Ever-living God, you called St. John the Baptist from birth to prepare your people for the coming of Christ. With joy we pray:
Prepare our hearts, O God.
Inspire your Church in her pursuit to understand and enflesh the vision of Vatican II.
Prepare our hearts, O God.
Lead us to proclaim your Word with conviction, and keep lies far from our lips.
Prepare our hearts, O God.
Help us to receive your mercy and to extend compassion to those who live in poverty or want.
Prepare our hearts, O God.
Our Father . . .
May God give us the courage and grace to seek always the presence of Christ and to follow in the way of the cross, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.