HOLY HOUR FOR LIFE Procession Of The Ministers After all have assembled, the priest or deacon, wearing cope and humeral veil brings the Blessed Sacrament from the place of reservation; he may be accompanied by servers or by the faithful with lighted candles. During this time a song may be sung. Refer to suggested music. Exposition The monstrance should be placed upon the corporal that has been placed on the altar. The Priest or deacon kneels before the altar and incenses the Blessed Sacrament. The opening song is concluded and a period of silence may be observed. During the exposition there should be prayers, songs and readings to direct the attention of the faithful to the worship of Christ the Lord. Opening Prayer The priest or deacon then goes to his chair, where he prays one of the following prayers: A Lord Jesus Christ, we worship you living among us in the sacrament of your body and blood. May we offer to our Father in heaven a solemn pledge of undivided love.
May we offer to our brothers and sisters a life poured out in loving service of that kingdom where you live with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. B Father, you have given all peoples one common origin, and your will is to gather them as one family in yourself. Fill the hearts of all men with the fire of your love and the desire to ensure justice for all their brothers and sisters. By sharing the good things you give us may we secure justice and equality for every human being, an end to all division, and a human society built on love and peace. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. C Lord our God, in this great sacrament we come into the presence of Jesus Christ, your Son, born of the Virgin Mary
and crucified for our salvation. May we who declare our faith in this fountain of love and mercy drink from it the fountain of everlasting life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. All: Amen. After a period of silent prayer, the Liturgy of the Word begins. Liturgy of the Word Deuteronomy 30:15-20 First Reading A reading from the Book of Deuteronomy Moses said to the people: Today I have set before you life and prosperity, death and doom. If you obey the commandments of the Lord, your God, which I enjoin on you today, loving him, and walking in his ways, and keeping his commandments, statutes and decrees, you will live and grow numerous, and the Lord, your God, will bless you in the land you are entering to occupy. If, however, you turn away your hearts and will not listen, but are led astray and adore and serve other gods, I tell you now that you will certainly perish;
you will not have a long life on the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and occupy. I call heaven and earth today to witness against you: I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live, by loving the Lord, your God, heeding his voice, and holding fast to him. For that will mean life for you, a long life for you to live on the land that the Lord swore he would give to your fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. Responsorial Psalm See suggested music Psalm 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15 R: I praise you, for I am wonderfully made. O Lord, you have probed me, you know me: you know when I sit and when I stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. My journeys and my rest you scrutinize, with all my ways you are familiar. R: I praise you, for I am wonderfully made.
Truly you have formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb. I give you thanks that I am fearfully, wonderfully made; wonderful are your works. R: I praise you, for I am wonderfully made. My soul also you knew full well; nor was my frame unknown to you when I was made in secret, when I was fashioned in the depths of the earth. R: I praise you, for I am wonderfully made. After a period of silent prayer: R: Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Acclamation I am the living bread come down from heaven, says the Lord: whoever eats this bread will live forever. R: Alleluia, alleluia. John 6:51-59 Gospel +A reading from the holy Gospel according to John. Jesus said to the crowds: I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever;
and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world." The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever who eats this bread will live forever." The Gospel of the Lord. Homily At the conclusion of the last reading the priest or deacon may give a brief homily, this is followed by silent prayer.
