ALMA
link

Prayer

Logo

Meditation on the Millennium Development Goals
A Fairer World

[Source: Fairground, a CAFOD resource for primary schools, easily adaptable for adult/all age use]

Before each section another voice could name the Millennium Development Goal and/or pictures by the children to illustrate the goal could be shown. A candle for each goal could be placed around a globe.

The response to our prayers is:
“Lord, help us to build a better world.” (Hold up a response card)

MDG 1

Jesus said. “I have come to bring Good News to the poor.” We are called to be like Jesus. We are called to bring good news to the poor. We can share what we have with those who have less. Jesus, help me to share with others today. Response

MDG 2

A wise man wrote in the Old Testament, “Listen to instruction and learn to be wise.” Thank you, God, that I can go to school and learn to be wise. Please bless all the children in the world who cannot go to school. Response

MDG 3

In some countries today, girls are not given the same opportunities as boys. St Paul described us together as the Body of Christ. He said that each part of the Body should be treated as well as any other part. Lord, help me to treat fairly everyone I meet today. Response

MDG 4

Jesus laid his hands on little children and blessed them. Many children in poor countries are likely to have only a short life. God our Father, we thank you for your gift of life. We pray that children everywhere may be given all that they need to live long and happy lives. Response

MDG 5

Our mothers give us life and look after us, just as Mary looked after Jesus. Some children in places like Nigeria never know their mothers. Lord, thank you for my family and all those who look after me. Help me today to think of a way to show them that I care. Response

MDG 6

There are some terrible diseases in poor countries where people cannot afford to buy medicines. Jesus healed the sick and he asks us to build a world where people can find healing. Holy Spirit, inspire us to be your healing hands for other people today and always. Response

MDG 7

God created the world “and indeed it was very good”. God wanted us to live in a beautiful place. But some parts are no longer beautiful. Some of our brothers and sister live in slums; some have no clean water and some forests are being destroyed. Today, Lord, I will try to notice the beauty around me. Thank you for the earth. Response

MDG 8

The prophet Micah said, “Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God”. The nations of the world are trying to act justly by promising to help poor countries. They have promised to work together to achieve eight Millennium Development Goals. Lord God, please bless all the world’s leaders. May they work hard to help the poorest peoples of the world. Response

All: Let’s help to make the world a fairer place!

Hymn suggestion: Go tell everyone.