PRAYER
Current
Lord, by shedding his blood for us,
your Son, Jesus Christ,
established the paschal mystery.
In your goodness, make us holy and watch over us always.
Forthcoming
Remember your mercies, O Lord,
and with your eternal protection sanctify your servants,
for whom Christ your Son,
by the shedding of his Blood,
established the Paschal Mystery.
GENERAL INTERCESSIONS
For the Church
Current
Let us pray, dear friends,
for the holy Church of God throughout the world;
that God the almighty Father
guide it and gather it together
so that we may worship him
in peace and tranquility.
Forthcoming
Let us pray, dearly beloved, for the holy Church of God,
that our God and Lord be pleased to give her peace,
to guard her and to unite her throughout the whole world
and grant that, leading our life in tranquility and quiet,
we may glorify God the Father almighty.
PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE
Current
Lord, send down your abundant blessing
upon your people who have devoutly recalled the death of your Son
in the sure hope of the resurrection.
Grant them pardon; bring them comfort.
May their faith grow stronger
and their eternal salvation be assured.
Forthcoming
May abundant blessing, O Lord, we pray,
descend upon your people,
who have honored the Death of your Son
in the hope of their resurrection:
may pardon come,
comfort be given,
holy faith increase,
and everlasting redemption be made secure.
Notes: the offerings in the forthcoming Missal seem far richer and without adding extraneous material urging God to “watch over us” and the like. The text and music for an English version of Crux Fidelis is printed. The Crucem Tuam is recommended by name. The options for other music are far less prominent; the normative music receives top billing. There seems to be an effort to standardize and re-institutionalize the traditions of Good Friday. Final note: I’m happy to see the word “gather” purged from the General Intercessions. We’ve had just about enough of that gather thing.