Intercessions Standing at the chair the presiding minister invites all to pray: Presiding minister: God is the Creator of all life, in Him we place our hope and trust as we pray Deacon or reader: For the people of the United States, that we may be united in building a society in which everyone can have the opportunity to live with dignity and hope, we pray to the Lord.... Deacon or reader: For the Church, that we may be a witness to Christ s love by practicing charity and promoting justice and peace throughout the world, we pray to the Lord.... Deacon or reader: For Catholics throughout our nation that the values of our faith may guide us as we exercise our responsibility as voters, we pray to the Lord.... Deacon or reader: For the members of this faith community, that we may find ways to help build a world of greater respect for human life and human dignity, we pray to the Lord.... Deacon or reader: For those who serve in elected office, that they may lead with courage and wisdom, reflecting the Church s teaching that the moral test of our society is how the
weak, the poor, and the vulnerable are faring, we pray to the Lord.... Deacon or reader: For all citizens of the United States, that our participation in the upcoming election may lead to a world of greater respect for life and commitment to justice and peace, we pray to the Lord.... Deacon or reader: For those who are suffering from poverty and injustice, that our decisions this election year may lead to policies and programs that help them live in dignity, we pray to the Lord.... Deacon or reader: For parishioners who have been elected to public office, that they might use their offices to protect the unborn and promote the dignity of the poor and vulnerable, we pray to the Lord.... Deacon or reader: For the earth, that our nation s leaders will be inspired by God s Holy Spirit to protect all of His creation, we pray to the Lord.... Deacon or reader: For workers around the world, especially children who work long hours for little pay, that we might all
seek ways to promote fairness, justice, and dignity in their lives, we pray to the Lord.... Deacon or reader: For leaders around the world, that they might find ways to bring an end to war and violence, and promote peace and development for all nations, we pray to the Lord.... Presiding minister: Almighty, ever-living God, Your will for mankind Is that none should be lost And all should be saved. Hear the prayers of your children, Guide the course of the world in your peace And let your Church serve you in tranquility and joy. We ask this through Christ our Lord. All: Amen. A spiritual reading may take place at this time followed by silent prayer, or an extended time of silent prayer may take place at this time. Also, the rosary may be prayed during this time. For your convenience we have included the Luminous Mysteries for your reflection. We wish to thank Christina Heddell, Director, Respect Life Apostolate, for her assistance with these mysteries.
Luminous Mysteries First Mystery of Light: Baptism in the Jordan The Lord Jesus is baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist, as a voice cries to us from the heavens: This is my beloved Son, hear him! Let us listen to Christ and, with the grace given to us at our baptism, work for the protection of every person from conception to natural death. Second Mystery of Light: Self Manifestation at the Wedding at Cana Jesus granted His Mother s request and changed the water into wine at the wedding in Cana. We pray that through Mary s intercession, we will be granted success in our efforts to build a Culture of Life. Third Mystery of Light: Proclamation of the Kingdom of God, Jesus proclaimed His Father s Kingdom and called the crowds to conversion. We pray that Jesus will grant us the courage to proclaim the Gospel of Life, that every human life is a precious member of the Father s Kingdom. Fourth Mystery of Light: Transfiguration The Lord Jesus led Peter, James and John with Him to the top of the mountain where He was transfigured in light, and His garments shown whiter than snow. May Christ s glorious light shine on all who dwell in the shadow of darkness and sin.
Fifth Mystery of Light: Institution of the Eucharist On the night before he suffered, he took bread, blessed it, broke it, gave it to his disciples, and said, Take this, all of you, and eat it. This is my body When supper was ended he took a cup filled with wine, gave it to them, and said, Take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the cup of my blood. Strengthened by the Holy Eucharist, may we work to proclaim the Gospel of Life and defend all who are endangered by the culture of death. After the conclusion of the rosary and a period of silent prayer the following is said: The Lord s Prayer The presiding minister, standing at his chair, then sings or says the following: Let us pray for the coming of the kingdom as Jesus has taught us All: Our Father Benediction At the conclusion of the Lord s Prayer, the presiding minister goes to the foot of the altar, genuflects and kneels. Then a hymn (i.e. Tatum Ergo) or other eucharisitic song is sung. See suggested music. Meanwhile the minister, while kneeling,
incenses the Blessed Sacrament. After the completion of the hymn the presiding minister rises and sings or says: Let us pray. After a brief period of silence, he says one of the following prayers: A Lord Jesus Christ, you gave us the eucharist as the memorial of your suffering and death. May our worship of this sacrament of your body and blood help us to experience the salvation you won for us and the peace of the kingdom where you live with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. All respond: Amen B Lord our God, in this great sacrament we come into the presence of Jesus Christ, your Son born of the Virgin Mary and crucified for our salvation. May we who declare our faith in this fountain of love and mercy drink from it the water of everlasting life. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
C Lord our God, may we always give due honor to the sacramental presence of the Lamb who was slain for us. May our faith be rewarded by the vision of his glory, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. D Lord our God, you have given us the true bread from heaven. In the strength of this food may we live always by your life and rise in glory on the last day. We ask this through Christ our Lord. E Lord, give to our hearts the light of faith and the fire of love, that we may worship in spirit and in truth our God and Lord, present in this sacrament, who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
F Lord, may this sacrament of new life warm our hearts with your love and make us eager for the eternal joy of your kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. G Lord our God, teach us to cherish in our hearts the paschal mystery of your Son by which you redeemed the world. Watch over the gifts of grace your love has given us and bring them to fulfillment in the glory of heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Eucharistic Blessing After the prayer the priest or deacon puts on the humeral veil, genuflects, and takes the monstrance. He makes the sign of the cross over the people with the monstrance in silence.
