Presiders Page 9 August (Ordinary Time 19)
Opening Comment
We gather together as friends, called by the Lord to forgive each other as quickly as God forgives us.
Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
God, our Father and provider,
whose Son has given his flesh for the life of the world,
sustain your pilgrim Church on its journey
with the word of life and the bread of heaven.
Draw us nearer to him in whose name we gather,
that, following his way of sacrificial love,
we may come to the banquet of eternal life.
Grant this 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
1 Kings 19:4-8 — Elijah was at the point of despair when God sent him food and drink to nourish him on his journey.
Ephesians 4:30 to 5:2 — Paul challenges Christians to imitate Christ in the way they treat each other.
John 6:41-51 — We continue reading from Chapter Six of St John’s Gospel for the next three weeks. Today we are taught that Jesus is the true bread come down from heaven, promising the fullness of life.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) Let us bring our needs to God, knowing that when we call, the Lord hears.
- For all who gather to celebrate the Eucharist this weekend, that sharing the bread from heaven, they may have the fullness of life (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For those unable to receive the bread at Mass because of their coeliac condition, that the Blood of the Lord may nourish them, bringing health and wholeness (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For those who receive exam results at this time of year, that they may find happiness in life, sustained by a solid faith (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For people who experience despair, to the point of giving up, that God may send an angel to sustain them (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
The Presider prays for those who have died: For our brothers and sisters who have died in Christ (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) We bless you, O Lord, at all times: from all our terrors you set us free.
Let our prayers come into your presence, and continue to support us, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions): ‘All the Earth Proclaim The Lord’; ‘Ag Críost an Síol’; ‘Take and Eat’; ‘I am the Bread of Life’.