Fr Edward Wolanski ( of Holy Name of Jesus Raleigh ) gave a homily a few weeks ago and reminded everyone that priests need our prayers. He needs our prayers.
Just a couple of weeks or so ago, as Brenda and I were leaving Mass, Fr Edward said "pray for me" as I shook his hand on the way out. That's twice in a fairly short period that I was reminded that priests need our prayers.
Just yesterday on Instagram, I saw a post about a prayer for priests. Is God telling me something? I do believe it's a reminder that priests need our prayers.
Maybe you have already made it part of your daily prayer life to not only pray for your local Parish priest(s), but I'll admit that it's a weak point for me. I think that it can be easy to forget that faithful men of God truly need our prayers. It's something that I plan to change in my life. I'm hoping that anyone reading this is also reminded that priests need our prayers. If you are already praying regularly for your Parish priest(s), don't forget the priests and Bishops around the world including The Pope.
One of the many things that I love about Catholicism is the prayers that can be found for so many different things. In this case, it's a prayer for priests.
Prayer by Pope Benedict XVI
Lord Jesus Christ, eternal High Priest,
you offered yourself to the Father on the altar of the cross
and through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit
gave your priestly people a share in your redeeming sacrifice.
Hear our prayer for the sanctification of our priests.
Grant that all who are ordained to the ministerial priesthood
may be ever more conformed to you, the Divine Master.
May they preach the Gospel with pure heart and clear conscience.
Let them be shepherds according to your own heart,
single-minded in service to you and to the Church,
and shining examples of a holy, simple, and joyful life.
Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, your Mother and ours,
draw all priests and the flocks entrusted to their care
to the fullness of eternal life where you live and reign
with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
