INTENTION
For Family Members of Children Placed for Adoption
SCRIPTURE
(John 15:12-17)
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.
SILENT REFLECTION
Pause for a moment of silent reflection.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus,
in word and sacrament, you make known the depth
of your love for each person.
Never let us forget the tender compassion and
mercy which you have shown and continue to
show to us.
Instill in our hearts deep love for those who suffer,
and help us reflect the face of the Father's mercy.
May the family members of each child to be placed
for adoption lovingly support his or her mother as
she chooses love and life.
And may these family members themselves
find continued support in the kindness and
encouragement of others.
Give to all wisdom and understanding,
and may we be instruments of your grace. Amen.
PETITION TO ST. JOSEPH
Blessed St. Joseph,
At the angel's direction,
you supported Mary in her "yes"
to bear the Son of God.
Trusting in the Lord, you accompanied her on that
journey, offering her your protection
and steadfast love.
Pray that the family members of each child
placed for adoption may lovingly support
the child's mother, and also find support
in the open hearts of each other and of friends.
Please intercede for these family members,
that they may be channels of God's tender love
and also that they may themselves encounter the
outstretched hands of your merciful love.
St. Joseph, Mainstay of Families, pray for us.
CONCLUDING PRAYERS
Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be
