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Sunday, 25th April – World Day of Prayer for Vocations
An invitation to “Come and have breakfast”.
On this day of prayer, gather as community (or if you are a large community, in small groups) and hear the Lord say – “Come and have breakfast”
Remember the Easter story – where the apostles, having gone back to Galilee, decided to go back to what they knew – fishing. Having worked hard all night – they caught nothing and then the stranger on the shore told them, to put their nets down again – and they caught a huge number of fish…..then the recognition dawned – it is the Lord
Today we pray for all those being called to the priesthood, diaconate, or religious life. May they have the courage to discern this call, listen to God’s voice, and overcome the pressures that our culture puts upon them to ignore their path in life.
We remember: The light of Christ surrounds us. The love of Christ enfolds us. The power of Christ protects us. The presence of Christ watches over us. And wherever we are, God is with us. And all is well!
1. Blessed are you, Lord our God, who has given to all of us a destiny and purpose in our lives.
2. We thank You., God of Mysterious ways, that You have a holy design for us. We rejoice that we are special to You, That our names are written in the palm of Your hand and our place in history, our purpose for existing, is known within our heart, since endless ages.
3 Blessed are You, inscrutable Lord, for those events, persons, talents and loves which helped us to discover adventure and purpose, fruitfulness and meaning in our lives.
4 We are grateful for that long line of holy people, who since ancient times inspired others by their faithfulness to their own destinies. They by their very lives, shout out to us not to compromise our destiny but to live fully within Your eternal design.
5. Blessed are You, for colleagues, teachers, parents, family and friends who called us out from the cocoon of comfort and contentment to embark upon that unique path on which You sent each of us forth.
Adapted From :Prayers of Gratitude and Praise, Edward Hayes.
Gracious and Merciful God, in your great wisdom you have called each human person to accept your call to fullness of life in Jesus Christ our Good Shepherd. Within that call, each of us finds our special path to you as we listen for your voice in our hearts and in the many experiences of our lives. Rejoicing in the new life of this Paschal season, let us be grateful for the opportunities we have to serve you and your people.
Today we pray that those you are calling to a religious vocation may respond with eager spirits and willing hands.
May our families nurture the call of God in our children. May our parishes support the call through vibrant celebrations of our faith. May our Church leadership recognize that it is your Holy Spirit who calls and shapes each vocation.
May we who are living this life, by our joy and faithfulness, be sources of encouragement to those you are calling to this way of life.
May our Church and world be blessed with an abundance of women and men who consecrate their lives to that service, so that all people may come to know the deep joy of your abundant love.
We pray through Jesus Christ, risen from the dead and always shepherding your Church, and in your Holy Spirit, who blesses us with courage, now and forever. Amen
When I was not expecting it, you called me, my God
I hear you in a moment of time, when I am doing something else.
At the corner of a dried-up field there’s an open gate:
Helping me find new pathways, leading me on.
Christ, you have opened for me the gate of glory:
I can find greater wonders in your wonderful world:
Yet untrodden paths can be dark and frightening:
Frontiers are places of conflict and confusion.
Spirit, help me to discern the way I should go:
How else can I be sure I’ve found the open door?
At times you will close the door I thought I’d found:
Be with me and support me then, when I feel most alone.
Help me learn to expect you in new and surprising places:
To look for your fruitful word in the judgement of others:
When those seem wrong to me, help me to learn;
When they seem right, keep me from pride.
(Psalm of Vocation by John Hammersley)