Use these prayers and reflections to pray that our society will grow in its respect for life at all stages and in all of its conditions. If possible, pray this virtual holy hour at 2:00pm on Sunday, October 15 or use the prayers and reflections at another time that is more convenient for you.
Disclaimer
The material for this virtual holy hour was compiled from material provided by the United States Conference of
Catholic Bishops and the Archdiocese of Boston. It is provided here for private prayer only.
It may not be duplicated, reproduced or distributed for any other purpose.
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
God our Loving Father, You alone are the Creator and Author of all human life. I come before You with my prayers for a greater respect and compassion within our culture and church for every human being, whether born or unborn. I pray for wisdom for those who govern us, and strength for those who work to defend life. Graciously pour out many graces upon Your Church, that we many demonstrate Your peace and love to all within our communities. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hear me, coastlands. Listen, distant peoples.
Before birth the Lord called me, from my mother's womb He gave me my name. He made my mouth like a sharp-edged sword, concealed me, shielded by His hand. He made me a sharpened arrow, in His quiver He hid me. He said to me, you are my servant, in you, Israel, I show my glory.
Though I thought I had toiled in vain, for nothing and for naught spent my strength, yet my right is with the Lord, my reconpense is with my God. For now the Lord has spoken who formed me as His servant from the womb, that Jacob may be brought back to Him and Israel gathered to Him. I am honored in the sight of the Lord, and my God is now my strength. It is too little, He says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the survivors of Israel. I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.
Spend about five minutes reflecting on this reading. Notice which words, phrases or images seem particularly meaningful to you.
What is this reading saying to you? What is your response to the reading?
Guide me Lord, along the everlasting way.
O Lord, You have probed me and You know me, You know when I sit and when I stand.
You understand my thoughts from afar. You scrutinize my journeys and my rest.
You are familiar with all my ways.
Guide me Lord, along the everlasting way.
Truly You have formed my inmost being. You knit me in my mother's womb.
I give You thanks that I am fearfully, wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works.
Guide me Lord, along the everlasting way.
Probe me, O God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts.
See if my way is crooked, and lead me in the way of old.
Guide me Lord, along the everlasting way.
Spend about five minutes reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm. Notice which words, phrases or images seem particularly meaningful to you.
What is this reading saying to you? What is your response to the reading?
Pray these prayers of intercession slowly and thoughtfully. Pause after each one to reflect on the text. Add additional prayers of your own intentions if you wish.
God is the author of life. In Him we place our trust and hope as we pray to the Lord.
Lord hear our prayer.
That justice, truth, and a love for the gift of life might inspire all legislators, governors, and our President, we pray to the Lord.
Lord hear our prayer.
For all who do not embrace the rights of the unborn. That in love, they may come to know the dignity of every person in the eyes of God, we pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For those preparing to receive the sacrament of Marriage. That they might embrace their role as sharers in God's creative love, we pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For all who touch the lives of the condemned, the old, and the forgotten, that they might have compassion, respect, and appreciation for the dignity of all human life. We pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For the dying, that through the love, care, and devotion of others, they may know the beauty of life in their dying moments. We pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Pray the Rosary slowly and thoughtfully, meditating on the Joyful Mysteries.
The Annunciation
Following the example of Mary and Joseph, may all Mothers and Fathers accept their children as a gift from God, whether through natural birth, foster families, adoption, or step families.
The Visitation
As Mary visits Elizabeth, may all people receive respect, support, and acceptance from others, regardless of race, beliefs, or abilities.
The Nativity of Jesus
By the example of the Holy Family, may families grow in their love and acceptance of each other as they grow their families.
The Presentation in the Temple
May parents follow the example of the Holy Family, as they devoutly practice their faith, so that they can lead their children to God by their word and example.
Finding Jesus in the Temple
As Mary and Joseph rejoiced in finding Jesus worshipping in the Temple, may all the elderly experience loving care and respect, as they look forward to also meeting Jesus in eternal life.
