Sample Intercessions for September 3, 2006 - Labor Day

22nd Sunday Ordinary Time, Year B – Labor Day
September 3, 2006

Things, events, and news items to keep in mind:

• Click here for the readings of the day.
• The country observes the Labor Day holiday and churches unofficially begin a “new year” of work.
• Immigration issues, especially the topic of dignified work for all, still pervades the news.
• We have just marked the one-year anniversary of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
• Middle East peace is still tenuous.
• Travelers are returning home and school children are beginning a new school year.
• Some parents may be dealing with children leaving for college, and new college students need some reassurance as they begin a new part of their life.

The following are just samples meant to inspire your work. Use them as ideas for your own assembly's intercessions. Read 10 Principles for Writing Intercessions and Step by Step Guide to help you write your own.

Presider:
The one who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.
Let us lift our voices in prayer before the Lord, our God,
for those most in need of justice and peace.


For the Church: [pause]
For true leaders and disciples not only in word but in deed;
for clean hearts reflecting lives faithful to the Gospel;
for religion that is pure and undefiled before God.
We pray to the Lord.

For the world: [pause]
For countries at war and those who labor for peace;
for cities still working to rebuild after natural disaster;
for those who bring relief, safety, and peace through their actions.
We pray to the Lord.

For all who labor and work: [pause]
For migrant workers and factory hands who labor to feed and clothe us,
for parents who labor to care for their families,
for all who seek the dignity of work and meaningful employment.
We pray to the Lord.

For those who begin a new school year: [pause]
For students, teachers, and school staffs;
for children away at college and the parents who miss them;
for wisdom, comfort, safety, and joy.
We pray to the Lord.

For the sick and the suffering: [pause]
For orphans and widows, the homeless and the mentally ill;
for those we label unclean by sickness or disease;
for those at the edge of death, especially those we now name….
We pray to the Lord.

For the dead: [pause]
For victims of natural disaster, human error, or greed,
for those killed by war, poverty, or hate,
for those who die alone, especially those we now name….
We pray to the Lord.


Presider:
God, you are the Father of lights and source of every perfect gift.
Plant your saving word within us
and make us authentic disciples who hear and do the Gospel.
Receive the prayers we offer to you
and grant them according to your will,
for you are close to us whenever we call.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.