Lord Jesus, you have chosen your priests from among us and sent them out to proclaim your word and to act in your name. For so great a gift to your Church, we give you praise and thanksgiving. We ask you to fill them with the fire of your love, that their ministry may reveal your presence in the Church. Since they are earthen vessels, we pray that your power shine out throught their weakness. In their afflictions let them never be crushed; in their doubts never despair; in temptation never be destroyed; in persecution never abandoned. Inspire them through prayer to live each day the mystery of your dying and rising. In times of weakness send them your Spirit, and help them to praise your heavenly Father and pray for poor sinners. By the same Holy Spirit put your words on their lips and your love in their hearts, to bring good news to the poor and healing to the brokenhearted. And may the gift of Mary your mother, to the disciple whom you loved, be your gift to every priest. Grant that she who formed you in her human image, may form them in your divine image, by the power of your Spirit, to the glory of God the Father.
Amen
A Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood
Lord Jesus, you invite us to pray the Lord of the harvest that He send labourers into His harvest.
Lord and God of all, call to the priesthood men on fire with your divine love, who will be the voice of the Good Shepherd to the scattered sheep of the flock.
R. Lord of the harvest, send labourers into your harvest.
Lord and Saviour, bless us with holy priests. Through their ministry may your life-giving presence in the sacraments be always present in your Church.
R. Lord of the harvest, send labourers into your harvest.
Lord and Giver of Life, raise up men filled with your power and with great missionary zeal, so that all who dwell in darkness may come to live in the light of Christ.
R. Lord of the harvest, send labourers into your harvest.
(Pause for silent personal prayer.)
O Mary conceived without sin,
pray for us who have recourse to you.
Leaflets available from: The Secretary, St. Vincent Ministry to Priests, P.O. Box 1559, Palm Harbor, FL 34682, USA; Tel. (727)784-6462
KJS With permission of the Local Ordinary.