Spiritual Bouquet In Preparation for the visit of his Holiness Pope Benedict XVI Part Four The Pope’s Intentions for September

“Above all I entrust myself to your prayers” Pope Benedict XVI LEADER: As we start our time of prayer let us take a moment in silence before beginning with our prayer to the Trinity; ALL: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“Above all I entrust myself to your prayers” Pope Benedict XVI LEADER: During September the Pope has asked that we pray particularly for : the Word of God to be seen as a Sign of Social Development the end of war As we listen to the book of Psalms let us reflect on our world today. We pray that, by listening to and acting on the Word of God, we may build God’s Kingdom and find true peace, justice and harmony in our world.

“Above all I entrust myself to your prayers” Pope Benedict XVI RESPONSE: God is my refuge and my strength READER ONE: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, Though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. ( RESPONSE) There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. (RESPONSE)

“Above all I entrust myself to your prayers” Pope Benedict XVI The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth. (RESPONSE) He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. (RESPONSE) “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (RESPONSE)

“Above all I entrust myself to your prayers” Pope Benedict XVI READER TWO: Lord, we ask that you hear our prayers and intercede on our behalf as we pray for: The Word of God as Sign of Social Development that the proclamation of the Word of God may renew people’s hearts, encouraging them to work actively toward authentic social progress. Lord Hear Us ALL: Lord graciously hear us The End of War that, by opening our hearts to love, we may put an end to the numerous wars and conflicts which continue to bloody our world. Lord Hear Us ALL: Lord graciously hear us

“Above all I entrust myself to your prayers” Pope Benedict XVI LEADER: As we prepare for the visit of the Holy Father to the UK we pray together the words that Jesus taught us, ALL: Our Father...

“Above all I entrust myself to your prayers” Pope Benedict XVI LEADER: Each day we will be united in prayers of preparation with schools, parishes and families across the UK. As we look forward to welcoming the Holy Father to the UK, we finish our time of prayer together as we say: ALL: God of truth and love, we pray for Pope Benedict and look forward with joy to his forthcoming visit to our countries. May he be a witness to the unity and hope which is your will for all people. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, Amen Our Lady Mother of the Church Pray for Us St. Andrew Pray for Us St. George Pray for Us St. David Pray for Us

Inspirational Words of Pope Benedict XVI

It is when we attempt to avoid suffering by withdrawing from anything that might involve hurt, when we try to spare ourselves the effort and pain of pursuing truth, love, and goodness, that we drift into a life of emptiness, in which there may be almost no pain, but the dark sensation of meaninglessness and abandonment is all the greater. Pope Benedict XVI

All our knowledge, even the most simple, is always a minor miracle, since it can never be fully explained by the material instruments that we apply to it. In every truth there is something more than we would have expected; in the love that we receive there is always an element that surprises us. Pope Benedict XVI

Listen to the voice of the earth... Pope Benedict XVI

The 'commandment' of love is only possible because it is more than a requirement. Love can be 'commanded' because it has first been given. Pope Benedict XVI

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