THE PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

The Liturgy of the Word concludes with intercessory prayer. Petition has been a precious part of Christian life from the earliest days of the Christian movement. Christians turned to God in Christ in moments of crisis and persecution. Jesus, our high priest, endured great suffering and heartache, knew deeply personal agony and anguish. He walked the way of the cross, died an innocent martyr, and trusted that his Father would deliver him.

Then as crucified Lord and suffering servant, he drew all peoples to himself. As risen lord, having conquered death and mortality, Jesus continues to intercede on behalf of his sisters and brothers. How fitting, then, that disciples turn to him in moments of need!

This stylized form of prayer is called the prayer of the faithful, the universal prayer, and bidding prayer.

The prayer of the faithful is the prayer of petition that is offered to God by the baptized faithful. Because the baptized share an intimacy with God (dearest Dad or Abba), we are able to call upon God with childlike trust and great confidence. We call upon God who knows us by name, who counts the number of hairs upon our head, and who overshadows us with grace and blessing.

The universal prayer is universal because the petitions come from the local church. These prayers are petitions that stretch us beyond narrow caprice and open our horizons to church communities throughout the world.

Bidding prayer is the way the body of Christ entreats God for public concerns: for justice and peace, for an end to poverty and persecution.

The format of the prayer is simple and direct. First, the presider invites the assembly to pray. Second, the deacon makes the petitions be cause the deacon's ministry involves the concrete, practical, and pressing needs of the assembly and its neighbors. When there is no deacon at the liturgy, the petitions are voiced by a lector or sung by a cantor. The assembly responds to each petition with a phrase such as Lord have mercy or Lord, hear our prayer. Finally, the presider sums up the petitions with a short oration.

The prayer of the faithful is akin to the highly personal prayer format used in charismatic prayer groups and small Christian communities. While not impersonal, the prayer of the faithful is boldly broad in its sweep and global in its concern.

The petitions of the prayer of the faithful are stated clearly and concisely, directly and devoutly. The assembly prays for those who exercise governance in church and in secular government. The petitions also focus on the poor, the sick, the imprisoned, the homeless, and the deceased. They attend to the particular needs a community faces. Petitions for special intentions are best prayed in the quiet of an individual's heart.

The prayer of petition acknowledges that God is involved with all creatures and all creation. It acknowledges that we are responsible agents and participants in bringing God's kingdom reality.

The prayer of petition also indicates that we entrust our lives and our destinies to God. We pray with confidence because the reign of God has begun in the person and the Passover of Jesus. Even if travail and tragedy stalk this world, all will ultimately be well.