Prayer of the Maronite Patriarchal Synod

O Holy Father, Source of all good gifts, You created us in

Your image and likeness; throughout the ages,

You held us in your fatherly providence and gave us the promise of Your divine blessings.

In the fullness of time, You sent us Your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ who took flesh from the Virgin Mary, for our salvation and renewal.

We thank you, O Lord, for Your infinite love: through it You chose the Church, gathered her from all nations and assembled her around the wedding banquet of the Lamb. You enriched her with the gifts of Your Holy Spirit. You enlightened her with your life-giving commands. You confirmed her on the faith of the Apostles who carried the good news of the Gospel to the entire world.

We ask You, O Lord God, bless the works of our Maronite Synod and send us Your Holy Spirit. May He abide in our hearts and enlighten our minds, and may we listen to His inspirations and act according to His directives.

Pour upon us Your mercy, that we may return to You and, in love, return to each other, be renewed by hope and abide in holiness.

Confirm our Maronite Church, faithful to the Gospel, that we may witness to the legacy handed to us by our holy fathers and forefathers, and that we may become in this land of the East, as well as in the world, a living sign of the culture of love through encounter, dialogue and participation in building up Your Kingdom.

We ask this, through the intercession of our Mother, the Virgin Mary, St. Maron, St. John Maron, the Apostles and Martyrs, and all our holy Fathers.

To You be glory and thanksgiving, for ever.

Amen.