Prayer of the Second Vatican Council

(This prayer was used before each session of the Council)

We stand before you, Holy Spirit,

conscious of our sinfulness,

but aware that we gather in your name.

Come to us, remain with us,

and enlighten our hearts.

Give us light and strength

to know your will,

to make it our own,

and to live it in our lives.

Guide us by your wisdom,

support us by your power,

for you are God, sharing the glory of Father and Son.

You desire justice for all:

enable us to uphold the rights of others;

do not allow us to be misled by ignorance

or corrupted by fear or favour.

Unite us to yourself in the bond of love

and keep us faithful to all that is true.

As we gather in your name,

may we temper justice with love,

so that all our discussions and reflections

may be pleasing to you, and earn the reward

promised to good and faithful servants.

We ask this of you who live and reign with the

Father and the Son, one God, forever and ever. Amen.