Praying Together 2021

225 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 love of Christ be with you! And with your spirit. COLLECT This feast of the Virgin Mary’s conception celebrates her holiness from the very first moment of her existence. It was God’s way of preparing for the birth of her son Jesus. Let us pray that we too will be holy. (pause) O God, keep us good and make us holy so that we too will be ready for the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 1:46-49 Mary said: “With all my heart I praise the Lord, and I am glad because of God my Saviour. He cares for me, his humble servant. From now on, all people will say God has blessed me. God All-Powerful has done great things for me, and his name is holy.” The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. RESPONSE Trusting that our God is close to us, let us pray for the needs of the world. For eyes to see the wonders God has done: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For hearts filled with praise and thanks: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For faith like Mary’s to do God’s will: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For harmony and peace in the world: (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 God’s Holy Spirit fill us with joy. 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. Wednesday Immaculate Conception of Mary 8 December 2021 “God All-Powerful has done great things for me."