Presider: In this, the acceptable time, the Lenten spring, the Lord invites us to be renewed in mind, purified in Spirit, and more responsive to the needs of others. The whole human family is drawn to the waters of life and the paschal feast. Because of the faith we have just professed,
we confidently ask God to accompany us on our journey to
conversion through our personal and communal deserts.

Deacon or Lector:
In the desert of doubt, God is there: For the Spirit’s wisdom to
strengthen our bishops to continue to be a prophetic voice for
those who have no place at the table of plenty, we pray:
 
Deacon or Lector:
In the these forty days, God is there: For the Spirit’s life in our
journey together with those who will join our Easter banquet: our candidates and catechumens, we pray:  
 
Deacon or Lector:
In the hardness of stone, God is there: For the Spirit’s tender touch in our lives so that we can see Christ in the homeless and marginalized we pray:  
 
Deacon or Lector:
In the isolation of suffering, God is there: For the Spirit’s healing care for all who are ill; for strength for their caregivers and health workers, we pray:  
 
Deacon or Lector:
In the coldness of death, God is there: For the Spirit’s flame of
hope in welcoming those who have died into the eternal city; for all killed in war and violence and for those who mourn, we pray: 

 

Presider:  God of our ancestors, you have revealed your presence to a people hard of heart. Renew our hearts with your Spirit so that we may bring peace to our world through our work for justice for those
whom the world has forgotten. 
We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.