Prayer card 2016 version

Opening Prayers

In the name of the Father 

And of the Son

And of the Holy Spirit

Amen.

Let us pause and open ourselves to the presence of God.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your Faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your spirit and renew the face of the earth.

O God, by light of the Holy Spirit, teach the hearts of the faithful and grant that by the same Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolation.

Through Christ Our Lord.

Prayer for the Church and all Vincentians

Compassionate God, we pray for our Church, especially our Pope, Bishops, Priests and Religious. May their leadership strengthen and nourish our Vincentian spirit. We pray for all members of the Vincentian family throughout the world, especially in those countries with which we are twinned. We pray that like Saint Vincent de Paul, we are open to the presence of Christ in the poor and are always willing to share our spirit and resources.

Prayer for the Society spirit

Lord Jesus, we share in the faith and courage of our founders, especially Blessed Frederic Ozanam, Blessed Rosalie Rendu, Fr Gerald Ward and Cptn Charles O'Neill. May their spirit be renewed in the Society of today. May we be open to the needs of those suffering poverty and injustice, remaining receptive to the grace of the Holy Spirit. We pray that we build a sense of community wherever our members are gathered.

Prayer for Reconciliation

Holy Spirit, we pray that the St Vincent de Paul Society be a place in which First Peoples of Australia are welcomed and deeply respected. May the Elders be blessed and honoured. May this sacred land of ours truly inspire us to come together as one. Renew our hearts as we heal one another and build a future based on mercy, justice, faith, hope and love. May we listen and learn from each other as we walk together in a profound spirit of reconciliation.

Hail Mary

Hail, Mary, full of grace,

the Lord is with you.

Blessed are you among women

and blessed in the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

pray for us sinners,

now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Closing Prayers

Jesus taught us to call God our Father and so we have the courage to say:

Our Father

Our Father who art in heaven,

hallowed be your name

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day

our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

Prayer of service

Lord Jesus, in service You washed the feet of Your disciples, offering us a model of humility, love and respect. Open our hearts to Your presence in those we assist. That we may offer them the same spirit of dedicated service, compassion and love You showed. May we, through our actions of service and generosity, lighten their burdens by providing for their immediate necessities and offering them hope, peace and justice.

Prayer for Christian Unity

Lord Jesus Christ, at Your last supper You pray to the Father that all should be one. Send Your Holy Spirit upon all who bear Your name and seek to serve You. Strengthen our faith in You and make us love one another in humility. May we who have been reborn in one baptism, all be united in one faith, under one shepherd and continue to be inspired by the founders of the Society.

Canonisation of Blessed Frederic Ozanam

Father, we pray that Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Through the intercession of Blessed Frederic Ozanam we offer our prayers and intentions. If it is Your will, may the holiness of Your faithful servant Frederic be recognised by the church through his canonisation.

Pause to offer our personal prayers

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

May the souls of our departed members and all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace.

In the name of the Father

and of the Son

and of the Holy Spirit,

Amen.