Praying Together 2021

83 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 The Virgin Mary, under the title of Help of Christians, is patron of Australia. Let us pray for all Australians. (pause ) O God, with the help of the Virgin Mary, may the people and our leaders ensure dignity and respect for every person in our land. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark 3:20-21, 31-35 Such a large crowd gathered around Jesus that there was no chance even to eat. When Jesus’ family heard what he was doing, they thought he was crazy and went to get him under control. Jesus’ mother and brothers came and stood outside. Then they sent someone with a message for him to come out to them. The crowd that was sitting around Jesus told him, “Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside and want to see you.” Jesus asked, “Who is my mother and who are my brothers?” Then he looked at the people sitting around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. Anyone who obeys God is my brother or sister or mother.” 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 peace and harmony among all Australians: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For healing and forgiveness in our families: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For dignity and respect for all: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For strength to hear and obey God’s message: (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 motherly love surround us. 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. “ Anyone who obeys God is my brother or sister or mother. ” Monday Our Lady, Help of Christians 24 May 2021