Praying Together 2021

132 Gather Light a candle as a sign of God’s presence and sit quietly. Ring a bell or chime to start the prayer. The love of God be with you! And with your spirit. COLLECT Let us pray that we may trust in God’s promises. (pause) Lord and giver of life, may we hasten without stumbling towards the eternal life you promise. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 6:27-29 Jesus said to the people, “Don’t work for food that spoils. Work for food that gives eternal life. The Son of Man will give you this food, because God the Father has given him the right to do so.” “What exactly does God want us to do?” the people asked. Jesus answered, “God wants you to have faith in the one he sent.” The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. RESPONSE Gathered before God our Father and Creator, let us pray for those who work in the world. For Christians who inspire us with their faith: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For those who are learning about Jesus: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For wisdom to know what God wants us to do: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For those who are tired from long hours of work: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For the prayers in our hearts today: (pause while students offer their prayers aloud) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. DISMISSAL May the fire of the Spirit inflame our hearts. Amen. May God bless us in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Ring the bell or chime to signal the end of the prayer. Extinguish the candle. Friday Week 17 Ordinary Time 30 July 2021 “Work for food that gives eternal life.”