We pray tonight, Lord, for the Holy Father:
for Francis, your son,
our brother in Christ,
the servant of all God’s servants…
Receive him into the peace you’ve promised
to those who confess their need for your pardon,
who faithfully, humbly hear your word,
who do your will,
who call for justice,
who share your mercy,
who work for peace
and who herald the good news,
first to the poor,
whom they welcome, love and serve…
Francis loved us as you love us, Lord…
He met us right where we are
and loved us for who we are…
He didn’t assess or judge us
by our sins, our failings or faults:
he called us to be whom you made us to be
your children, your own, your beloved…
Shepherd our shepherd home, O Lord:
he was gentle in leading us,
and firm in calling us back to you,
to your wisdom and will,
to the fold of your love…
Open up heaven to Francis, Lord,
who faithfully opened his heart to you
– and to all of us – his fratelli, sorelle
who pray for his soul this night…
Protect us, Lord while we’re awake
and watch over us while we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace…
This setting of Psalm 23
seems just the right song for our prayer tonight…
Because The Lord Is My Shepherd
Because the Lord is my shepherdI have everything I needHe lets me rest in the meadowAnd leads me to the quiet streamsHe restores my soulAnd he leads me in the paths that are right
Lord, you are my shepherdYou are my friendI want to follow you alwaysJust to follow, my friend
In love, you make me a banquetFor my enemies to seeYou make me welcomePouring down honor from your mighty handAnd this joy fills me with gladnessIt is too much to bear
Your goodness always is with meAnd your mercy, I knowYour loving and kindness strengthens meAlways as I go through lifeI shall dwell in your presence foreverGiving praise to your name
