With confidence in God who blesses the humble and lifts the lowly, we bring our prayers before the Lord.
We pray for the Church: that together, we may be poor in spirit, gentle, merciful, and courageous in seeking justice.
We pray for all those in leadership in our fragile, beautiful world: that they might have, as an urgent priority, the strength and determination to work for a just and lasting peace in places of conflict and division.
We pray for anybody who is feeling sad, for whatever reason. We especially remember those who have recently lost a loved one through war, violence or the recent natural disasters. May they be comforted.
We pray for a just outcome to the peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine and between Israel and Gaza. May there be an end to the suffering of so many people who have been forced to live in fear, insecurity and hardship.
We pray for our parish community. May we grow in generosity and compassion, seeing God in each other and recognising Jesus in the poor and overlooked people around us.
We pray for families and for children. May we find many reasons for laughter and hope, even when life is difficult.
God of many blessings, hear the prayers we offer and shape our hearts according to the way of your Son. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.