Cycle of Prayer

Introduction

The Cycle of Prayer seeks to preserve the integrity of the Sunday liturgy, without losing sight of the importance of being united with the universal or local Church in praying and working for important intentions. It seeks to do this be encouraging the faithful to pray for the intentions set out in the Cycle in their personal prayers throughout the period specified, and not only at Mass on a particular day.

The Cycle of Prayer is based on a division of the year into six periods, three of these being the principal liturgical seasons of Advent/Christmas; Lent and Easter and the other three periods being divisions of Ordinary Time, namely Winter, Summer and Autumn.

Each of these six periods is allocated its proper series of intentions for prayer, which may be taken up by both individuals and parishes and other groups throughout the season. Further details for each intention can be found on the pages for each season which can be accessed below.

Cycle of Prayer

Advent – Christmas

Openness to the Word of God
especially on Bible Sunday (2nd Sunday of Advent)
Migrants and Refugees
especially on Migrant's Day (3 December)
Expectant Mothers
especially on 4th Sunday of Advent

Ordinary Time: Winter

Peace on Earth
especially on the Day of Prayer for Peace (2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time)
Christian Unity
especially during the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity
The Sick and those who care for them
especially on World Day for the Sick (11 February)
Students and Teachers
especially on the ecumenical Education Day (3 Sundays before the 1st Sunday of Lent)
The Unemployed
especially on the Day of Prayer for the Unemployed (1 Sunday before the 1st Sunday of Lent)

Lent

Candidates for the Sacraments
especially on the Sundays of Lent
The Needy and Hungry of the World
especially on Lent Fast Day (Friday after 1st Sunday of Lent)
Women's World Day of Prayer
(1st Friday in March)
Penitents and Wanderers

Easter

New Members of the Church
Vocations
especially on the World Day of Prayer for Vocations (4th Sunday of Easter)
Human Work
especially on St Joseph the Worker (1 May)
The Right Use of the Media
especially on World Communications Day (Ascension of the Lord)
The Church
especially on Pentecost Sunday

Ordinary Time: Summer

A Deeper Understanding between Christians and Jews
Those who suffer Persecution, Oppression, and Denial of Human Rights
especially on St John Fisher and St Thomas More (22 June)
Europe
especially of the feasts of St Benedict (11 July), St Bridget of Sweden (23 July), St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (9 August) who with St Cyril and St Methodius (14 February), and St Catherine of Siena (29 April) are Patrons of Europe
Human Life
especially on the Day for Life (1st Sunday in July)
Seafarers
especially on Sea Sunday (2nd Sunday in July)

Ordinary Time: Autumn

The Spread of the Gospel
especially on Home Mission Day (3rd Sunday in September) & on World Mission Day (penultimate Sunday in October)
Justice and Peace in the world
especially on Racial Justice day (2nd Sunday in September) and on Harvest Fast Day (1st Friday in October)
The Harvest, the Fruits of Human of Work, and the Reverent Use of Creation
especially on last Sunday in September or whenever Harvest Festivals are held
All Victims of War
especially on Remembrance Sunday (2nd Sunday in November)
Prisoners and their Families
especially during Prisoners Week (9–15 November) and on the Day of Prayer for Prisoners and their Dependants (3rd Sunday in November)
Young People
especially on Youth Day (Christ the King)

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