Penitential Act

 Invitation

Like the shepherds who went in haste to see the child Jesus, we eagerly seek to receive God's forgiveness and blessings.

Invocations

• Lord God, you are the source of all life and goodness. Bless us and protect us from sin and evil. Lord, have mercy.
• Lord Jesus, you show us the face of God. Let us respond with love and praise for you. Christ, have mercy.
• Lord God, you give us peace. Make us whole in mind, body, and spirit and one with you. Lord, have mercy.

Prayer of the Faithful

The universal prayer

On this day we honor Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the church, who brought into the world our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us. Let us ask God's continuing blessing on creation and all it holds:

• May the Lord bless us and keep us, showering the church and all the world with life and leading us away from violence and destruction. For this we pray.
• May the Lord let his face shine upon us and be gracious to us, finding favor with us in the way we love and help one another. For this we pray.
• May the Lord look upon us kindly and give us peace, giving us what we need to live in harmony with God and neighbor. For this we pray.

God of blessings, with Mary we treasure in our hearts all you have given us. Hear our prayers, and help us to live as your daughters and sons so that we, like the shepherds, may give glory and praise to you for all we have heard and seen, in the name of your great gift of salvation, Jesus Christ, our Lord.