Intercessions for Life
February 2004
Spanish Version
For those who are near death this day,
and for all who accompany them on their last journey,
that these final precious moments may deepen our gratitude to God
for the inestimable value of the gift of life;
We pray to the Lord:
For those who have been condemned to die:
that God might grant them the grace of repentance,
and might teach us how to love them with his redeeming love;
We pray to the Lord:
For all who have grown very old,
that we might cherish their presence in our midst
and drink deeply of their wisdom;
We pray to the Lord:
For a spirit of repentance and conversion,
that the culture of death may be defeated
by the power of the Cross of Jesus;
We pray to the Lord:
May the radiance of your birth light up the night of the world. May the power of your message of love thwart the proud snares of the evil one. May the gift of your life make us understand ever more clearly the worth of the life of each human being. Too much blood is still being shed on the earth! Too much violence and too many conflicts trouble the peaceful coexistence of nations! — Pope John Paul II (Christmas Homily, 2003)
Children are a sign of hope. — John Paul II, Lenten Message, 2004.
There can be no true peace without respect for life, especially if it is innocent and defenseless as is that of the unborn child. — John Paul II, May 22, 2003.
A society that would only make room for fully functional members, completely autonomous and independent, would not be a society worthy of the human being. — John Paul II, Symposium on the Dignity of the Person with Mental Disabilities, January 8, 2004.
[T]he primary means to be employed in restoring respect for all human life is prayer, especially prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. — Synod V Acts, p. 434, n. 218.
Prepared by the USCCB Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities