Lord Jesus Christ,
in your great love you draw all people to yourself:
and in your wisdom you call us to your service.
We pray at this time,
you will kindle in the hearts of men and women
the desire to follow you in the Religious life.
Give to those whom you call,
grace to accept their vocation readily and thankfully,
to make the whole-hearted surrender which you ask of them,
and for love of you, to persevere to the end.
This we ask in your name. Amen.
Setting a particular Sunday each year as a Day of Prayer for Vocations to the Religious Life was begun in 1992. This is currently the Fourth Sunday after Easter. All are also invited to pray each Friday for the life and work of the Religious communities in the Church, using the prayer above, written by a Little Brother of Francis, originally for communities in Australia and New Zealand.
A Novena of Prayer for Religious Life
Day 1: 2 Thessalonians 1:3
We give thanks for Religious communities throughout the world.
Day 2: Romans 14:7-9
We give thanks for members in our communities who have died.
Day 3: Acts 15:36-40
We pray for those who have left our communities.
Day 4: Ephesians 4:1-6
We give thanks for our own vocations.
Day 5: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14
We pray for our leaders and for all who make decisions.
Day 6: Titus 2:7-9
We pray for novice guardians and all who teach in our way of life.
Day 7: 1 Corinthians 12:27-31
We pray that we will be faithful to our vows.
Day 8: Acts 2:44-47
We pray for all who seek to know and to do your will and that men and women will be led to join our communities.
Day 9: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
We recognize that the future is in God’s hands. We pray that the Holy Spirit will help and support us as we live in the Light of Christ.
