Fourth Sunday of Lent  ('Laetare Sunday'/ Mothers Day)

Introduction (by the Presider) Let us bring our prayers to God, who rescues us from all our distress:

1. That all who follow Christ may return to the Loving Father for Easter (pause a moment for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
2. That people who have fallen out with each other may make up (pause a moment for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us..
3. That families in difficulty may learn to forgive (pause a moment for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
4. That Pope Francis may continue to recover from illness (pause a moment for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
5. That Christians in every country may be safe from attack (pause a moment for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
6. That mothers may be blessed today, and all who take a mother's role (pause a moment for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for the dead: That God may bring to Paradise all those who have died, and all our relatives and friends who have gone before us in faith, including mothers who have died (and especially N and N) (pause a moment for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) God of mercy, as we make our journey back to you this Lent, hear the prayers we make, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.