A Prayer for Priests

Lord Jesus, you have chosen your priests from among us and sent them out to proclaim your Word and to act in your Name. For so great a gift to your Church, receive our praise and our thanksgiving. 

We ask you to fill them with the fire of your love, so that their priesthood may make your presence known in the Church. Because they are vessels of clay, we pray that your power may pass through their weakness. Never let them be crushed by their afflictions. Grant that in their doubts they may never give way to despair, that they may not yield to temptation, and that in persecution they may not feel abandoned.

Inspire them in prayer, that they may live each day the mystery of your death and resurrection. In moments of weakness send them your Spirit. Help them to praise your Heavenly Father and to pray for poor sinners. By the power of the Holy Spirit put your word on their lips and pour your love into their hearts, that they may bring the Good News to the poor, and healing to the downcast and the despairing.

May the gift of Mary, your Mother, to the disciple whom you loved be a gift for every priest. Grant that she who formed you in her human likeness may form them in your divine likeness, by the power of your Spirit, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.