PRAYER SERVICE

Child Abuse Prevention Month - April 2008

 (Please adapt this program to the age group with whom you work.)

GREETING

Presider: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

My brothers and sisters,
Jesus told the people, "Let the children come to me."
Jesus welcomed children.
He believed that all children should be treated with love and respect.

The presider then prays:
Let us pray:
Lord Jesus Christ, You loved children so much that you said:
"Whoever welcomes a child welcomes me."
Hear our prayers this day for the children gathered here and for children around the world.
Help all of us to treat one another with love and respect.
We ask this in your name, Jesus Christ. Amen.

INTRODUCTION TO THE READING OF THE WORD

Presider: Brothers and sisters, let us be attentive to the Word of God.
All Sit

Lector: A Reading from the Gospel according to St. Matthew:
Then the little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs." And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.

The Gospel of the Lord.

ALL: Praise to you Lord, Jesus Christ.

Silence for Reflection

LITANY (Stand)

Presider: Let us pray for all children, for the world in which we live, and for the Church who is called to respect the dignity of all life.

Reader(s): (can be read by one or more children)
Please respond: "Lord, Be with us."

For children who are confused or alone.

For children who are afraid or abandoned.

For children who sleep in fear.

For children afraid to go home.

For children who have been beaten.

For children who have been abused.

For children who are afraid to trust.

For caring adults who listen to children and believe their story.

For doctors and counselors who help children heal.

For the Church, called to be the light of the world.

Presider:

LORD'S PRAYER

Lord, be with us as we gather here today to pray for those who have been hurt by abuse. Guide all of our words and all of our actions so that we may be bearers of your love to one another. Help us to bring peace to all those in pain.

Unite us this day as we join together in the words, your Son, Jesus taught us:

"Our Father, who art in heaven."

Amen.

Presider:

Lord, our God,
Out of the speech of little children you have fashioned a hymn of praise.
Look with favor on our children whom the faith of the Church commends to your tender care.

Your Son, born of the Virgin Mary, gladly welcomes little children. He took them in his arms, blessed them, and held them up as an example for all.

We pray that you, Father, will also send your blessing upon us this day, so that we may help all children grow in Christian maturity and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, lead them to become Christ's witnesses in the world, spreading the faith you have given your Church.

Presider:

The Lord be with you.

All: And also with you.

May the Lord Jesus, who loved children, Bless and keep you in his love, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

A lay minister says the following prayer, making the Sign of the cross:

May the Lord Jesus, who loved children,
Bless and keep us in his love,
Now and forever. Amen