Praying for Vocations

This 4th Sunday of Easter is traditionally known as the Good Shepherd Sunday as the readings present Jesus as our Good Shepherd. As a consequence, the church has included this day to be a day for prayers for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life.  So I share today this prayer for Vocations:

O God, Father of all Mercies, Provider of a bountiful Harvest,
send Your Graces upon those You have called to gather the fruits of Your labor;
preserve and strengthen them in their lifelong service of you.
Open the hearts of Your children that they may discern Your Holy Will; inspire in them a love and desire to surrender themselves to serving others in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ. Teach all Your faithful to follow their respective paths in life guided by Your Divine Word and Truth.
Through the intercession of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, all the Angels, and Saints, humbly hear our prayers and grant Your Church's needs.
Loving and Generous God, it is You who call us by name and ask us to follow You.
Help us to grow in the Love and Service of our Church as we experience it today.
Give us the energy and courage of Your Spirit to shape its future.
Grant us faith-filled leaders who will embrace Christ's Mission of love and justice.

Bless the churches in our world by raising up dedicated and generous leaders
from our families and friends who will serve Your people as Sisters, Priests, Brothers, Deacons and Lay Ministers. As we appreciate the selfless dedication of our many missionary priests and sisters serving in so many Dioceses, inspire us to know You better and open our hearts to hear Your call. We ask this prayer through Christ our Lord, AMEN.