Lord, I thank you for my faith,
And for my vocation as a minister of Your Gospel.
You have called me and you command me
Not to be afraid.
"Behold, I have put my words in your mouth," you told Jeremiah.
"You must say whatever I command you," was your instruction.
Lord, I too am ready to respond anew to your call.
Banish all fear and doubt from my heart.
Enable me to preach your Gospel,
Which is the Gospel of Life,
Without any compromise or hesitation.
Make me a voice for the child in the womb.
Enable me to proclaim that you alone are Lord of life and death,
And that what we do to the least of our brothers and sisters,
We do to you.
Make me a vessel of reconciliation.
Enable me to reach all who are hurting after an abortion
And to let them know that we know their pain
And long to bring them to your peace.
Forgive me, Lord, for any times I have failed
To speak the fullness of your message of life and mercy.
Lord, make me a Good Shepherd after your own heart.
I pray in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.
Fr. Frank Pavone