Collection of Prayers for Vocations

Prayer #1

O God, Father of all Mercies, Provider of a bountiful Harvest,

send Your Graces to those You have called to gather the fruits of Your labor; preserve and strengthen them in their lifelong service to you. Open the hearts of Your children that they may discern Your Holy Will; inspire in them a love and desire to surrender themselves to serve others in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ. Teach all Your faithful to follow their respective paths in life guided by Your Divine Word and Truth. Through the intercession of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, all the Angels, and Saints, humbly hear our prayers and grant Your Church's needs, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer #2

He said to them "Come and See." They came and saw where he was staying (John 1:39). God of all nations, we are most grateful for the first Catholic missionaries and explorers who came to ______________. As strangers in a strange land, they brought with them countless skills, talents and traditions, but their greatest treasure was their faith. May the Good News of Jesus Christ, which molded and shaped their lives, continue to mold and shape our lives today. Bless our diocese with men and women who will follow in their footsteps to serve the Church as religious brothers, sisters, priests, and deacons. Lord Jesus Christ, help to hear your call to "Come and See."

Prayer #3

Loving and Generous God, it is You who call us by our name and ask us to follow You. Help us to grow in the Love and Service of our Church as we experience today. Give us the energy and courage of Your Spirit to shape its future Inspire us to know You better and open our hearts to hear Your call. We ask this through our Lord.

Prayer #4

Hail Mary, full of grace; all generations call you blessed. Hail Mother of God; when asked by the angel to bear the Son of the Highest, filled with faith, you responded: "Let it be done unto me." Holy Mother of Jesus, at the wedding feast at Cana, you prompted your Son to perform his first sign. Be with us as we discern our life's work and guide us in the way we are called to follow in the footsteps of your Son. Holy Mother of the Savior, at the foot of the cross you mourned the death of your only Son. Bless and embrace the loving parents of all priests, deacons, brothers, and sisters. Holy Mother of the Good Shepherd, turn your motherly care to this nation. Intercede for us to the Lord of the harvest to send more laborers to the harvest in this land dedicated to your honor. Queen of Peace, Mirror of Justice, Health of the Sick, inspire vocations in our time. Let the word of your Son be made flesh anew in the lives of persons anxious to proclaim the good news of everlasting life. Amen.

Prayer #5

Loving God, your Son, Jesus, has shown us that an open heart finds the way. Help me to find my way in this world. Keep my heart open to following Jesus' way of serving others in love. Give me the courage to accept the guidance you offer me through my family, my friends, and my parish community. Through the Holy Spirit, you call me to a particular way of life. If it is the way of a priest, sister, brother, or deacon, then help me to walk it in joyful service to your people. With you, my God, I know I can find my way. Amen.

Prayer #6

O loving and gracious God, Father of all,

you bless your people in every time and season and provide for their needs through your providential care.

Your Church is continually in need of priests,

sisters and brothers to offer themselves in the service

of the gospel by lives of dedicated love.

Open the hearts of your sons and daughters

to listen to your call in their lives.

Give them the gift of understanding to discern

your invitation to serve you and your Church. Give them the gift of courage to follow your call.

May they have the spirit of young Samuel

who found fulfillment in his life when he said to you,

"Speak Lord, for your servant is listening."

We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Redeemer.

Amen.

Prayer #7

Loving God, to be your prophet is my desire,

but too often I am more concerned about the bottom line.

I want to bring your message to the world as so many before me have done. My heart leads me to you, but I'm not always sure how to respond. Let me know what it is you are calling me to do and the life you are asking me to live. Give me the strength to share with others who are in need of the blessings with which you have enriched my life. Thank you, God, for hearing my prayer. Amen.

Prayer #8

O Lord, help me know your will for me Let your light shine in the depths of my heart that I may know what you want me to do with my life. Help me believe that you have a special plan for me. Lord, I know I pass through this life only once; help me decide how you want me to make a difference. Like our Blessed Mother, give me the wisdom to hear your voice and the courage to answer your call. Above all give me peace of mind and heart. I offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer #9

Gracious God, thank you for calling us at Baptism to be your people. In response to your call, we again say, "Yes." Keep us faithful to your mission and our vocation. Bless with a renewed spirit of zeal and enthusiasm all who dedicate their lives in service to your people. Inspire more women and men of faith and compassion to serve as lay ministers and deacons sisters, brothers, and priests. Fill them with your Spirit of Wisdom to proclaim the Good News and to witness your presence among us. Amen.

Prayer # 10

Lord, I know you love me and have great plans for me. But sometimes I am overwhelmed by the thought of my future. Show me how to walk forward one day at a time. May I take heart while I search openly for what it is you want me to do with my life. Inspire in me wisdom and understanding to see your vision for my life and respond with openness to whatever you call me to be. Show me your way, Lord!