Forty Hours Devotion Solemn Exposition Fortnight of Prayer for Religious Liberty Introduction: Parishes may wish to schedule solemn exposition for a lengthy period of time in order to provide opportunities for the faithful to pray for religious liberty before the Blessed Sacrament. If a parish chooses to offer Forty Hours Devotion, the Rite of Holy Communion and Worship of Eucharist Outside of Mass will assist in your planning. It is important to keep the following in mind: 1) It is most appropriate to expose the Blessed Sacrament at the conclusion of Mass in order that a clearer connection is made between the Blessed Sacrament adored and the celebration of the Eucharist. 2) There must be at least two people praying before the Blessed Sacrament at all times. If not, the Blessed Sacrament should be reposed. 3) Along with periods of silent prayer, periods of communal prayer with the singing of hymns, proclamation of readings and other prayers should be offered at scheduled times during the celebration of Exposition. To that end, there are three Eucharistic services attached to this document that may be useful in preparing for such moments of prayer. Also, a prayer card that may be used for private adoration is provided to assist people as they pray for religious liberty before the Blessed Sacrament. (no. 95, HCWEOM) 4) The Liturgy of the Hours, especially the hinge hours of morning and evening prayer may also be prayed before the Blessed Sacrament. 5) Mass may not be celebrated in the same space while the Blessed Sacrament is exposed. 1
COMMUNAL PRAYER DURING EXPOSITION I These Eucharistic services may be led by a lay person, if needed. Hymn: Adoramus Te or some other appropriate hymn The leader gestures for all to stand Sign of the Cross/Greeting In the name of the Father + and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us new birth into a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Blessed be God forever. Blessed be God forever. God has bestowed his love upon us through his Son, Jesus Christ. Let us listen attentively to God s Word, allowing the Spirit to change our hearts and minds. Everyone is seated for the Word of God. 2
Scripture Reading Isaiah 32:15-18 (no. 887.2) Silent Reflection allow for at least 30 seconds or more. Litany for Liberty The leader of prayer begins the litany with the introduction and then the announcement of each invocation. The leader invites everyone to kneel. He/she kneels in front of the Blessed Sacrament and leads the following Litany. Introduction: Christ the Lord has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. Let us turn to him in humble but fervent petition, seeking the grace to root out from our hearts all trace of darkness, and all that holds us back from walking in the full freedom of the children of God. As Christ is our great model for that inner freedom, which enables us to do the right, let us turn to him with confidence that we, too, may follow him to the fullness of spiritual freedom. V/. Lord, have mercy; R/. Lord, have mercy. V/. Christ, have mercy; R/. Christ, have mercy. V/. Lord, have mercy; R/. Lord, have mercy. V/. Jesus, victor over sin and death... Jesus, source of light and hope... Jesus, fullness of truth and mystery... Jesus, teacher of seeking hearts... Jesus, healer of body and soul... Jesus, bringer of mercy and justice... Jesus, who humble the heart and mind... Jesus, release of captives... Jesus, voice against violence... Jesus, courage for the lowly/downtrodden... Jesus, origin of all authority and power... R/. 3
Jesus, true lawgiver... Jesus, unity of order and passion... Jesus, freedom of the Spirit... Jesus, obedient Son of the Father... V/. For the freedom to love... For the freedom to believe... For the freedom to hope... For the freedom to worship... For the freedom to serve in charity... For the freedom to care for the suffering... For the freedom to comfort the sick... For the freedom to feed the hungry... For the freedom to shelter the homeless... For the freedom to proclaim the Gospel... For the freedom to walk in chastity... For the freedom to live in peace... For the freedom to work in good conscience... For the freedom to stand in solidarity... For the freedom to seek justice... V/. For the freedom to reject sin... For the freedom to reject coercion... For the freedom to reject falsehood... For the freedom to reject evil temptations... For the freedom to reject injustice... R/. R/. give us your grac CLOSING PRAYER O God, who gave one origin to all peoples and willed to gather from them one family for yourself, fill all hearts, we pray, with the fire of your love and kindle in them a desire for the just advancement of their neighbor, that, through the good things which you richly bestow upon all, each human person may be brought to perfection, every division may be removed, 4
and equity and justice may be established in human society. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. R/. Amen. [Collect for the Mass For the Progress of the Peoples, Masses for Various Needs and Occasions, No. 29, Roman Missal, Third Edition] Hymn: A hymn may be sung if desired. 5
COMMUNAL PRAYER DURING EXPOSITION II Hymn Adoramus Te or some other appropriate hymn. The leader gestures for all to stand. Sign of the Cross/Greeting In the name of the Father + and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us new birth into a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Blessed be God forever. Blessed be God forever. Collect Let us pray that the Church of Jesus Christ may remain faithful to its mission. Almighty and eternal God, in Christ your Son you have shown your glory to the world. Guide the work of your Church: help it to proclaim your name, to persevere in faith 6