God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, "Be fertile and multiply to fill the earth. Dread fear of you shall come upon all the animals of the earth and all the birds of the air, upon all the creatures that move about on the ground, and all the fishes of the sea. Into your power they are delivered. Every creature that is alive shall be yours to eat. I give them all to you as I did the green plants. Only flesh with its lifeblood still in it you shall not eat. For your own lifeblood, too, I will demand an accounting. From every animal I will demand it, and from one man in regard to his fellow man I will demand an accounting for his human life. If anyone sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed. For in the image of God has man been made. Be fertile, then, and multiply. Abound on earth and subdue it.
Spend about five minutes reflecting on this reading. Notice which words, phrases or images seem particularly meaningful to you.
What is this reading saying to you? What is your response to the reading?
Pray this litany slowly and thoughtfully. Pause to reflect on any which seem particularly meaningful or important to you today.
Christ, through whom all things were made, Lord, have mercy.
Spirit of life and truth, Lord, have mercy.
On each child just conceived, Lord, have mercy.
For their safety and health, Lord, have mercy.
For nine months of growth, Lord, have mercy.
That an angel may protect them, Lord, have mercy.
For peace and for hope, Lord, have mercy.
On all new fathers, Lord, have mercy.
On fathers who are alone, Lord, have mercy.
On fathers unemployed, Lord, have mercy.
On fathers addicted, Lord, have mercy.
On fathers who are abusive, Lord, have mercy.
On young fathers who are afraid, Lord, have mercy.
On fathers who've run away, Lord, have mercy.
On all new mothers, Lord, have mercy.
On mothers who are alone, Lord, have mercy.
On mothers unemployed, Lord, have mercy.
On mothers who are addicted, Lord have mercy.
On mothers who are abusive, Lord have mercy.
On young mothers who are afraid, Lord, have mercy.
On mothers who are in pain, Lord, have mercy.
On those who defend life, Lord, have mercy.
On those who love the child in the womb, Lord, have mercy.
On those who pray for the unborn child, Lord, have mercy.
On all who work to change unjust laws, Lord, have mercy.
On all who live the Gospel of Life, Lord, have mercy.
On Congressmen and women who work for life, Lord, have mercy.
On our President, Lord, have mercy.
On the members of the House and Senate, governors and state legislators, Lord, have mercy.
On all who work for life, Lord, have mercy.
On doctors of life who gaze on life's mysteries, Lord, have mercy.
On surgeons who heal the unborn child, Lord, have mercy.
On all who defend the child in the womb, Lord, have mercy.
On nurses who love little babies, Lord, have mercy.
On all who protect defenseless life, Lord, have mercy.
On judges and lawyers who struggle with justice and truth, Lord, have mercy.
On the unborn child and all victims of abortion, Lord, have mercy.
On the woman whose memories cause her to cry, Lord, have mercy.
On those whose pain nags and holds on, Lord, have mercy.
On the unborn who now rest with God, Lord, have mercy.
On all who seek peace, healing, and mercy, Lord, have mercy.
See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, I announce to you today that you shall surely perish. You shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess. I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore, choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God...
Spend about five minutes reflecting on this reading. Notice which words, phrases or images seem particularly meaningful to you.
What is this reading saying to you? What is your response to the reading?
As you conclude this virtual holy hour, think about any thoughts, insights or feelings that seem particularly important and that you want to carry with you in the days ahead.
O Blessed Mother, at the angel’s word you went in haste to the aid of your cousin Elizabeth. Although pregnant yourself, you placed her needs before your own. By your example of radical solidarity, teach us to reverence and protect those in need, without conditions or expectations. Ask your Son to give us unfailing determination to witness to the profound dignity of every person, at every stage and in every circumstance. In that first Eucharistic procession, you carried Jesus to Elizabeth in her time of need. Obtain for us the grace to bring Christ to any expectant mother who is alone and afraid. May our support help them to find hope and strength in the Lord. Amen.
God our loving Father, grant wisdom to those who govern us, compassion and courage to those who work to defend human life, and safety and care to every human being. For you alone, who formed us in our mothers' wombs and who call us home to heaven, are God, forever and ever. Amen.
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Last Update: 09.08.23