Prayers for May

(22nd Sunday of Year A; linked to the 7th Section of the Post-Lourdes Study Topic)

 

Meditation: St. Paul to the Romans: 12: 1-8

I urge you, then, brothers, remembering the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, dedicated and acceptable to God; that is the kind of worship for you, as sensible people. Do not model your behaviour on the contemporary world, but let the renewing of your minds transform you, so that you may discern for yourselves what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and mature.

 

And through the grace that I have been given, I say this to every one of you : never pride yourself on being better than you really are, but think of yourself dispassionately, recognising that God has given to each one his measure of faith. Just as each of us has various parts in one body, and the parts do not have the same function : in the same way, all of us, though there are many of us, make up one body in Christ, and as different parts we are all joined to one another. Then since the gifts that we have differ according to the grace that was given to each of us : if it is a gift of prophesy, we should prophesy as much as our faith tells us; if it is a gift of practical service, let us devote ourselves to serving; if it is teaching, to teaching; if it is encouraging, to encouraging. When you give, you should give generously from the heart; if you are put in charge, you must be conscientious; if you do works of mercy, let it be because you enjoy doing them.

 

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 62

For you my soul is thirsting, O Lord my God.

 

1.   O God, you are my God, for you I long;

for you my soul is thirsting.

My body pines for you

like a dry, weary land without water. (R)

 

2.      So I gaze on you in the sanctuary

to see your strength and your glory.

For your love is better than life,

my lips will speak your praise. (R)

 

  1. So I will bless you all my life,

In your name I will lift up my hands.

My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,

my mouth shall praise you with joy. (R)

 

  1. For you have been my help;

in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.

My soul clings to you;

your right hand holds me fast. (R)

 

Concluding Prayer:

 

Almighty God, every good thing comes from you. Fill our hearts with love for you, increase our faith, and by your constant care protect the good you have given us. Amen.