1. We will begin by making the sign of the Cross Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. All: Amen We pause to think of any special intention we want to pray for today. We light our Form Candle for all our prayers today.

2. Sixth week of Easter BACKGROUND:This weekend the Gospel has Jesus instructing his disciples that although he will no longer be with them in person, the Holy Spirit (the Advocate) will come upon the disciples as their teacher and guide. In this way those who love Jesus will be united to the Holy Trinity– the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (John 14:23-29)

3. Tuesday 7 th May Reader:Jesus said to his disciples: “When {the Spirit,} the Advocate comes, whom I shall send to you from my Father, the Spirit of truth that issues from my Father, he will be my witness. And you too will be my witnesses, because you have been with me from the outset.” (Gospel of John 15:26-27) Let us pray together: God our Father, help us to grow in faith and keep a healthy balance in our lives. Remind us that we need to give time and space for ourselves as well as for others. Inspire us to remain committed in all that we do and say this week. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

4. Wednesday 8 th May Reader: Jesus said: “When the Spirit of truth comes he will lead you to the complete truth” (Gospel of John 16:14) Let us pray together: Loving Father, on our journey through life, lead us to choose the right direction and show us how to respect and value others, even if we do not agree with them. Amen

5. Thursday 9 th May Reader: “All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Shout to the Lord all the earth, ring out your joy.” (Psalm 97) Together we pray:Father, may we always give you thanks for raising Christ our Lord to glory, because we are his people and share the salvation he won, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, as one God for ever and ever. Amen (Prayer from the Lectionary)

6. Friday 9 th May Reader: “God goes up with shouts of joy, the Lord goes up with trumpet blast. Sing praise for God, sing praise, sing praise to our King, sing praise.” (Psalm 46:7) Let us pray together:God our Father, make us joyful in the ascension of your Son Jesus Christ. May we follow him into the new creation, for his ascension is our glory and hope. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen (Prayer for the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord.)

7. This weekend we celebrate Jesus’ Ascension to Heaven Which comes on the nearest Sunday to 40 days after Easter Sunday. This how the Gospel of Luke describes the event: “When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.” (Luke 24:50-54)

8. School Prayer Prayer of Saint Benedict We pray Lord, that everything we do may be prompted by your inspiration, so that every prayer and work of ours may begin from you, and be brought by you to completion. Amen Saint Benedict – Pray for us