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Intercessions for Life: Respect Life Month 2017
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But first... Q & A
Intercessions for Life: Respect Life Month 2017
Intercessions for Life: January 2018


Butfirst… Q & A

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(en español)

What are these?

"Intercessions for Life" contains two sets of prayer intentions related to respect for all human life.

The first set relates to a broad spectrum of life issues from the perspective of the theme, "Be Not Afraid."

The second set contains intentions highlighting issues more specifically related to unborn children, as well as some intentions that are more general.

Who are they for?

Lectors; priests and deacons; Catholic educators; parish bulletin editors; catechists; leaders in pro-life, youth, young adult, or campus ministry; Catholic communications; individuals; etc.

When do I use them?

You are welcome to use these intentions at any time. For your convenience, some dates are also suggested.

The first set was developed with Respect Life Sunday (October 1, 2017) in mind, and the second set with the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children (Monday, January 22, 2018) in mind.

You could also use any of the intentions on Friday, January 19 (the 2018 March for Life); the day of a local pro-life march/rally; or Monday, April 9 (the 2018 celebration of the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord).

What are some ideas for using them?

  • Use during the Prayer of the Faithful in a Mass for Respect Life Sunday, Respect Life Month, or the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.

  • Use as inspiration for a homily given on one of the previously mentioned days.

  • Include an intention in the parish bulletin on one of the dates mentioned or at another time that naturally relates to the topic. (For example, November is often recognized as "Adoption Awareness Month," so the intention relating to adoption could be included one of the Sundays in November.

  • Begin class (high school, RCIA, religious education, etc.) with prayer and include one or more of the intentions. Consider spending time discussing the intention chosen.

  • Ask students to use as inspiration for a written reflection or digital presentation (prepared in class or for homework). Have them connect one of the intentions to something they are learning in class.

  • Use as inspiration for a talk or class lecture, or incorporate into a regularly-planned talk or lecture that addresses related concepts.

  • Review these intentions and incorporate, as applicable, when you address a related topic as part of regular programming (youth ministry, religious education, high school classes and/or retreats, etc.)

  • Use as inspiration to write about the theme "Be Not Afraid," and publish your piece in Catholic communications (parish e-newsletter, parish bulletin, diocesan newspaper, etc.)

  • Use for individual prayer and reflection. To go a step further, pick one of the topics to learn more about, and/or consider how you can become more involved in bringing Christ's love to the people you've been praying for—especially those who are suffering.



October 1, 2017: Respect Life Sunday


PRINT: Respect Life Month Intercessions

(en español)
 


For all people:
May God grant us courage to embrace
his precious gift of life,
even in the most difficult of circumstances;
We pray to the Lord:

For the times we are afraid to welcome life:
May the Lord fill our hearts with
confidence in His loving care
and provide for every need;
We pray to the Lord:

For all Catholics:
May the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist
strengthen us in protecting his gift of life;
We pray to the Lord:

For the times we are pressured
to compromise respect for human life:
May the Lord strengthen
our courage and resolve;
We pray to the Lord:

May the Holy Spirit reveal to each of us
how we are called to use our gifts
in sharing the Gospel of life and joy;
We pray to the Lord:

For those facing difficult medical decisions:
May they receive the Lord's guidance and peace
as they listen for his voice;
We pray to the Lord:

For expectant mothers
whose hearts are troubled:
May they receive helpful, loving support
for themselves and their baby;
We pray to the Lord:

For the times we doubt the value of our lives:
May we rest in the awareness that we are infinitely
loved, and that God has a plan for our lives;
We pray to the Lord:

For those condemned to die and for their families:
May the hope of the Resurrection
strengthen them in their time of sorrow:
We pray to the Lord:

May God grant us the eyes to see
and the hearts to love
those who need us to walk with them
in times of suffering;
We pray to the Lord:

May God bless all those
for whom adoption is part of their life story;
We pray to the Lord:

For caregivers:
May Christ give them wisdom
and fill their hearts with peace and strength;
We pray to the Lord:

For women and men suffering after abortion:
May God grant them courage to seek
healing and peace through the Church's
post-abortion healing ministry;
We pray to the Lord:

For those longing for a child:
May God comfort them
with the assurance of his steadfast love;
We pray to the Lord:



January 22, 2018: Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

PRINT: January 2018 Intercessions

For bishops and priests:
Through their ministry,
may those who are afraid
be strengthened with the peace of God;
We pray to the Lord:

For our nation:
May God unite us in peace
and respect for each other
and all human life;
We pray to the Lord:

For public servants:
May God grant them the humility, wisdom,
and courage to defend all human life;
We pray to the Lord:

May the Lord grant to us
understanding hearts,
that we may treasure his gift of life;
We pray to the Lord:

May the merciful and gracious Spirit of God
help us protect and care for each person's life;
We pray to the Lord:

May God grant us the wisdom and courage
to lovingly protect his gift of human life
at every stage, in sickness and in health;
We pray to the Lord:

For those who feel alone in their grief
following an abortion:
May they deeply experience
the Lord's mercy and healing;
We pray to the Lord:

For those who have participated in abortion
and long for reconciliation with God:
May they find healing and peace through
the Sacrament of Reconciliation;
We pray to the Lord:

For those suffering the loss of a child:
May Christ comfort them
with his everlasting love;
We pray to the Lord:

For parents who receive
a difficult prenatal diagnosis:
May they be strengthened by the assurance
of God's loving plan for their child's life;
We pray to the Lord:

For people with disabilities:
May they be treated with the loving care
and respect due to each person;
We pray to the Lord:

For those facing unexpected pregnancies:
May God provide for their every need
in welcoming their child;
We pray to the Lord:

For those whose hearts ache
for a child of their own:
May they experience the Lord's presence
and be filled with his peace;
We pray to the Lord:

May friends and families of women
who are unexpectedly pregnant
provide loving, life-affirming support
for both mother and child;
We pray to the Lord:

For medical professionals:
May respect for each person's life
characterize their every action;
We pray to the Lord: