Prayer for the Synod on Synodality

10-13-2024Pastor's CornerFr. Bob Deehan

Every session of the Second Vatican Council began with the prayer Adsumus Sancte Spiritus, the first word of the Latin original meaning, “We stand before You, Holy Spirit,” which has been historically used at Councils, Synods and other Church gatherings for hundreds of years, being attributed to Saint Isidore of Seville (c. 560 - 4 April 636).

The prayer below is a simplified version of this ancient prayer, which continues to be used during the current Synod on Synodality that will conclude later this month. Synodality essentially means “listening” to each other. This Synod encourages all elements of the Church to utilize new methods of consultation and discussion as we seek to follow the path the Holy Spirit holds out to us. It is meant to encourage a process, which allows all members of the Church, both ordained and lay, to hear the various insights, issues, and challenges voiced by the people of God, and thereby enlighten the Pope and Bishops of the world as they lead our Church into the future. I invite you to pray this prayer, which invokes the Holy Spirit to operate within us all so that we may be a community and a people of grace.

PRAYER FOR THE SYNOD ON SYNODALITY

We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.

With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts;

Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.

We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.

Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.

Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.

All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever.

Amen.