Intercessions

Let us pray to the Lord God, the defender of the weak and the powerless, who delivered our ancestors from harm.

For all who are victims of violence and oppression, we pray to the Lord.

Many people have died by violence and tragedy.
Show your mercy to those who have suffered, and gather them to the eternal kingdom of peace, we pray to the Lord.

The families and friends of those who died in this week's violent tragedy seek comfort and consolation. Heal their pain and dispel the darkness and doubt that come from grief, we pray to the Lord.

For an end to all acts of violence and hatred, we pray to the Lord.

For those who harm others, that they may change their lives and turn to God, we pray to the Lord.


Lord God,
your own Son was delivered into the hands of the wicked,
yet he prayed for his persecutors
and overcame hatred with the blood of the cross.
Relieve the suffering of those harmed by violence;
grant them peace and a renewed faith in your protection and care.

Protect us all from the violence of others,
keep us safe from the weapons of hate,
and restore us to tranquility and peace.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.


O God,
you have promised us that
you will dwell with us as our God.
and that we will be your people;
and one day will wipe every tear from our eyes;
death will be no more,
and mourning and pain will be no more,
for you make all things new.
We praise you,
and long for the fullness of your reign.

We pray this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.


May the God who heals
touch us and our violent world,
and bless us and be with us always.

Go now to heal and convert,
to denounce violence
and to console those who are hurting.
Go and be the hands
and heart of Jesus Christ in our world today.

Father in heaven, Creator of all,
look down upon your people in their moments of need,
for you alone are the source of our peace.
Brings us to the dignity which
distinguishes the poor in spirit
and show us how great is the call to serve,
that we may share in the peace of Christ
who offered his life in the service of all.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.


Micah 4: 1-4
In the days to come
the mount of the Lord's house
Shall be established higher than the mountains;
it shall rise high above the hills,
And peoples shall stream to it:

Many nations shall come, and say,
"Come, let us climb the mount of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob,
That he may instruct us in his ways,
that we may walk in his paths."
For from Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

He shall judge between many peoples
and impose terms on strong and distant nations;
They shall beat their swords into plowshares,
and their spears into pruning hooks;
One nation shall not raise the sword against another,
nor shall they train for war again.

Every man shall sit under his own vine
or under his own fig tree, undisturbed;
for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.


Psalm 130: 1-8
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord;
Lord, hear my voice!

Let your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication:

If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?

But with you is forgiveness, that you may be revered.

I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in his word.

More soul waits for the Lord more than sentinels wait for the dawn.
More than sentinels wait for the dawn, let Israel wait for the Lord,
For with the Lord is kindness
and with him is plenteous redemption;

And he will redeem Israel from all their iniquities.


John 15: 9-12
As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love.

If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love.

"I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.


The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops has posted information on its web site at the following address:
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/mourning.htm