Praying Together 2021

167 Gather Light a candle as a sign of God’s presence and sit quietly. Ring a bell or chime to start the prayer. May the peace of Christ be with you! And with your spirit. COLLECT Let us pray that we will grow in the love of God and of one another. (pause) Loving Father, make us worthy members of your family so that we will share the inheritance you have promised in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark 9:35-37 After Jesus sat down and told the twelve disciples to gather around him, he said, “If you want the place of honour, you must become a slave and serve others!” Then Jesus had a child stand near him. He put his arm around the child and said, “When you welcome even a child because of me, you welcome me. And when you welcome me, you welcome the one who sent me.” The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. RESPONSE Gathered as brothers and sisters in God’s family, let us pray for the needs of the world. For the safety and protection of all children: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For eyes to recognise Christ in other people: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For an attitude of joy in serving others: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For gentleness and peace in our homes: (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 Lord look upon us with kindness and give us peace. 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 24 Ordinary Time 17 September 2021 “When you welcome even a child because of me, you welcome me.”