Prayers at Home for the Feast of St. Patrick
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Today as we celebrate the feast of St Patrick, we think of our country in this great time of difficulty. That as Patrick learned to persevere in difficult times, so with the help of God, we too may find the strength to get through this period in of anxiety.
Let us pray. God, for ever and ever.
Lord, through the work of Saint Patrick in Ireland
we have come to acknowledge the mystery on the one true God
and give thanks for our salvation in Christ;
grant by his prayers that we who celebrate this festival
my keep alive the fire of faith he kindled.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 1:4-9
Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a child.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child’; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.”
Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me, “Now I have put my words in your mouth.
(Pause for a while and reflect on this reading for the feast of St. Patrick)
Intercessions
We bring our needs and prayers before our heavenly Father
We pray for our world at this time (Pause for silent prayer)
Lord grant healing and comfort to those who are afflicted by the Coronavirus. We pray for our health professionals, our carers, and clergy who are working with those who are sick. (Pause) Lord protect them and strengthen them as they care in your name.
We pray for our civil leaders (Pause) Lord inspire them to make wise decisions in these days.
We pray for our Scientists (Pause) Lord enlighten them as they work to
understand what is happening – guide their work as they strive to find ways to
treat and protect us.
We pray for those who are anxious in these days (Pause) Lord ease their fears and grant them the consolation of your presence.
We pray for those who suffer in any way at this time – the poor, the hungry, the homeless – those who suffer from persecution, war, violence –those who are
depressed, lonely or sad (Pause) Lord help them in their need.
We pray for our families and friends (by name) – Lord protect them and look
after them.
We pray for a spirit of charity among our fellow country men and women (Pause) Lord, at this time of national crisis, help the people of Ireland to be generous and to look out for and care for each other.
We pause to pray for our own private intentions. (Pause to mention intentions) Lord hear my prayer.
We pray for our loved ones who have died (Pause) Lord enfold them ever more closely in your loving embrace.
Father, we ask you to hear these our prayers as we turn to you and pray.
Our Father…
The Breastplate of St. Patrick.
I bind to myself today
God’s Power to guide me,
God’s Might to uphold me,
God’s Wisdom to teach me,
God’s Eye to watch over me,
God’s Ear to hear me,
God’s Word to give me speech,
God’s Hand to guide me,
God’s Way to lie before me,
God’s Shield to shelter me,
God’s Host to secure me,
Against the snares of demons,
Against the seductions of vices,
Against the lusts of nature,
Against everyone who meditates injury to me,
Whether far or near,
Whether few or with many.
Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ within me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ at my right, Christ at my left,
Christ in the fort,
Christ in the chariot seat,
Christ in the poop,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Final Prayer
Strengthen us, O Lord,
so that we may profess the faith taught by Saint Patrick
and to proclaim it in our way of living.
Through Christ our Lord.
Solemn Blessing
May God the Father, who called us together
to celebrate this feast of Saint Patrick,
bless you, protect you, and keep you faithful.
R/. Amen.
May Christ the Lord, the High King of Heaven,
be near you at all times and shield you from evil.
R/. Amen.
May the Holy Spirit, who is the source of all holiness,
make you rich in the love of God’s people.
R/. Amen.
And may almighty God bless us,
the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
R/. Amen.
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