Creating Access and Inclusion in Worship

Prayers Of The Faithful

Leader: Let us pray; that we may come to see each other through the eyes of Jesus. Our response today will be: Lord, open our hearts.

Leader: For our Pope, Benedict XVI, for our Bishop, __________, and for all of our bishops and priests, that they may be encouraged in their ministry to affirm the sanctity of all life, let us pray to the Lord.

Response: Lord, open our hearts.

Leader: For our diocese of ________, that it may continue to actively seek out the gifts of all of us and thus show forth the inclusive spirit of Jesus, let us pray to the Lord.

Response: Lord, open our hearts.

Leader: For all of us with special needs, our families and friends, that we may know God?s tender love and care, let us pray to the Lord.

Response: Lord, open our hearts.

Leader: For those among us who are ill, that they may know the comfort of Jesus' healing touch, let us pray to the Lord.

Response: Lord, open our hearts.

Leader: For all of our loved ones who have died, that they may find rest in the presence of Jesus, let us pray to the Lord.

Response: Lord, open our hearts. Leader: Almighty and loving Father, You have created us all in your beautiful image. Listen to the church you have gathered here today. Help us to be witnesses of your love in a world that sometimes does not understand or appreciate the gifts of every person. We ask this prayer through Christ our Lord, and through His Holy Spirit. Amen.

Contributor: Mary Anne Russo, Director of the Office for Persons with Disabilities, Diocese of Rockville Center, New York, 2009 Open Hearts Award winner.