Prayer Celebration Directions

GATHERING SONG
GATHERING PRAYER
Leader		Today we celebrate the goodness of Mary who prepared for the coming of Jesus in a very special way. When God chose her to be the mother of Jesus, she said "yes" to God. Let us pray. God, we thank you for Mary, Mother of Jesus, and our mother, too. She always did what you asked of her. Help us to listen to you and do what you ask of us. We pray through Jesus, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
All		Amen.
READING
Reader		A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah. (Read Isaiah 41:10) The word of the Lord.
All		Thanks be to God.
RESPONSE
Leader		Let us pray.
All		God has been good to us.
Group 1		Our hearts sing with thanks. God is great and good. Holy is God’s name.
Group 2		God has smiled on us. God looks kindly on all poor people. Holy is God’s name.
All		God has been good to us.
Group 1		God is mighty and powerful. God has done great things for us. Holy is God’s name.
Group 2		God remembers all people. God has done marvelous deeds for us. Holy is God’s name.
All		God has been good to us.
PETITIONS
Reader		God blessed Mary. She became the mother of Jesus.
All Sign		Thank you, God.
Reader		Mary loved and cared for Jesus.
All Sign		Thank you, God.
Reader		Mary brought Jesus to the Temple to present him to God.
All Sign		Thank you, God.
Reader		Mary watched as Jesus grow up and begin to share the good news.
All Sign		Thank you, God.
Reader		Mary was with Jesus when he died on the cross.
All Sign		Thank you, God.
Reader		Mary saw Jesus when he rose from the dead.
All Sign		Thank you, God.
CLOSING PRAYER
Leader		God of holiness, teach us to love others and to do what you wish. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
All		Amen.
CLOSING SONG