Hugh McGinlay | Akateeminen Kirjakauppa

The Prayers of the Faithful conclude the Liturgy of the Word. They have a variety of functions, including the opportunity to revisit the principal themes of the readings and the preaching. These particular Prayers of the Faithful provide an opportunity to summarise those themes in a prayer format that alerts the people to what they have heard, reinforcing the teaching, and connecting its message with their lives as disciples of Jesus.

The format of the prayers is simple. The first and second prayers relate to the first and second readings of the mass and the third and fourth prayers reflect some teaching from the gospel of the day. The author includes "sense lines" indicating a slight pause at the end of each line, helping the congregation understand the meaning of the prayer.

Highlights:
—entirely based on the Bible readings
—consistency of style and format
—ecumenical in tone and emphasis
—inclusive language sensitive
—Complements the liturgical seasons
†