Prayer for Priests –
Let us pray for our priests and bishops, those we know, those we don’t know, those who have made positive impact on our lives, those who live daily in fidelity the sacrifices, renunciations and service that redound to their sacred ordination pledge. In Christian charity, let us also pray for priests and bishops who have fallen along the way.
— Bishop Joseph N Perry
Lord Jesus, you have chosen your priests and bishops from among us and sent them out to proclaim your Word, to act in your Name. For so great a gift to your Church we give you praise and thanksgiving.
Inspire them through prayer to live each day the mystery of your dying and rising. Make them constant in prayer for us poor sinners. May the Holy Spirit put your word on their lips and your love in their hearts to bring good news to the poor and healing to the broken-hearted.
And may the gift of Mary your mother to the disciple whom He loved, be your gift to every priest. Grant that she who formed you in her human image may form them in your divine image by the power of your Spirit, to the glory of God the Father.
Heavenly Father, send your blessing upon these priestly chosen ones. Fill them with the fire of your love that their ministry may reveal your presence in the Church. May your power shine through their weakness since they are earthen vessels. In their affliction let them never be crushed; in their doubts never despair; in temptation never be destroyed; in persecution never abandoned. In times weakness send them your Spirit and help them always to praise you now and forever. AMEN
Adapted from
THE VERITAS BOOK OF BLESSING PRAYERS
Veritas Publications, Dublin 1989
Catholic Chicago Men 