Presider’s Page 12 July (Ordinary Time 15)

Opening Comment
God has blessed us in very many ways: God has showered grace upon us. During today’s gathering, we give thanks to the Lord for all we have received.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
God of justice, God of salvation,
from every land you call a people to yourself.
Yours is the work we do,
yours the message we carry.
Keep your Church single-minded and faithful to you.
Let failure not discourage us
nor success beguile our hearts,
as you send us to proclaim the gospel.
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
Amos 7:12-15 — Amos explains that he didn’t decide to be a prophet by himself, but that he did what God told him to do.
Ephesians 1:3-14 — For the next six Sundays, the Second Reading will be from Ephesians. Paul wrote this letter to the people of Ephesus while he was in prison. The part we hear today is like the whole letter — a poetic description of the beautiful way God deals with us.
Mark 6:7-13 — Jesus sends the disciples out in pairs, to preach the message of repentance — as the prophets did of old.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) God’s help is near for those who turn to him, so let us present our intentions to the Lord.

  1. For all who have been sent out to preach the message of repentance, that whatever their reception, they may not give up (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  2. For those who find belief in God hard, that, seeing the sick healed and evil conquered, they may find faith (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  3. For people who hunger and thirst for social justice, that they may be rewarded for their dedication (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  4. For the sick and all who suffer, that God may heal them, according to his will (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

The presider prays for the dead (marking the National Day of Commemoration). For all Irish people who have died in war or in the service of the United Nations (and for N who died recently & N whose anniversaries occur) that they may rest in eternal peace (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) Lord God, your help is the strength of your people: accept our petitions and continue to give us your help, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions) ‘Here I Am Lord’; ‘My God Accept My Heart This Day’; ‘God’s Blessing Sends us Forth’.

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