PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

Eternal Father, source of all good, I come to you with a heart-felt desire to do what Jesus has commanded when he said, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest." (Mt. 9:37-38) I therefore beg You, O Lord of the harvest, to send worthy laborers to the vineyard of your Church and world, and especially to (name of diocese or religious institution). See how we often wander in darkness of faith and knowledge of you for lack of sufficient shepherds to guide us. Inspire many young people from our midst to offer themselves generously to the call of the priesthood and religious life. Renew also our diocese and religious institutions, our schools, parishes and families so that they may be fitting channels for the growth of new and holy vocations. Hear this our prayer, for united with Mary, the Mother of all priestly and religious vocations, we offer it to you in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Eternal High Priest. Amen. Our Father..., Hail Mary..., Glory be...

PRAYER FOR A SEMINARIAN

Beloved Lord and Shepherd of the Church, Your servant (N.) is contemplating offering a positive response to the special invitation you first extended to Your disciples: "Come and follow me" (Mt 4:19). Grant him to know with peace of heart and certainty of mind whether this indeed be the call you are now extending to him so that He may do nothing but Your holy will. In moments of perplexity and doubt be his assurance; in the hour of temptation be his strength, and if it be your will make of him a holy priest (and/or religious) and a good shepherd of Your flock. Holy Mary, Mother of all priestly and religious vocations, I entrust (N.) to your special protection and maternal care. Guard him from sin, safeguard him from the snares of the evil one, and form him into the image of Your own Son, Jesus, who is Lord for ever and ever. Amen. Our Father..., Hail Mary..., Glory be...

PRAYER FOR A PRIEST

O Jesus, Eternal High Priest, keep (N.) Your priest within the shelter of Your Sacred Heart, where none may harm him. Keep unstained his anointed hands which daily touch the Sacred Host. Keep unsullied his lips purpled with Your Precious Blood. Keep pure and unworldly his heart sealed with the sublime marks of Your glorious priesthood. Let Your love surround him; let it shield him from the dangers of the world and the snares of the evil one. Bless his labors with abundant fruit, and may the souls to whom he has ministered be his joy and consolation here, and his everlasting crown in the hereafter. Mary, Mother of Jesus the High Priest, hold in your maternal care and protection the priestly vocation of (N.) your servant and that of all other priests. Amen. Our Father..., Hail Mary..., Glory be...