Prayer For Priests

Lord Jesus, we come before You to intercede for our priests. You have bestowed them upon us to fulfill our spiritual needs, and we bring their needs to You in prayer. You have fashioned them in the image of Your own sacred priesthood, consecrating, setting them apart, anointing them, and filling them with the Holy Spirit. They have been called to teach, preach, minister, console, forgive, and nourish us with Your Body and Blood. Yet we recognize that they share in our humanity and its frailties. Just as we are tempted and at times discouraged, they too face challenges and need support, consolation, and forgiveness. We are grateful that You have chosen them from among us, as they relate to our struggles and joys, sharing in our lives and faith. We ask You to bestow upon them today the blessing You granted to Your disciples on the road to Emmaus: may they feel Your presence in their hearts, Your sanctity within their souls, and Your joy in their spirits. Allow them to encounter You intimately in the breaking of the Eucharistic bread. We lift this prayer to You, O Lord, through Mary, the mother of all priests, for Your priests and for ours.Amen.