The first priority in Archbishop Mark’s Apostolic Priorities for the Archdiocese of Brisbane, documented in With Lamps Ablaze, is Teaching Prayer. He says, “Often we urge people to pray but don’t really teach them how to pray… Now is the time to teach ways of prayer which are mature and all-embracing. Christian prayer begins not with speaking but with listening; and learning to pray is therefore learning to listen – to listen even to the silences of God. If all we do is speak, then in the words of Jesus we “babble like the pagans” (Matt 6:7). But if we speak after listening and in response to God who always has the first word, then we speak according to the mind of the Holy Spirit. That’s what we need to teach and learn. In the Gospel of Mark, we read that Jesus called the twelve apostles to himself, first of all, “that they might be with him” (3:14). This is where the mission starts: being with Jesus, which is what prayer is.”

Join us for our new weekly series, Let’s Pray, where we invite you to pray along with us. Each week we will invite you to pray a new prayer with us – maybe you don’t know what to pray, or want to pray along with someone, or want to practice your faith through prayer. Our Let’s Pray series is for everyone.

• Let's Pray - A Prayer for the Vulnerable Transcript

  Let's Pray - A Prayer for the Vulnerable Transcript

  Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane

  
  Hi, my name is James Hodge, Director of Mission here at the St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland. One of the core elements of our mission as Christians is to listen deeply to the cry of the poor, or in other words, to act in solidarity with people who are experiencing poverty, injustice, or disadvantage. Despite being a prosperous country, Australia faces growing challenges with housing affordability, unemployment, and the rising cost of living, which have contributed to an increase in poverty rates.

  Many Australians struggle to make ends meet, living paycheck to paycheck, with limited access to essential resources such as adequate food, healthcare, and education. Catholic social teaching emphasises the preferential option for the poor, a principle that calls for a particular care and commitment to the needs of the most vulnerable in society.

  Rooted in the Gospel and in the teachings of Jesus, this principle recognises the dignity of everyone and supports and uplifts those who are impoverished and marginalised. It challenges individuals and communities to create just and equitable systems that address the causes of poverty. By advocating for people on the margins of our society, we are called to reflect God’s love and justice, ensuring that the needs of the least among us are met with compassion and urgency.

  Our faith calls us to a compassionate and hands-on approach that aims to restore dignity and hope to those in need, offering not just material aid, but also emotional and spiritual support. As we turn to prayer, we seek God’s guidance and strength for those experiencing poverty in Australia and for those who dedicate their lives to serving them.

  Let us pause and become aware of the presence of God. Let’s pray.

  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. God of Justice and Mercy, We come before You with hearts full of compassion for our brothers and sisters experiencing poverty. In Your infinite mercy and love, we ask You to look upon them with kindness and provide for their needs.

  Grant them hope in times of despair, strength in moments of weakness, and comfort in their suffering. Bless our efforts and inspire our hearts with Your love, so that we may continue to be instruments of Your grace and peace. May our actions reflect the light of Christ and bring solace to those we serve.

  Lord, help us all to see Your face in the faces of the poor and to respond with generosity and empathy. Teach us to live out the Gospel message of love and service, and to work together to create a world where every person can live with dignity and hope.

  In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

  As we go on with our daily lives, may we carry in our hearts the commitment to serve and uplift those in need. Reflect on how you can contribute to any small act of kindness in your community.
  May God bless us with compassion, courage, and the strength to do what we can to make a difference in the lives of the poor and marginalised.