Fourth Sunday of Easter – Bidding prayers

Introduction (by the Presider): Let us bring our prayers to the shepherd who cares for all the flock.

1. For the men and women who lead and serve in the Church, that they may be like Christ (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
2. For young people, that some may follow Christ as priests and Sisters (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
3. For an improvement in the weather, that spring may come and grass may grow (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
4. For the people hurt in Boston this week, that they may get better (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
5. For those affected by earthquakes in Iran and Pakistan, that they may be helped (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
6. For people in our community who are sick, that God may heal them (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.

The presider prays for the dead, those who died during the week and those whose anniversaries occur (and remembering especially people killed in Boston and Texas, and earthquake victims), ‘that all who have died may be given a place before the Throne of Glory’ (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.

He may also pray for an improvement in the weather:  Hardship is being experienced by the farming community in Ireland arising from last year’s poor summer and the consequent effect on the harvest, this year’s prolonged winter, the recent cold snap and the current ground saturation.  Many farmers are in debt due to feeding costs.

Conclusion (by the Presider): O Lord, your loving care brings us safe through the trials of life: hear the prayers we make, through Christ our Lord. Amen.