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 recognize our dependence upon God for all things and let go of our attempts to control our own lives

For deeper understanding: that the Spirit of God will increase our awareness of the beauty and power of the New Life we hold that is hidden with Christ

For conversion of our hearts: that we may lay aside lying, greed, and selfishness, and live as children of God

For a spirit of gratitude: that we may appreciate all the gifts that God has given us and become rich through words of faith, attitudes of hope, and deeds of love

For a greater sense of the common good: that we may recognize that God’s gifts are for the benefit of the whole human family and never allow them to become idols that control us

For freedom from anxiety: that we may never be seduced by the illusions of wealth, fame, power, or control, nor allow these to dominate our lives

For an end to discrimination: that God will help us recognize the dignity of each person and never judge them on appearance, status in life, nor cultural origin

For spiritual directors and therapists: that God will guide them in helping others to recognize their gifts, their vocation, and the deepest truth that God has planted in their hearts

For all who bear the burden of poverty: that God will sustain them each day, open new opportunities for them to use their gifts, and open our hearts to be generous in their time of need

For all who live in the midst of violence: that God will break the cycle of violence, protect them from harm, and bring peace to their communities

For all families that are divided by inheritance and financial issues: that God will help them recognize the value and dignity of each other and guide them to a resolution of their conflicts

For all teachers: that as they prepare for the coming school year, God will inspire them with ways to assist each of their students and help them to promote the growth and development of each ofthem

For all who find life burdensome and lacking meaning: that God’s Word will touch their hearts and open before them the beauty and value that God unfolds each day for us

For wisdom and inspiration for government and legislative leaders: that God will give them insight into the true issues and the needed steps for change to promote the welfare of everyone

For peace: that God will open new opportunities for dialogue between national leaders, increase their concern for the common good, and free them from the constraints of their egos