After the intercessions, it’s not just a concluding prayer for intentions, but a full-fledged prayer, not for, but “over” the elect. I like the texts of these prayers. They are not major items in the ritual, but they do need to communicate the purpose. They contain apt allusions to Scripture, and unlike the new prayers rolling out from ICEL these days, they manage to make their point not in one sentence, but in two or three.
Two options are given:
A
Lord God,
you created the human race
and are the author of its renewal.
Bless all your adopted children
and add these chosen ones
to the harvest of your new covenant.As true children of the promise,
may they rejoice in eternal life,
won, not by the power of nature,
but through the mystery of your grace.We ask this through Christ our Lord.
B
Father of love and power,
it is your will to establish everything in Christ
and to draw us into his all-embracing love.Guide the elect of your Church:
strengthen them in their vocation,
build them into the kingdom of your Son,
and seal them with the Spirit of your promise.We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Which would you choose?
