Following the example of Jesus, who prayed to His Father in His time of suffering, let us ask God to help all His children in this time of need.
For Pope Francis, that the Lord will give him the strength, the health and the wisdom to lead the Church this Holy Week in repentance for the sins of the past and in renewed commitment to God in the future: we pray to the Lord. (Pause)
Lord, hear us . . . Lord, graciously hear us
For world governments, that they will give priority to sharing their knowledge, their skills and their resources to contain and overcome the present pandemic: we pray to the Lord. (Pause)
Lord, hear us . . . Lord, graciously hear us
For the dead, that they might be at peace, for those who mourn, that they may be comforted and for those who are suffering, that, through the skill and compassionate concern of their carers, they may recover: we pray to the Lord. (Pause)
Lord, hear us . . . Lord, graciously hear us
For the lonely living in isolation, that Christ, who suffered the pain of abandonment in His Passion, will bless them with His comfort, His peace and the joy of His presence in their daily lives: we pray to the Lord. (Pause)
Lord, hear us . . . Lord, graciously hear us
For the doctors, scientists and engineers working together to develop vaccines and ventilators, that their efforts will rapidly bring relief to the victims of the virus: we pray to the Lord. (Pause)
Lord, hear us . . . Lord, graciously hear us
For our parish community, that despite being unable to commemorate Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection together this Holy Week, everyone will give their best time each day to praise and prayer which will deepen our faith, renew our hope and increase our love: we pray to the Lord. (Pause)
Lord, hear us . . . Lord, graciously hear us
Let us ask the help of Mary, who knew the pain of watching the suffering and death of the One she loved: Hail Mary . . .
Let us make our own petitions to our Father, who always listens and answers our prayers. (Pause)
Almighty Father, You gave us Christ to be our Saviour and Redeemer; having learnt from His suffering, may we then come to share in the joy of His Resurrection, for He is our Crucified and Risen Lord, who reigns for ever and ever. Amen.