Every year on the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we also observe the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests. New priests are often ordained in June, and priests’ parish and diocesan assignments commonly change in early July.
Please join us in praying for those men in formation for the priesthood, newly ordained priests, pastors and other priests who serve our parishes, and those whose ministerial assignments are changing in the coming weeks:
Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the gift of our priests.
Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments.
Help our priests to be strong in their vocation.
Set their souls on fire with love for your people.
Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
Inspire them with the vision of your Kingdom.
Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel.
Allow them to experience joy in their ministry.
Help them to become instruments of your divine grace.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest.
Amen.
Prayer credit: © USCCB.org
Image credit: Corinne SIMON/CIRIC