The Universal Prayer

Sunday 17th December 2023

Third Sunday of Advent

Celebrant: On this Sunday the words of St Paul –

happiness, prayer, thanksgiving, and peace –
give us a spiritual joy which brings hope.

1. May Pope Francis, celebrating his 87th birthday today

continue to show us the joy of being disciples of Jesus,
servants of the poor, protectors of the environment.
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy.

2. May Pope Francis’ constant plea for peace across the Holy Land
be heard by all so that violence ends, aid flows to desperate people,
hostages returned home and those unjustly imprisoned be set free.
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy.

3. May each one of us be constant in our prayer, with a spirit of

thanksgiving, and never take God’s gracious gifts for granted.
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy.

4. May all the victims of war - trapped in violence, or struggling in refugee

camps - mindful particularly of the people of Ukraine, Sudan, Syria and
Iraq, Myanmar and Yemen, be delivered from present evil.
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy.

5. May those who experience loneliness or separation from their families at

this time be sustained by our prayer and receive kindness from others.
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy.
6. May
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy.

7. May the Lord come and save those who have passed through death.
We also remember…
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy.

Celebrant: Father, give us true joy and gladness

as we welcome into our hearts
the Great and Holy One, Jesus your Son,
who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
 The Universal Prayer
Monday 18th December 2023
Novena for Christmas
Weekday of Advent

Celebrant: Sisters and brothers,

Jesus Christ is that virtuous Branch
who reigns as the true and wise King.
1. We pray for all who bear the name of Christian
that each one may always practice honesty and integrity.
Lord, have mercy.

2. We pray for those who are displaced by war in Gaza, the Occupied West
Bank and Israel, as well as in Lebanon, Ukraine, and Yemen
that they may be able to return home, or resettle in a land of peace.
Lord, have mercy.

3. We pray for all women who are expecting a child,

that they and their child may be kept safe,
and come to rejoice at the time of birth.
Lord, have mercy.

5, We pray for all in relationships who face difficulties and doubts,

that guided by God, as was Joseph,
they may make wise decisions for the good of all.
Lord, have mercy.

6 We pray on this International Migrants Day for good policies by

governments, opportunities for those seeking a new home, and a
respectful welcome by citizens.
Lord, have mercy.

Celebrant: Lord our God, let your justice flourish in our time,
and the fullness of peace in every place.
Through Christ our Lord
 The Universal Prayer
Tuesday 19th December 2023
Novena for Christmas
Weekday of Advent

Celebrant: Dear friends, throughout human history

God prepared for the coming of his Son Jesus
by raising up men and women of holiness.
1. That the Spirit of God who was upon Samson
from the time of his birth, may be upon every child today.
Lord, have mercy.

2. That people of integrity may lead the nations in conflict

to a time of peace, not by force, but by trust, dialogue and respect.
Lord, have mercy.

3. That our doubts in God’s mercy and will for us

may be replaced by trust and confidence.
Lord, have mercy.

4. That women of more mature years who are expecting a child

may enjoy the blessing of the safe delivery of a healthy child.
Lord, have mercy.

5. That peace and stability may come to the Holy Land, Ukraine,
Afghanistan, Syria, South Sudan, Yemen and Myanmar.
Lord, have mercy.

6. That our parish preparations for Christmas may be blessed with good
spirit, harmony, thoughtfulness, faith and kindness.
Lord, have mercy.

Celebrant: Lord our God,

our rock, our stronghold,
you have been our hope from our youth.
Keep us steadfast in your love.
Through Christ our Lord.
 Universal Prayer
Wednesday 20th December 2023
Novena for Christmas
Weekday of Advent
Celebrant: Dear friends, the Annunciation of the Lord
in fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah
marked the beginning of the era of Jesus on earth.

1. That we may not try the patience of God,

but live our days in God’s peace, growing in trust and hope.
Lord, have mercy.

2. That all Christians may honour Mary

as our sister in faith, as the first disciple of Jesus,
as Mother of the Church.
Lord, have mercy.

3. That when we face the difficulties of life

we may rely, not on our own strength,
but on the power, presence and inspiration of the Holy Spirit
Lord, have mercy.

4. That every child conceived

may be loved, protected, nourished and respected
and brought to birth.
Lord, have mercy.

5. That those who are experiencing loneliness at this time,

may not become bitter, but may be touched and encouraged
by the presence of a new friend.
Lord, have mercy.

6. That we may stand in solidarity with the Christians of the Holy Land who
endure humiliation, harassment and difficulties every year as Christmas
approaches and especially this year, trapped in the violence of war.
Lord, have mercy.

Celebrant: God and King, the world belongs to you.

