These ideas are designed to be starting points for the prayers of a particular community of faith.
Joe Milner
For the Church: that, through our words and deeds, we may be a Light to those who are searching for direction and a sign of hope for those seeking to begin again
For God’s blessing on the New Year: that God will fill the coming days with health of body, mind, and spirit; renew the gifts of the Spirit within us, and inspire us with new ways to share the Good News with others
For greater trust: that, like the Wise Men, God’s Light may guide us through the unknown of the coming days as we rely more deeply on God’s love and care for us
For a deeper awareness of our gifts and talents: that like the magi, we may offer all our gifts to God and use them in the service of God’s reign
For a spirit of wonder: that our hearts may be filled with joy as we recognize God’s many gifts to us in our faith, our relationships, and our opportunities
For migrants and refugees: that God will help them to establish new lives and experience justice and respect in their new homeland
For catechumens and candidates: that their search for Christ and a Christian Community may lead them to an ever-deepening experience of Emmanuel
For a renewal of prayer in our lives: that we may make time for God each day of this year and be attentive to God’s invitations and promptings in our hearts
For greater unity and cooperation within the human family: that God will heal the wounds of racial bias, open hearts to the talents of every person and help us work together against violence, drug abuse and poverty
For all recovering from fires, tsunamis, or winter weather: that God will guide them through the challenges that they face, renew their spirits and open the hearts of many to assist and encourage them
For those bound by fear: that God will free their spirits, help them to trust God’s providence and open a vision of the future for them
For members of the new Congress: that God will give them clear understanding of the issues before them and wisdom to effectively address them for the common good
For all who have experienced abuse: that God will heal their pain, guide them to healing resources and give them strength
For the people of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and the Palestinian territories: that God will ease their burdens, open opportunities for them and establish justice for them
For all who have died: that the Light of God’s love may lead them into the joy of God’s presence forever