Praying Together 2021

65 Gather Light a candle as a sign of God’s presence and sit quietly. Ring a bell or chime to start the prayer. The Lord be with you. Alleluia! And with your spirit. Alleluia! COLLECT We remember Marist priest Peter Chanel, missionary and martyr in the Pacific. Let us commend to God the scattered peoples of the Pacific Ocean. (pause) God of the poor and lowly, bring new life and Easter joy to our neighbours who make their home on the islands of the Pacific. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the Acts of the Apostles 4:32-35 The followers of Jesus all felt the same way about everything. None of them claimed that their belongings were their own, and they shared everything they had with each other. In a powerful way the apostles told everyone that the Lord Jesus was now alive. God greatly blessed his followers, and no one went in need of anything. Everyone who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles. Then they would give the money to anyone who needed it. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. RESPONSE In the light of this new day, let us pray for the needs of the world. For the generosity to share what we have: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For those who are homeless: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For those who do not have enough food today: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For world leaders that they may govern wisely: (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 peace of Christ dwell in our hearts. Alleluia! Alleluia! 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. “The apostles told everyone that the Lord Jesus was now alive.” Wednesday St Peter Chanel 28 April 2021