Bring us into your presence full of integrity.
Through Christ our Lord.
 The Universal Prayer
Thursday 21st December 2023
Novena for Christmas
Optional Collect St Peter Canisius
Weekday of Advent
Celebrant: Mary’s act of charity to her cousin Elizabeth
teaches us the true spirit of this time of the year.
1. We pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit,
so that like Elizabeth we might recognise the presence of Christ
in our daily lives.
Lord, have mercy.

2. We pray that the person of Mary may not be a stumbling block

to Christian unity, but rather, through the study of the scriptures,
her relationship with Jesus and the Church may be better appreciated.
Lord, have mercy.

3. We pray for a deepening of genuine love for God

and for his Son, Jesus Christ. Lord, have mercy.

4. We pray for those who give practical assistance to women

who are expecting a child,
that they may receive God’s reward for such unselfish love.
Lord, have mercy.

5. We pray for the children of the Holy Land and Ukraine whose lives are
traumatized by war, that there will be people around to love and protect
them and sustain their faith in God. Lord, have mercy.

6. We pray on this anniversary of the Native Title Bill, that indigenous

Australian’s may receive justice and so re-establish their connection with
this land, its rivers and oceans. Lord, have mercy.

7. We pray that the dedication of St Peter Canisius to the study of Scripture

and to teaching theology in the 16th century will continue to bear frius in
the Church today. Lord, have mercy.

Celebrant: Lord Jesus, show us your face in the person of our

neighbour,
and especially in the poor and needy, so that by your grace
we may serve you through them, for you are Lord, for ever
and ever.
 Friday 22nd December 2023
Novena for Christmas
Weekday of Advent

Celebrant: Both Hannah and Mary,

accepting God’s blessings,
sang their praises.
1. May we, in this Eucharist,
proclaim the greatness of God.
Lord, have mercy.

2. May we see the hand of God

working from one generation to the next,
raising up people in holiness of life.
Lord, have mercy.

3. May we put our trust in God’s mercy

through which the poor are filled with good things.
Lord, have mercy.

4. May God come to the help of all the peoples of the Holy Land,
the spiritual descendants of Abraham, and release them from the evil of
war and bless them with an enduring peace.
Lord, have mercy.

5. May we imitate Mary,

and stay alongside, for as long as needed,
all who have a right to our care and help.
Lord, have mercy.

Celebrant: Lord God,

you give life,
take us through death,
and prepare an everlasting home for us.
Raise us up to share your glory.
Through Christ our Lord.
 Saturday 23rd December 2023
Fourth Week of Advent
Novena for Christmas

Celebrant: My friends,
the hand of the Lord, which was upon John the Baptist,
continues to guide and protect
God’s people.

1. That parents awaiting the birth of a child,

may rejoice in the gift God has given to them.
Lord, have mercy.
2. That we may be filled with awe
and rejoice in the gift of every new life.
Lord, have mercy.

3. That those who proclaim the message of God

in the Church and world today,
may be courageous in witnessing to the truth.
Lord, have mercy.

4. That the hearts of parents may be turned towards their children

in love, and that the hearts of children may be turned towards their
parents in affection and respect.
Lord, have mercy.
5. That peace and justice will overcome the violence and evil of war in the
Holy Land.
Lord, have mercy.

6. That we may give thanks that the White Australia Policy

introduced this day in 1901, has been overturned,
enabling us to become a multicultural nation, rich in our diversity.
Lord, have mercy.

Celebrant: Eternal King,

help us to always walk in your truth,
so that we can reflect in our lives
your faithfulness and love.
Through Christ our Lord.

The Universal Prayer

 Sunday 24th December 2023
Fourth Sunday of Advent

Celebrant: Sisters and brothers, on this 4th Sunday

of Advent the Church reflects on Mary
as she waits to give birth to her Son, Jesus.

1. May the tender devotion which Pope Francis has for Mary
help us to love her, the Mother of Jesus, with greater affection and seek
her prayers in the face of so much violence and distress in the world.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

2. May the land where Jesus lived be delivered from the present war
and all who suffer from its effects, there and beyond, come to
experience the mercy, compassion and peace of Jesus.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

3. May we prepare to celebrate the mystery of Jesus, God with us, which
had been kept secret for endless ages.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

4. May mothers carry the child in their womb with love, as did Mary,
and may fathers be protective and caring of their families, as was Joseph.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

5. May the Spirit of Jesus be with those persecuted for their faith in him,
and convert the hearts of those who seek to harm and destroy any person
or group whom they consider as their enemy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

6. May
 Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

7 May our dead give glory to God through Jesus Christ for ever and ever,
as we pray especially for…
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Celebrant: Heavenly Father,

may we sing forever of your love,
and proclaim your truth
each and every day.
Through Christ our Lord.