Pray for Peace

Notes of meeting on 3 February 2015

Do not be afraid.

Lord, God of peace, who has created man, the object of your kindness, to be close to you in glory, we bless you and we thank you because you have sent us your beloved son, Jesus, the source of all peace, the bond of true brotherhood.
We thank you for the desire, the efforts, the realisations which your spirit of peace has roused in our day: to replace hatred with love, diffidence with understanding, unconcern with care. Open yet more our hearts to the needs of all our brothers and sisters, so that we may be better able to build a true peace.
Remember, Father of mercy, all who are in pain, who suffer and die in the cause of a more brotherly world. For the men of every race, of every tongue - may your kingdom come: your kingdom of justice, of peace, of love; and may the earth be filled with your glory.
Amen.

We seek the aid of Our Lady, Help of Christians:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...

Dear Mother, we come to you on this day imploring your powerful intercession, asking you to pray for genuine and lasting peace to fall upon all countries of the world which are beset by such violence and turmoil.

Petition 1: O Holy Mary, powerful help of Christians, we turn to you with faith.  In your mercy hear the prayers of all of those who so desperately implore your help. Pray that they may hold steadfast to their faith and to trusting in our loving, merciful Father, even in the present times of great trial and distress.
Hail Mary...

Petition 2: O Holy Mary, Mother of goodness and mercy, with your visible aid you have so often delivered Christians from the attacks of their enemies. Defend the souls of those who are so violently persecuted today, from the assaults of the devil; may love and forgiveness triumph always in their hearts and minds.
Hail Mary...

Petition 3: O Holy Mary, most powerful Queen, you alone triumphed over the many false teachings which sought to tear away many of your children from the bosom of the Church. Help those who are today so tested in their faith, to hold firmly to the truths of the Gospel, and to not give in to false teachings or the temptations of anything contrary to the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. May the light of truth of the Gospel shine forth to bring lasting peace to the world.
Hail Mary...


Petition 4: O Holy Mary, Our sweetest Mother, Queen of Martyrs, infuse in the hearts of all the faithful, especially those in troubled areas of the world, the strength to persevere in faith, hope and love. Overcoming all hatred, persecution and opposition, may they live their faith and show themselves on every occasion, a devout child of yours. May the light of their faith illuminate the darkness in the hearts of their enemies.
Hail Mary...

Petition 5: O Holy Mary, at this time of turmoil in the world, we ask you to protect the whole Church and especially the Holy Father, Pope Francis. Pour out your blessings and protection upon all Bishops, Priests and Religious such that they may bring peace to the world. Defend them from the attacks of their enemies, deliver them from all evil, such that they may keep a safe watch over their flocks, and continue to provide for those who have been entrusted to their care.
Hail Mary...

Petition 6: O Holy Mary, Queen of the Apostles, we beg of you especially to extend your loving patronage to all missionaries; especially those risking their lives and safety. We ask you to pray for their protection at all times, such that they are able to bring all people of the earth to the true faith of Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord and Saviour.
Hail Mary...

Petition 7: O Holy Mary, gracious and merciful Mother, by your efficacious intercession, you have saved Christians from deadly attacks of both body and soul. We implore you to continue to watch over your faithful children, especially those undergoing great trials; that they may persevere in faith, strengthen and encourage their loved ones, and call sinners to repentance. May the truth and the Kingdom of Jesus Christ triumph here on earth, especially in those nations and amongst those people who are at present far from the love of your Son and the salvation of his Church.
Hail Mary...

Petition 8: O Holy Mary, Pillar of the Church and Help of Christians, we ask you to intercede especially for those children and young people caught up in the violence currently afflicting the world, and for those who have had to flee to neighbouring countries in search of safety. We ask you to pray for the protection of their hearts and minds and for the healing of all harm that has already afflicted them. Above all, may they retain hearts of flesh and not hearts of stone, and may their faith remain childlike; trusting always in the unfailing love our Lord Jesus Christ who is with us always.                                   
Hail Mary...

Petition: O Holy Mary, in every age you have been the steadfast help of Christians. Please pray for a lasting peace to fall upon the entire world. Assist all of those who call upon you, with your invincible aid in life, and especially at the hour of their death, so that after having loved and praised you here on earth, they may deserve to come and sing your mercies forever in Heaven.
Hail Mary...

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning,
is now,
and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.