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.

The Annual Catholic Campaign is our opportunity to make a sacrifice and support those in need. May our efforts honour Christ and reflect His example of service and love. Let us remember the teachings of Jesus, who instructed us to love our neighbours as ourselves and to serve those who are marginalised and suffering. In this spirit of faith and charity, let us lift up our hearts in prayer.

If you are called to support those in need, you can make a tax-deductible gift through the Annual Catholic Campaign.

• Let's Pray - Annual Catholic Campaign: Prayer for unity and service in our community

  Let's Pray - Annual Catholic Campaign: Prayer for unity and service in our community

  Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane

  
  Today, we come together in faith and unity to lift our hearts to the Lord. As we prepare for the Annual Catholic Campaign, let us remember those in positions less fortunate than we are, and ask that the Lord will guide us in our support of them. Together, we seek to honour Christ and follow His example of service and love. Let’s pray.

  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
  Lord Jesus Christ, we honour you as the bread from heaven given for the life of the world.
  We are inspired that you came among us not to be served but as one who serves.
  May we follow you in our care for one another.
  Today we add our prayers to our gifts:
  take into your loving care and protect those who suffer mentally and physically, those who find themselves left on the margins,
  and especially children facing adversity.
  We pray for the servant leaders in the Church who guide us as we receive bread from heaven.
  We pray for the young who aspire to be priests and those who are completing a lifetime of service.
  Provide good shepherds for your flock.
  Unite us, Lord Jesus, in the Holy Spirit and bring us to the glory of the kingdom where you live with God our Father for ever and ever.
  Amen.
  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

  Thank you for joining us in prayer today. Your faith and generosity are truly a gift to our community. May the Lord continue to guide and bless you in all that you do.