A Prayer For Priests
Jesus Christ, the Eternal High Priest,
wishing to remain always sacramentally present among his people
continually calls from our midst those entrusted with the priesthood.
Grant those whom he has chosen faithfulness in their service
that they bring lasting good to your Church.
Help them to do what is right,
that by their teaching and living we may grow in the knowledge of your love.
As our priests instruct your people,
enlighten them with the wisdom of Christ the Teacher.
As they preach your Word and celebrate the sacraments,
sanctify them with the holiness of Christ the High Priest.
As they face weakness, suffering and discouragement,
strengthen them with the grace of Christ the Life-Giver.
As they work for peace, unity and healing in your Church,
uphold them with the courage of Christ the Reconciler.
Giver of all good gifts,
make us loving encouragers of our priests
and faithful companions in love on their journey,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Please pray daily for those who serve us in Holy Orders, our Bishops,
our priests, our deacons and all those in consecrated life. . The men in
Holy Orders have dedicated their lives to serving God by serving His
faithful, providing the sacraments and ministering to the spiritual
needs of our common priesthood. They work long, irregular hours, often
without thanks or recognition for what they do. They must deal with the
preferences and opinions, often conflicting, of us, their parishioners.
Their numbers are depleted, but the needs of the faithful have not.
Among their many challenges, they now strive to rebuild the respect and
trust diminished by the shameful conduct of some. . They need our
prayers, and they need the encouragement of knowing they are being
prayed for.
Please pray for our priests that they might always be faithful to their sacred calling.
(Adapted from a prayer of the Diocese of St. Cloud)
