Presiders Page 16 August (Ordinary Time 20)
Opening Comment
Whoever eats the flesh of the Lord and drinks his blood will live for ever. We celebrate Jesus’ promise, believing we will share the eternal destiny of all who have this divine life in them.
Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Wise and gracious God,
you spread a table before us
and nourish your people with the word of life
and the bread from heaven.
In our sharing of these holy gifts,
show us our unity in you
and give us a taste of the life 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
Proverbs 9:1-6 — Wisdom is depicted in female form, inviting the foolish to be fed from her table and thus become wise.
Ephesians 5:15-20 — Paul tells Christians to give good example and to bless God for everything.
John 6:51-58 — Jesus is the Bread of Life: whoever eats this bread will live for ever.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) Those who revere the Lord lack nothing, so we bring our prayers to God with confidence.
- For all who gather to celebrate the Eucharist this weekend, that we may grow in appreciation of the Bread of Life we share (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For those for feel unable or unworthy to receive Holy Communion, that they may never feel deprived of the support and friendship of the Church (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For people outside the Christian family, that the good lives of the Lord’s followers may bring them to Christ (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For all who sing the glory of God on earth: congregations, cantors and choirs, that they may one day join in the beautiful music of heaven (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
The Presider prays for the dead: For our brothers and sisters who have died (especially N & N), that having eaten the Bread of Life, they may live forever (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) Lord our God, those who seek you lack no blessing: hear the prayers we make in faith, and continue to help us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions): ‘One Bread, One Body’, ‘All are Welcome ‘, ‘Take and eat’, ‘I Am the Bread of Life’.