Reposition After the blessing the priest or deacon who gave the blessing replaces the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle and genuflects. Returning to his chair the presiding minister may then lead the people in the Divine Praises. This is recited by all together. Blessed be God. Blessed be His Holy Name. Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man. Blessed be the name of Jesus. Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart. Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the paraclete. Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy. Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Conception. Blessed be her glorious Assumption. Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother. Blessed be Saint Joseph, her most chaste spouse. Blessed be God in His angels and in His Saints. Acclamation or Song After the Divine Praises are concluded the people sing a hymn, and the ministers then genuflect and leave. See suggested music.
The English translation of Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist outside Mass 1974, International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL). All rights reserved. A special note of appreciation to the USCCB for their assistance in providing information that made this possible.
Other Suggested Readings: Gn 1:26-28, 31a (Male and female he created them) Lv 19:1-2, 11-18 (Judge your fellow man justly) Dt 30:11, 14-20 (Choose life) Prv 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31 (The woman who fears ) Is 35:1-10 (God himself will come to save you) Jer 1:1, 4-10 (A prophet to the nations I appointed you) Rm 12:1-2, 9-18 (Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice) 1 Cor 12:12-14, 27-31a (You are Christ Body) Jas 2:14-17 (Faith without works is dead) 1 Jn 3:14-16 (We pass from death to life) Mt 5:2-12 (Blessed are the poor in spirit) Mt 10:7-13 (Without cost you have received ) Mt 25:31-40 (What you did to the least you did to all) Mk 10:17-27 (Go sell what you have and give to the poor) Jn 3:16-21 (God sent His Son to save the world) Jn 10:1-10 (I am the gate for the sheep) Music Suggestions: Opening Hymn options: Expostion Hymn: O Saving Victim / O Salutaris or Morning Hymn: This day God Gives me / Bunessan Evening Hymn: O Radiant Light / Jesu Dulcis
Responsorial Psalm, i.e. Ps 139 Psalms and Ritual Music, Music for the Liturgy of the Word, Year B, World Library Publications. Page: B109 A Lectionary Psalter, by John Schiavone, OCP Page: 200 Lectionary Psalms, by Michel Guimont, GIA Page: 191, number 586 Gospel Acclamation From your parish repertoire Benediction Come Adore This Wondrous Presence/ Tantum Ergo or other appropriate hymn Closing Hymn Holy God, We praise Thy Name / Grosser Gott To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King / Ich Glaub an Gott Or National Hymns: (as part of the National Elections Prayer Service) God of Our Fathers / National Hymn America the Beautiful / Materna Now Thank we all our God / Nun danket
We would also like to offer for your reflection and consideration a prayer entitled: A Prayer for our Nation's Election. A Prayer for our Nation's Election O God, we acknowledge You today as Lord, Not only of individuals, but of nations and governments. We thank You for the privilege Of being able to organize ourselves politically And of knowing that political loyalty Does not have to mean disloyalty to You. We thank You for Your law, Which our Founding Fathers acknowledged And recognized as higher than any human law. We thank You for the opportunity that this election year puts before us, To exercise our solemn duty not only to vote, But to influence countless others to vote, And to vote correctly. Lord, we pray that Your people may be awakened. Let them realize that while politics is not their salvation, Their response to You requires that they be politically active. Awaken Your people to know that they are not called to be a sect fleeing the world But rather a community of faith renewing the world. Awaken them that the same hands lifted up to You in prayer Are the hands that pull the lever in the voting booth;
That the same eyes that read Your Word Are the eyes that read the names on the ballot, And that they do not cease to be Christians When they enter the voting booth. Awaken Your people to a commitment to justice, To the sanctity of marriage and the family, To the dignity of each individual human life, And to the truth that human rights begin when Human Lives Begin, And not one moment later. Lord, we rejoice today That we are citizens of Your kingdom. May that make us all the more committed To being faithful citizens on earth. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.