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>