COLOGNE, Germany, JULY 9, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Here is the official prayer in preparation for the 20th World Youth Day, to be held in Cologne in August 2005.
The theme of the Youth Day is «We Have Come to Adore Him.» For more information, see www.wyd2005.org.
* * *
Lord Jesus Christ,
Savior of the World,
You became man,
to give us a life in abundance.
You promised to remain with Your Church
until the end of time.
Then Your Kingdom will come:
a new heaven and earth
full of love, justice and peace.
This is our hope, our foundation.
Thanks be to You.
Lord, we pray:
Bless the young people around the world.
Reveal Yourself to those who are in search of You.
Awake the non-believers.
Strengthen the faith of those who confess You.
Let them continuously search for You
like the three Wise Men from the East.
Make them architects of a new civilization of love
and witnesses of hope for the whole world.
Through them may You be with those
who suffer from hunger, war and violence.
Inspire those who are contributing
to the World Youth Day 2005.
May they serve Your kingdom
with the power of their faith and their love
and may they welcome their brothers and sisters
from all over the world with open hearts.
Lord, You gave us Mary as our mother.
Let her be our advocate for this World Youth Day.
May it become a celebration of faith.
Bless Your Church with new strength in these days,
so that it can become a credible witness for You.
We ask this through our Lord and God,
living in the unity of the Father and the Holy Spirit,
reigning forever and ever.
Amen.
