National Vocation Awareness Week
During National Vocation Awareness Week (Nov. 7-13), we invite you to join us in praying for all those who are discerning their path in life. Each of the tabs below features a prayer that was written, adapted or chosen by our Sisters for this special week.
Prayer for those discerning Vocations
Hail Mary, full of grace;
all generations call you blessed.
Hail Mother of God; when asked by the angel
to bear the Son of God,
filled with faith, you responded:
“Let it be done unto me.”
Holy Mother of Jesus, at the wedding feast at Cana,
you prompted your Son to perform his first sign.
Be with those who are discerning their life’s work
and guide them in the way they are called to follow
in the footsteps of Jesus.
O Mary, patroness of our country,
turn your motherly care to this nation.
Intercede for us to the Lord of the harvest
to send more laborers to the harvest
in this land dedicated to your honor.
Queen of Peace, Mirror of Justice, Health of the Sick,
Inspire young people; fill them with hope
to serve those in greatest need.
We ask all of this as followers of your Son, our Brother, Jesus.
Amen.
Prayer from USCCB adapted by Sister Colleen Crossen
Prayer for those called to Community Life
O loving God, we listen to the sufferings of our brothers and sisters, and we hear the cries of our planet. And though we often feel helpless and alone, we believe you are always calling new sons and daughters to discipleship.
We pray for those whose hearts may be fearful of following your Son to the cross. We rejoice with those who ask how you are inviting them to proclaim the good news of your resurrection. Strengthen those who are hearing your invitation to servant leadership in your Church. Encourage those who are discerning your call to live in community with other disciples who seek unity and peace.
May your Spirit enable them to choose a life of consecration, service, and public witness to your loving presence. May the gifts and talents you have given them be used to make you, O God of love, visible to a world in need of hope. May we, who pray for more workers to help with the harvest, be vibrant witnesses of joy. Amen.
Written by Sister Christine Kresho
We Pray. . .
That you may know your life as a sacred text
That God will lead you to read your story anew
That you may see how the Holy inhabits each line and breathes across each page.
Prayer by Jan Richardson chosen by Sister Carolyn Bodenschatz
Special Intention
Lord Jesus, You have asked us to pray for vocations,
that there may be women and men willing to give their lives joyfully
to witness to, proclaim, and build Your Kingdom.
Hear my prayer and the prayers of your Church:
send us good, faithful, and holy priests, deacons, and religious sisters and brothers.
I offer You this day, all I shall think, do or say, for this good intention.
Amen.
Prayer from the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius via the National Religious Vocation Conference. Chosen by Sister Valerie Zottola