16th Sunday In Ordinary Time Opening Prayer

Let us entrust ourselves and all those dear to us
to our compassionate God

(pause for a while)

Our loving God,
your Son Jesus has revealed you to us
as more tender, warmhearted, and compassionate
than any mother could ever be.
Be near to all who are wounded in life,
care for all the little people trampled upon.
Make all those who follow your Son
people who can forgive and heal,
who make themselves nourishing bread
for all who are hungry in any way.
Make us care for one another
as you care for us through Jesus,
your Son and our Lord for ever and ever.

14th Sunday In Ordinary Time Prayer

O God,
You who have raised up the fallen world in the abasement/humility/lowering of your Son
grant holy joy to Your faithful;
so that You may bring it about that those whom You snatched away from the perils of perpetual death,
may enjoy everlasting joy.

Opening Prayer for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Father,
You call your children
to walk in the light of Christ.
Free us from the darkness
and keep us in the radiance of your truth.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever. Amen

Prayer to Grow With the Church Year

New Saint Joseph People's Prayer Book

Lord Jesus
I know that all human relations take time
if they are to grow and deepen.
This is also true of my relations
with You, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
which must grow over the course of my life.
However, this growth is not automatic;
time alone means nothing
unless I add earnest efforts to it.

You have inspired Your Church to set aside special times
when this growth can develop more intensely -
the special seasons of the Church Year.
If I fail to move toward You during these times,
I waste precious opportunities
and endanger my spiritual life.
Help me to take them seriously
and make a real attempt to use them well,
so that I may grow into the person
You want me to be.

Introductory Prayer to Grow in Christ

New Saint Joseph People's Prayer Book

Heavenly Father
You are the One from Whom
every family derives its origin.
Grant that, in keeping with Your glorious riches
we may be strengthened with power
through the Spirit
for the development of our inner selves.
Help us to develop our natural potentialities
to the full
while at the same time growing in Your likeness
to Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen