Official Prayer
The prayer found below, is a beautiful articulation of the hopes expressed around the Archdiocese of Armagh’s Year of Reflection and Prayer. Wonderfully written by Anne Coyle it challenges everyone in the Diocese to pause, reflect, and pray. Pondering, what the future holds for all in our Diocese.
In this age of great uncertainty it is perhaps right that we pause at this moment, “praying to better understand our calling as your people.” The hope is that the prayers below become an integral part of the daily prayer life of the Diocese, prayed regularly in every parish, school, community and congregation throughout the Diocesean Year of Prayer.
Also found below is a beautiful Children’s version of the prayer that echos the sentiments of the main prayer. We ask that parents, grandparents and teachers use this prayer readily with all our children. The Holy Spirit moves especially in their lives and their voice is critically important as we move forward.
As the prayer itself eloquently puts it, “Help us to be eager and courageous witnesses to the Joy of the Gospel by the lives we live and the service we give.”
Year of Reflection & Prayer
God Our Father,
Your people in the Archdiocese of Armagh wish to reflect on how best to meet the pastoral needs of your Church in this place and time and to search for ways to respond adequately to those needs.
We pray to better understand our calling as your people. Help us to be eager and courageous witnesses to the Joy of the Gospel by the lives we live and the service we give.
As we pray may we become ever more aware of your Spirit as our guide, comforter and inspiration so that our future plans and actions truly lead to everyone coming to know the joy of a personal encounter with you.
May we follow the example of your Son, Jesus, and place in you our trust.
May we listen to your voice,
May we come to know your will.
And then, when we are renewed and refreshed by this time of quiet discernment under your Loving Gaze, send us to work towards building your Kingdom.
We join our prayer to those who by their compassionate love, teaching and witness have shared the gift of faith with us and we ask the Saints of Armagh to walk with us and help light the path as we continue our pilgrim journey.
St Patrick, St Brigid, St Malachy, St Oliver Plunkett pray for us
Naomh Mhuire, Máthair Dé, Guí Orainn
Amen
Children’s Prayer for Year of Reflection & Prayer
God Our Father,
We thank you for loving us, be our close friend, and guide us.
May we show joy in everything we do, in our families, our school, our parish and throughout the diocese.
Give us the courage to do what you want and share what we have with others.
God our Father, trusting in Jesus, inspired by the Holy Spirit, help us to know your will and when we are ready, help us to do your work and show your love.
St Patrick, St Brigid, St Malachy, St Oliver Plunkett pray for us always.
Amen