These ideas are designed to be starting points for the prayers of a particular community of faith.

Joe Milner

For the Church: that we may freely share the gifts that God has given us, be open to receive the gifts that others have, and trust that God will sustain us each day

For the grace to embrace the cross: that we may accept the sufferings of life and allow them to transform us into new creations in Christ

For recognition and affirmation of gifts: that the Spirit will show us the gifts that are present in one another and give us wisdom in calling these forth into the service of God’s reign

For wisdom: that we may recognize the personal, communal, and social “wolves” that distract us from following Christ and be open to God’s  inspiration and guidance

For deeper trust: that we may rely more fully on God’s providence and less on our possessions and status

For courage: that we may never be entrapped by our possessions but remain free to use them in our service of God and neighbor

For missionaries and relief workers: that God will renew their spirits, give them courage, and enable them to travel forward in the service of others

For all who strive to hand on the faith: that God will inspire parents, teachers, and preachers to share the Good News effectively and dynamically with all whom they encounter

For lay people who have assumed leadership of the church’s ministries: that the Spirit will guide them in continuing the work of Jesus in pastoral service, education, healthcare, or social service, and in bringing forth the reign of God today

For each of us: that we may hear God’s call and share in the mission of the church by bringing hope, relieving burdens, and offering compassionate understanding to all who touch our lives

For parents who are preparing to send a child out on their own: that God will help them to trust in God's love and care for their child and that the Spirit will help these young people to remember the values that they have learned

For all cities burdened by violence and destruction: that God's compassionate care will inspire people to work for the restoration of neighborhoods and communities and restore hope to all who are struggling against crime and poverty

For all who long for freedom: that God will open a way for those with addictions, held unjustly, fleeing violence, or entrapped by poverty or illiteracy and help them to begin a new life

For all who are suffering: that God will open new paths for dialogue between conflicting parties, speed food to those who face famine, guide and strengthen those who experience an unexpected pregnancy, and give peace to those who are grieving

For all youth: that God will protect them from danger and harm during these weeks of summer and help them develop their skills and talents

[USA] For our nation: that God will guide us in living the values which we proclaim so that all may experience life, liberty, and justice