.
Therefore we ask you, merciful Father:
send down your Holy Spirit
to hallow these gifts of bread and wine,
that they may become for us
the body + and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
On the eve of his passion and death,
while at table with those he loved,
he took bread and gave you thanks;
he broke the bread,
gave it to his disciples, and said:
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND EAT IT:
THIS IS MY BODY, WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU.
When supper was ended, he took the cup;
again he gave you thanks
and, handing the cup to his disciples, he said:
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND DRINK FROM IT:
THIS IS THE CUP OF MY BLOOD,
THE BLOOD OF THE NEW AND EVERLASTING COVENANT.
IT WILL BE SHED FOR YOU AND FOR ALL,
SO THAT SINS MAY BE FORGIVEN.
DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME.
The mystery of faith…
And so, Father most holy,
we celebrate the memory of Christ, your Son,
whom you led through suffering and death on the cross
to the glory of the resurrection
and a place at your right hand.
Until Jesus, our Saviour, comes again,
we proclaim the work of your love,
offering you the bread of life and the cup of blessing.
Look with favour on the offering of your Church
in which we show forth the paschal sacrifice of Christ
that was handed on to us.
Through the power of your Spirit of love
count us both now and for ever
among the members of your Son,
whose body and blood we share.
Lord,
perfect your Church in faith and love
together with Francis our Pope, N. our Bishop,
with all bishops, priests, and deacons,
and all those your Son has gained for you.
Open our eyes to the needs of all;
inspire in us words and deeds
to comfort those who labour and are burdened;
keep our service of others
faithful to the example and command
of Christ.
Let your Church be a living witness
to truth and freedom, to justice and peace,
that all people may be lifted up
by the hope of a world made new.
Be mindful of our brothers and sisters [N. and N.],
who have fallen asleep in the peace of Christ,
and all the dead whose faith is known only to you.
Lead them to the fullness of the resurrection
and gladden them with the light of your face.
When our pilgrimage on earth is ended,
welcome us into your heavenly home
to dwell with you for ever.
There, with Mary, the virgin Mother of God,
with the apostles, the martyrs,
[Saint Brigid,] and all the saints,
we shall glorify your name and give you praise
through Jesus Christ, your Son.
Through him, with him, in him,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory and honour is yours, almighty Father,
for ever and ever. AMEN
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Merciful God,
you have invited us to share
in the one bread and the one cup.
Enable us to live as one in Christ
and to labour gladly for the salvation of all.
Grant this in the name of Jesus, the Lord.
SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions): ‘Lord of all Hopefulness’; ‘Ag Críost An Síol’; Lay your hands gently upon us’; ‘How Great Thou Art’.