The Celebrant will introduce and also conclude the prayer.

The reader should pause for several moments between the intercession and its response.

Leave about 20 seconds for the quiet prayer. There is no response after this – move straight to the

Hail Mary.

CELEBRANT: Sisters and brothers, our God has compassion, He hears the cry of our appeal. Let us place our trust in Him as we ask Him for all our needs.

READER: (The response is): Come to our help.

READER:  Let us pray for the church and the forthcoming Synod on the Family. May it be an occasion of fruitful discussion guided by the Holy Spirit and not filled with rancour, distrust and dissension.

…….. (PAUSE)……….. Lord ……. Come to our help.

READER: We pray for the teachers in our schools that they may strive to bring out the best in each pupil and help them become useful members of society.

…… (PAUSE)…… Lord ……. Come to our help.

READER:  We pray for refugees from Syria, Libya, Sudan and so many other parts of the world, that they may find shelter and safety. May we as a parish show mercy in helping them.

…. (PAUSE)…… Lord  …. Come to our help.

READER: Let us pray for those who suffer any form of racial discrimination in our society, that God may strengthen them and change the hearts of those who discriminate against them.

(PAUSE)…… Lord …. Come to our help

READER: Let us pray for those who are sick, lonely or in distress. May they know the Lord is with them in their suffering and will help them through it.

(PAUSE)…… Lord .…. Come to our help.

READER: Let us quietly ask for any personal needs or those of friends or relatives. (Long Pause)…. Let us ask the intercession of Mary, mother of the Lord: Hail Mary …..

After a short pause the Celebrant will conclude the prayer.

CELEBRANT:  Father in heaven, look down upon us in our need and come to our help, through Your Son Jesus Christ in union with the Holy Spirit, now  and forever, Amen.

and forever, AMEN.