PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
DIOCESE OF JOLIET

Gracious and loving God, help the
men and women of our parishes to hear the
call to serve in the Diocese of Joliet.

Our needs are great and our people
thirst for your presence.

Open the hearts of many. Raise up
faithful servants of the Gospel - dedicated,
holy priests, sisters, brothers and deacons,
who will spend themselves for your people and their needs.

Bless all of our married couples with a rich faith and children that desire to serve you.

Bless those who are serving now
with courage and perseverance.
Grant that many will be inspired by their
example and faith.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

GENERAL PRAYERS FOR VOCATIONS

Compassionate Heart of Jesus,
Graciously listen to our prayers.
Give us generous hearts
to respond to your call in our lives.
Lift up courageous men and women
willing to follow after your heart
as priest, sisters, brothers and deacons.
Help parents and teachers to share the faith
and to encourage young people
to explore religious vocations.
Guide all people, Lord, in your ways
Of compassion, truth and peace,
That we may find happiness
in fulfilling our vocation.
Amen.

Loving God,
Your Word finds a home in our hearts.
In the name of Jesus,
we ask you to send your spirit to us.
Inspire men and women among us,
y oung and old,
to respond to Your call
to service and leadership in the Church.
Give courage and guidance
to those You call
to the priesthood,
diaconate, religious life and lay ministry.
We thank you, Lord,
f or those who have answered this call
a nd pray that many more
will choose to respond.
In Jesus' name we pray.
Amen.

Heavenly Father, bless your Church
with an abundance of holy and zealous
priests, deacons, brothers and sisters.
Give those you have called to the
married state and those you have
chosen to live as single persons in the
world, the special graces that their lives
require. Form us all in the likeness of
your Son so that in him, with him and
through him we may love You more
deeply and serve You more faithfully,
always and everywhere. With Mary we
ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Gracious God,
You show your favor to us
through the many gifts you give us.
You sent Jesus, your beloved son,
as your servant of justice in our world.
Open our minds and hearts
to hear your call to us today.
Guide women and men
to use their gifts to serve the Church
and continue the mission of Jesus.
We offer this prayer
through Christ and the Holy Spirit,
now and forever.
Amen.

A PARENT'S PRAYER

Loving Father
of our Lord, Jesus Christ,
you know that my child, ___________
is special and unique.
If you are calling my child to your service,
my prayer is that your call
will be steady and irresistible.
May I see how to guide my child well,
to pray for him/her deeply,
and hold him/her gently.
One day, I will open my arms to release him/her
to your love and service with a grateful heart.
Mother Mary, guide my child.
Generously give your protection,
especially as he/she discerns a vocation.
Loving God, what I ask for my child,
I ask for all children:
Help them to know your hope, joy and love.
Amen.

PRAYER TO KNOW ONE'S VOCATION

Lord Jesus, up until now you have
been quietly preparing me to be your
disciple. Now, the time of preparation is
ending. I seem to hear you say to me as
once to Peter: "Will you also go away?"
You were saddened then by friends who
failed you. But Peter did not fail.
"Lord," he said, "to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life. "
I stand with Peter. Through prayer
and counsel, show me, Lord, where it is
in your vineyard that you want me to
serve. Then give me strength to be
faithful.
Mary, Mother and Model, help me to
respond in generous love to the call of
your divine Son.
Amen.