That Is Fruitful in the Works of Mercy and Compassion

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

Ash Wednesday

Invitation to Prayer:

My brothers and sisters,

marked with the sign of repentance,

let us pray to God for a Lent,

that is fruitful in the works of mercy and compassion,

for the renewal of the whole Church,

and for the salvation of all people.

Concluding Prayer:

God of infinite compassion,

whose creating Word formed us from the dust of the earth

and whose redeeming Spirit recreates us in the image of your Son,

grant that our repentant hearts

may open us to the fullness of your loving mercy

and the blessed joy of the paschal feast.

Through Christ our Lord.

Or:

Holy and invisible God,

who, hidden from our sight and veiled from our minds,

hear every prayer, see every act, and know every thought,

look upon our service this day

and through the prayer, fasting and almsgiving of this holy season

prepare us for the glory of the resurrection.

Through Christ our Lord.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

Ash Wednesday

Deacon or Reader: The response to the petitions is: Lord, have mercy.

1.For the Church, marked with the cross of repentance and redemption;

for reconciliation throughout the world among all people;

and for the Spirit’s guidance in being ambassador of God's unconditional love.

From the Lord let us seek mercy.

2.For the leaders of nations and the important challenges and decisions they face;

for refugees who face the insecurities of our times;

for peace in our world, especially in the Middle East and the Ukraine;

and all who work to implement justice and dignity for their peoples.

From the Lord let us seek mercy.

3.For all who begin this time of renewal in God’s love

by prayer, fasting and almsgiving;

for the catechumens of the Church, preparing for Baptism during Lent;

and for all bishops, priests, deacons and religious in their ministry in the Church.

From the Lord let us seek mercy.

4.For generosity in sharing with the poor and needy this Lent;

for the unemployed and those without adequate housing food or resources;

and for solidarity among those who fast, pray and give to the poor.

From the Lord let us seek mercy.

5.For those in our midst who need understanding, forgiveness and healing;

and for the sick, hospitalized and home bound who cannot join us today;

as we prepare to celebrate the paschal feast of the Lord’s death and resurrection;

for all who have died recently

and for all who mourn.

From the Lord let us seek mercy.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

Ash Wednesday

Reader:The response to the petitions is: Lord, have mercy.

1.Deacon:Let us pray for the Church, sacrament and witness to God’s mercy:

Reader:For all who are marked with the cross of repentance and redemption;

for reconciliation throughout the world among all people;

and for the Spirit’s guidance in being ambassador of God's unconditional love.

From the Lord let us seek mercy.

2.Deacon:Let us pray for peace in our world, especially in the Middle East and the Ukraine:

Reader:For the leaders of nations and the important challenges and decisions they face;

for refugees who face the insecurities of our times;

for all who work to implement justice and dignity for their peoples;

and for those suffering injustice and poverty.

From the Lord let us seek mercy.

3.Deacon:Let us pray for the renewal and deepening of our baptismal faith during Lent:

Reader:For all who begin this time of renewal in God’s love

by prayer, fasting and almsgiving;

for the catechumens of the Church, preparing during Lent for Baptism at Easter;

and for the sick, hospitalized and home bound who cannot join us today.

From the Lord let us seek mercy.

4.Deacon:Let us pray for generosity in sharing with the poor and needy this Lent:

Reader:For those who are unemployed;

for those without adequate housing or food or resources to meet their needs;

and for solidarity among those who fast, pray and give to the poor.

From the Lord let us seek mercy.

5.Deacon:Let us pray for those who need understanding, forgiveness and healing:

Reader:For ourselves as we prepare to celebrate the paschal feast

of the Lord’s death and resurrection;

for all bishops, priests, deacons and religious in their ministry in the Church;

for all who have died recently,

and for all who mourn.

From the Lord let us seek mercy.