Prayer Celebration Directions

Mary, God’s Friend

GATHERING SONG
GATHERING PRAYER
Leader		Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was without sin. She was never apart from God’s love. We pray today for the wisdom to appreciate our friendship with God, as Mary did.
		Let us pray. Lord, we thank you for Mary, who is our model of faith, trust, and obedience.
All		Amen.
READING
Reader 1		A reading from the Gospel of Luke. (Read Luke 2:15-19.) The Gospel of the Lord.
All		Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
RESPONSE
Reader 2		Let us pray that we stay friends with Jesus all our lives. We give thanks to God for gifting our lives. We ask to keep the gift of friendship all of our lives.
All		Lord, help us to be good friends, like Mary.
Reader 3		Let us pray for peace in the world that can begin with us.
All		Lord, help us to be good friends, like Mary.
Reader 4		Let us pray that our parish community always be friendly and open to everyone.
All		Lord, help us to be good friends, like Mary.
Reader 5		Let us pray that our family members treat each other like friends.
All		Lord, help us to be good friends, like Mary.
CLOSING PRAYER
Leader		God, you revealed your love and friendship in the life of Mary. Help us to be like Mary and remain good friends with God our Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
All		Amen.
CLOSING SONG