Prayer for Life (Week-3)

Introduction

It is three weeks away.

Where two or three are gathered in your name you are present, Lord Jesus Christ. Be present, Lord, be present now in this place and at this time.

This evening, we gather together in your name to pray for life in Ireland at this time. We remember and offer this prayer for our sisters and brothers working to save the 8^th Amendment referendum. We also remember and offer our prayers for those sisters and brothers who find themselves, in conscience, unable to support these efforts.

Come Holy Spirit and give us courage, patience, perseverance, wisdom, tact and, above all, true compassion.

Psalm

Psalm 102(103):1-6    A song of praise and thanksgiving

How great is your name, O Lord our God, through all the earth!

My soul, give thanks to the Lord all my being, bless his holy name.
My soul, give thanks to the Lord and never forget all his blessings.
It is he who forgives all your guilt, who heals every one of your ills,
who redeems your life from the grave, who crowns you with love and compassion,
who fills your life with good things, renewing your youth like an eagle's.
The Lord does deeds of justice, gives judgment for all who are oppressed.

Glory be to the Father…..

Scripture Reading

John 8:3-11

 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery; and making her stand before all of them, they said to him, ‘Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?’ They said this to test him, so that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.’ And once again he bent down and wrote on the ground. When they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders; and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus straightened up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, sir.’ And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.’

Intercessions

For justice in society….

For the homeless…

For those cast aside, marginalised or judged by society….

For children facing poverty and social exclusion….

For women abandoned by society and by their partners ….

For those hurt by abortion…

For civic, church and political leaders….

For those unsure how to vote in the upcoming referendum

Our Father …..

Concluding Prayers

Lord God, Thank You for creating human life in Your image.

Thank You for our lives and the lives of those we love.

Thank You for teaching us through Scripture the value You place on life.

Help us to uphold the sanctity of life in our churches and community.