Presider’s Page 26 July (Ordinary Time 17)

Opening Comment
United with Christians all over the world, we acknowledge one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God as our Father. We worship as one family, and pray for greater charity and love among all the baptised.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
O God,
you open wide your hand,
giving us food in due season.
Out of your never-failing abundance,
satisfy the hungers of body and soul
and lead all peoples of the earth
to the feast of the world to come.
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  
2 Kings 4:42-44 — Elisha insists that the people be fed, and God multiplies the food so that all can share in it.
Ephesians 4:1-6 — Paul writes from prison, calling Christians to greater unity and charity.
John 6:1-15 — St Mark’s Gospel is read on most Sundays this year. However, between now and the end of August, the Gospel each weekend will be from Chapter Six of John’s Gospel, which presents Jesus as the Bread of Life. In today’s opening section, Jesus feeds the five thousand.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) My friends, God is aware of the needs of all people, so we can present our intentions with confidence:

  1. For all the followers of Jesus,  that we may grow in unity and charity (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  2. For our brothers and sisters who are hungry, that the generosity of Christians may ensure there is food for the starving (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  3. For farmers and bakers, and all who provide bread for the world, that they may be blessed by God, who feeds people through their work (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  4. For the community that gathers here to worship God, that we may treat each other with care and respect (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

The presider prays for the dead: For the faithful departed (especially N & N) that eternal peace and light may be theirs (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) You open wide your hand, O Lord, and grant our desires: hear the call of your people and be with us in our needs, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions) ‘One Bread, One Body’, ‘See us Lord about Thine Altar’; Take and Eat’; ‘Walk in the Light’.

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