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

For the church: that we may allow the good seed of the Gospel to take root within us and bring forth a harvest of virtue and manifestations of the reign of God

For openness of mind and heart: that the parables of Jesus may help us recognize the limits of our vision and understanding, and move us toward examining our life and actions from new perspectives

For patience: that we may not judge one another but rather be open to the work that God is doing within each of us that will be revealed in God’s time

For a deepening of prayer: that we may offer our discontent, pain, and yearnings to God honestly and allow the Spirit to intercede for us

For Wisdom: that we may recognize the small ways God is at work in our lives so that we may cooperate with God who accomplishes great things

For healing and transformation of our weaknesses: that the Spirit of God will work within us to bring us to wholeness in the areas in which we are most wounded and vulnerable

For the grace of discernment: that we may defer judgment on those things that are unclear and await insight from God to make wise choices

For all who are bound by hatred and resentment: that the Spirit will cultivate forgiveness and compassion within hearts and wither the seeds of the Evil One that yield revenge, violence, and destruction

For the gift of humility: that we may recognize our strengths, abilities, and opportunities as gifts from God and be open to God’s invitations to serve each day

For all who have suffered abuse or who are in abusive relationships: that the Spirit will translate their cries and tears into prayers and lead them to safety and wholeness

For each of us: that we may be a leaven of compassion and justice in our society so that we may stifle the weeds of racism and oppression

For safe disposal of toxic waste: that God will touch the hearts of those who are removing the waste to act responsibly and to protect residents, young and old, from its dangers

For all suffering from the heat: that God will cool the weather, help those who are suffering to find places of shelter, and provide the resources needed to sustain them

For Peace: that God will bring an end to warfare in Ukraine, Sudan, Syria, and between Israel and the Palestinians, protect the innocent from harm, and establish justice for all parties

Joe Milner