Vocation Prayers

Prayer for Vocations of Pope John Paul II

Lord Jesus, as You once called the first disciples to make them fishers of men, let your sweet invitation continue to resound: Come, follow Me!

Give young men and women the grace of responding quickly to Your voice. Support your bishops, priests and consecrated people in their apostolic labor.

Grant perseverance to our seminarians and to all those who are carrying out the ideal of a life totally consecrated to Your service.

Awaken in our community a missionary eagerness. Lord, send workers to your harvest and do not allow humanity to be lost for the lack of pastors, missionaries and people dedicated to the cause of the Gospel.

Mary, Mother of the Church, the model of every vocation, help us to say "yes" to the Lord Who calls us to cooperate in the divine plan of salvation.

Prayer for Priests

Lord Jesus, you have chosen your priests from among us and sent them out to proclaim your word and to act in your name. For so great a gift to your Church, we give you praise and thanksgiving. We ask you to fill them with the fire of your love, that their ministry may reveal your presence in the Church. Since they are earthen vessels, we pray that your power shine out through their weakness. In their afflictions let them never be crushed; in their doubts never despair; in temptation never be destroyed; in persecution never abandoned. Inspire them through prayer to live each day the mystery of your dying and rising. In times of weakness send them your Spirit, and help them to praise your heavenly Father and pray for poor sinners. By the same Holy Spirit put your word on their lips and your love in their hearts, to bring good news to the poor and healing to the brokenhearted. And may the gift of Mary your mother, to the disciple whom you loved, be your gift to every priest. Grant that she who formed you in her human image, may form them in your divine image, by the power of your Spirit, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Prayer for Seminarians

Lord God, you call men to the priesthood of your Son, Jesus Christ, the eternal priest. Prepare them, we pray, for the great task of serving your people with zeal and devotion. Deepen their faith that through prayer and sacrifice they may hear your Word and be transformed into the image of your Son.

Help them to persevere in their calling and guide them by the light of your truth through a world filled with lights contrary to your own.

Place in their hearts a desire to please you and fill them with compassion for their brothers and sisters. May we together journey to your kingdom, where you live with your Son and the Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Discernment Prayer of Rev. Craig A. Pregana

As I look upon your face, Loving Jesus, I see your invitation to trust you. Send your Holy Spirit upon me as I make my pilgrimage in life and grant me the grace to trust You more and more each day. You have given me a unique constellation of gifts and talents to be used in building up the community of faith. May I always look your face and see You as the greatest sign of God’s love for me. Then grant me the courage to follow your witness by giving my life in loving service. Amen.

A Parent’s Vocation Prayer for their Children

Loving Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, You have created my children special and unique and I give You thanks and praise for them. Help me to guide them well, to pray for them deeply. Open their hearts to Your word that they may know the sound of Your voice in a world filled with distractions. May they hear Your call to live lives of Christian service. If you are calling my children to a life of Church ministry, my prayer is that Your call will be steady and irresistible. Grant me, too, a generous heart to open my arms one day to give them to Your service. Mother Mary, may your tender care keep my children safe, especially as they discern their vocations in life. Loving God, what I ask for my children, I ask for all children: help them to know Your Presence in their lives for You are God for ever and ever. Amen.

Family Vocation Prayer

Loving God, each member of our family is a special gift from you. You have given each of us gifts and talents so we may enjoy life but also so we can share our blessings with others. Generous men and women, boys and girls are need for service and leadership in our church. Help us know how to encourage and support each other so we can respond generously to this need by becoming the kind of people you would want us to be. We know that you are with us each step of the way. Help us to trust in you and in each other. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.