Friday Second and Fourth Weeks
Morning Prayer
Reading
Acts 2:32, 36
This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses. Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this jesus whom ou crucified.
Canticle of Zechariah
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; Jesus is not here, for he has bee raised.” Alleluia!
Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
who shepherds the people and sets them free.
God raises from David’s house
a child with power to save.
Through the holy prophets
God promised in ages past
to save us from enemy hands,
from the grip of all who hate us.
The Lord favored our ancestors
recalling the sacred covenant,
the pledge to our ancestor Abraham,
to free us from our enemies,
so we might worship without fear
and be holy and just all our days.
And you child, will be called
Prophet of the Most High,
for you will come to prepare
a pathway for the Lord
by teaching the people salvation
through forgiveness of their sin.
Out of God’s deepest mercy
a dawn will come from on high,
light for those shadowed by death,
a guide for our feet on the way to peace.
Intercessions
Triune God, you chose women to be the first witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection. Today you still choose them to witness to your creating, redeeming, and vivifying love. We pray for women this morning, that they may respond generously and joyously to the mission you have entrusted to them.
We pray for mothers, stepmothers, and foster mothers:
~ Strengthen and guide them as they nurture new life.
We pray for women caring for sick or elderly family members:
~ Strengthen and guide them in their ministry to the needy and vulnerable.
We pray for women serving in public office or working for social change:
~ Strengthen and guide them in their efforts to promote the common good.
We pray for women poets, artists and musicians:
~ Strengthen and guide them as they create new reflections of your beauty.
We pray for Sisters of Mercy everywhere:
~ Strengthen and guide us in the vocation to which you have called us.
Our Father
Prayer
Creating, redeeming, life-giving God, your message to the first witnesses of the resurrection was to fear not. Despite the difficulties and hardships we encounter from time to time, we cherish that same message today. You are the ground of our belief, the source of our hope, the object of our love. Help us to live without fear in order that we may faithfully do your will for us. We make this prayer in your name. Amen.
Evening Prayer
Reading
Ephesians 4:22a, 23-24
You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Canticle of Mary
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Alleluia!
Intercessions
Jesus, your commandment of love surpasses every other teaching. We pray tonight that we may be worthy of the teaching and example you gave us:
~ Teach us to live in true righteousness and holiness.
When we fail to love one another as you have loved us:
When we forget to reach out to those who are poor and in need:
When we lose sight of the new way of life o which you call us:
When we neglect the treasures of your word and sacraments:
When we betray the commitments we have made in our baptism and religious profession:
Our Father
Prayer
Jesus, renew us in your Spirit that we may be formed and reformed in God’s likeness. You taught us a path of love by your word and example. Help us to be faithful to the gospel we profess and zealous in the ministries to which we have committed ourselves. This we ask with confidence in your abiding love. Amen.