The second candle on the Advent Wreath has been lit./ We pray for an increase of inner light:/ light for our consciences,/ light for self-knowledge,/ light for the life-path we each walk./ We pray to the Lord.
We pray for safety in a dangerous world./ For the world where it is corrupted,/ where lies are told,/ where terrorist plans are made,/ where people are killed,/ where children are frightened./ For the turning of loveless hearts./ We pray to the Lord.
Pope Francis began the Jubilee Year of Mercy not in Rome but at the cathedral in Bangui, Africa./ We pray for the willingness to bring the periphery into the center,/ drawing into focus the plight of people and places which are devalued,/ forgotten,/ ignored./ We pray to the Lord.
In the war-torn country of Central African Republic/ Pope Francis asked us to lay down the weapons of the world/ and to arm ourselves with love and mercy,/ the guarantors of peace./ We pray to learn this lesson./ We pray to the Lord.
Pope Francis has called Africa a martyr of exploitation/ and the victim of other powers./ We ask forgiveness of all the sins of power,/ and to learn well the path of humility,/ reconciliation,/ justice and solidarity./ We pray to the Lord.
For those who suffer this time of year:/ the sick,/ the addicted,/ the unemployed,/ the wounded and war-damaged,/ the homeless and all who hope for healing and the restoration of happiness./ We pray to the Lord.
And we pray for all who have died,/ to know the great charity of Jesus in the forgiveness of sins/ and the sharing of God's great gift of life./ We pray to the Lord.