and to bring your salvation to people everywhere. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Scripture Reading Matthew 19:16-22 (Lectionary for Mass, no. 177) Silent Reflection Intercessions Standing at the chair, the leader invites everyone to pray: My brothers and sisters, our heavenly Father sent his Son Jesus Christ into the world that the world might be saved and all might be delivered from the power of sin and death. As a pilgrim people seeking Christ s gift of everlasting life, let us pray for all people according to their needs. Reader: For our Holy Father, Benedict, our Archbishop, Dennis, and for all who lead the Church throughout the world. For faithful leaders and wise teachers, firmly rooted in the spirit of the Eucharist, we pray to the Lord. For our nation, it s government, and for nations and leaders throughout the world. For a spirit of reverence and respect among people everywhere, and for religious freedom for all peoples, we pray to the Lord. 7
For the poor and the sick, for those who are persecuted or imprisoned; for victims of hatred and violence, especially those standing up for the principles of their faith, and for all who bear the sufferings of Christ in their lives, we pray to the Lord. For those who are deprived of adequate food or shelter; for the hungry and the homeless, for refugees and for the unemployed; and for all who hunger and thirst for basic human needs, we pray to the Lord. For all Christians throughout the world; for an end to those things that cause division among us, and for hearts open to recognize the presence of Christ in one another, we pray to the Lord. For humble hearts and a spirit of compassion and generosity; for the will and strength to give witness to our Eucharistic Lord by words and actions rooted in the mystery we celebrate here, we pray to the Lord. For the strength to walk the journey of life nourished by our Eucharistic banquet. For the weak and for those who find in life a burden; for those who experience no hope, no compassion and no charity from their neighbor; for those who hunger and thirst for justice, peace, and love; and for those who guard our religious liberty, so that we may freely address the needs of others, we pray to the Lord. Lord s Prayer Gathering our prayers and praises into one, let us offer the prayer our Savior taught us: 8
Our Father... Collect O God, who gave one origin to all peoples and willed to gather from them one family for yourself, fill all hearts, we pray, with the fire of your love and kindle in them a desire for the just advancement of their neighbor, that, through the good things which you richly bestow upon all, each human person may be brought to perfection, every division may be removed, and equity and justice may be established in human society. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. R/. Amen. [Collect for the Mass For the Progress of the Peoples, Masses for Various Needs and Occasions, No. 29, Roman Missal, Third Edition] At the conclusion of the prayer, a hymn may be sung. 9
COMMUNAL PRAYER DURING EXPOSITION III This Eucharistic service may be led by a lay person. Hymn: Adoramus Te (Joncas) The leader gestures for all to stand Sign of the Cross/Greeting In the name of the Father + and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us new birth into a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Blessed be God forever. Blessed be God forever. Opening Prayer Let us pray that Christ, the Bread of Life, will satisfy our human hungers. God in heaven, you have made us for yourself; our hearts are restless until they rest in you. Fulfill this longing through Jesus, the Bread of Life, so that we may witness to him 10
who alone satisfies the hungers of the human family. By the power of your Spirit lead us to the heavenly table where we may feast on the vision of your glory for ever and ever. Litany for Solemn Intercessions (OSEHE) The leader invites everyone to kneel and he/she kneels in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, Son of the living God You came into this world You suffered for us on the cross You died to save us You lay in the tomb Your rose from the dead You returned in glory to the Father You sent the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles You are seated at the right hand of the Father You will come again to judge the living and the dead Lord, show us your kindness Raise our thoughts and desires to you Grant eternal rest to all who 11
have died in faith Spare us from disease, hunger and war Bring all peoples together in trust and peace Guide and protect your holy Church Keep the pope and all the clergy in faithful service to your Church Bring all Christians together in unity Lead all to the light of the Gospel Christ, hear us Lord Jesus, hear our prayer. Christ, hear us. Lord Jesus, hear our prayer. Lord s Prayer Gathering our prayers and praises into one, Let us pray the prayer our Savior taught us: Our Father 12
Concluding Prayer: O God, who gave one origin to all peoples and willed to gather from them one family for yourself, fill all hearts, we pray, with the fire of your love and kindle in them a desire for the just advancement of their neighbor, that, through the good things which you richly bestow upon all, each human person may be brought to perfection, every division may be removed, and equity and justice may be established in human society. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. At the conclusion of the prayer, a hymn may be sung. 13