Prayers for Priests
Prayer to St. Jean-Marie Vianney
Holy Cure of Ars, your whole life was a single-minded offering of yourself to God for the service of men. Through your intercession, may the Holy Spirit lead us now to respond without faltering in our daily lives to the call which you have given to each one of us.
You were steadfast in adoring Christ in the tabernacle. Teach us to draw close, in faith and reverence, to the Eucharist, to relish the silent presence of God in the Blessed Sacrament.
You were the friend of sinners, to whom you said: “Your sins are as a grain of sand by comparison with the huge mountain of God’s mercy.” Free us from the bonds of fear which sometimes keep us far from God’s forgiveness: increase in us repentance for our sins. Give us a true understanding of the way the Father looks upon us, tirelessly waiting for the return of the prodigal son.
You were the sustainer of the poor: “My secret is quite simple: to part with everything and keep nothing.” Teach us to give up our comfort so that we may share with those in need: free us from attachments to money and to all deceptive riches.
You were a loving son of the Virgin Mary, “your most long-standing affection.” Teach us to turn to her with the trust and simplicity of a child.
You have become an outstanding model for the parish priests of the whole world. May your pastoral charity lead those who care for souls to aspire to closeness to them all, wherever they may be. Give pastors a love for the Church, apostolic zeal, and steadfastness in trials.
Awaken in the hearts of young people an awareness of the splendour of the priestly ministry and the joy of responding to the call of the Good Shepherd.
Holy Cure’ of Ars, intercede for us to God. Through you, humble and tranquil pastor, tireless in the service of God and man, may we be granted what we ask.
Amen.
Father Guy Bagnard, Bishop of Belley-Ars
Prayer For Priests
You came from among us
to be, for us, one who serves.
We thank you for ministering Christ to us
and helping us minister Christ to each other.
We are grateful for the many gifts you bring to our community:
for drawing us together in worship,
for visiting us in our homes,
for comforting us in sickness,
for showing us compassion,
for blessing our marriage,
for baptising our children,
for confirming us in our calling,
for supporting us in bereavement,
for helping us to grow in faith,
for encouraging us to take the initiative,
for helping the whole community realise God's presence among us.
For our part, we pray that we may always be attentive to your needs
and never take you for granted.
You, like us, need friendship and love,
welcome and a sense of belonging,
kind words and acts of thoughtfulness.
We pray, also, for the priests
who have wounded priesthood.
and may they be open to healing.
Let us support one another during times of crisis.
God our Father, we ask you to bless our priests
and confirm them in their calling.
Give them the gifts they need
to respond with generosity and a joyful heart.
We offer this prayer for our priest,
Who is our brother and friend,
Novena For Priests
See this novena on the EWTN website for a great novena for priests>
Prayer For Priests
Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the gift of our priests. Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments. Help our priests to be strong in their vocation. Set their souls on fire with love for your people. Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Inspire them with the vision of your Kingdom. Give them the words they need to spread your Gospel. Allow them to experience joy in their ministry. Help them to become instruments of your divine grace.We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest.
Amen
Act of Love of The Holy Cure d'Ars
I love you, O my God. My only desire is to love you, until the last breath of my life.
I love you, O infinitely loveable God, and I prefer to die loving you, rather than to live for an instant without you.
I love you, O my God, and I desire only to go to heaven, to have the happiness of loving you perfectly.
I love you, O my God, and my only fear is to go to hell, because one will never have the sweet solace of loving you there.
O my God, if my tongue cannot say at all times that I love you, at least I want my heart to repeat it to you as many times as I breathe. Ah! Do me the grace: to suffer while loving you, to love you while suffering and, that when I die: I not only will love you, but experience it in my heart.
I beg you that: the closer I come to my final end, you will increase and perfect my love for you.
Amen
I Said a Prayer For You Today
I said a prayer for you today
And know God must have heard.
I felt the answer in my heart
Although he spoke no word!
I didn't ask for wealth or fame
(I knew you wouldn't mind).
I asked him to send treasures
Of a far more lasting kind!
I asked that he be near you
At the start of each new day;
To grant you health and blessings
And friends to share your way!
I asked for happiness for you
In all things great and small.
But it was for his loving care
I prayed the most of all