Catholic Prayer: Book of Blessings: Prayers for Meetings
Description:
551 The following prayers may be used to begin meetings.
552 The leader of prayer may choose other prayers or, if desired, pray in his or her own words.
Prayer:
A) (A prayer used before every session of the Second Vatican Council)
We stand before you, Holy Spirit, conscious of our sinfulness, but aware that we gather in your name.
Come to us, remain with us, and enlighten our hearts.
Give us light and strength to know your will, to make it our own, and to live it in our lives.
Guide us by your wisdom, support us by your power, for you are God, sharing the glory of Father and Son.
You desire justice for all: enable us to uphold the rights of others; do not allow us to be misled by ignorance or corrupted by fear or favor.
Unite us to yourself in the bond of love and keep us faithful to all that is true.
As we gather in your name may we temper justice with love, so that all our decisions may be pleasing to you, and earn the reward promised to good and faithful servants.
You live and reign with the Father and the Son, one God, for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
B) Lord, may everything we do begin with your inspiration and continue with your help, so that all our prayers and works may begin in you and by you be happily ended.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
C) V. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. R. And kindle in them the fire of your love.
V. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. R. And you will renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray.
After a brief pause for silent prayer, the leader continues:
Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit you have taught the hearts of your faithful. In the same Spirit help us to relish what is right and always rejoice in your consolation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Prayer Source: Book of Blessings by Prepared by International Commission on English in the Liturgy A Joint Commission of Catholic Bishops' Conferences, The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Minnesota, 1989
