These ideas are designed to be starting points for the prayers of a particular community of faith.
Joe Milner
For the Church: that the Spirit may lead us during this Lenten season to a fuller living of the Gospel, steadfast faithfulness to our baptismal commitment, and generous service to those in need
For healing of the divisions within the human family: that God’s covenant to preserve humanity will inspire us toward greater cooperation with all peoples as we strive to overcome disease, malnourishment, violence, and racism
For the grace of humility: that we may acknowledge all the good that God does for us and around us and recognize our accomplishments as gifts from God
For grace to resist temptation: that God will help us recognize the hollowness of the fruits of temptation and help us to live faithfully as the daughters and sons whom God has made us to be
For all who are facing “wild beasts”: that we may know God’s presence and strength as we face selfishness, bullying, addictions, and all the actions that destroy life
For true repentance: that we will allow God’s grace to turn our hearts around and enable us to put on the mind of Christ each day
For renewal of prayer: that God will guide us to quiet places where we can listen to God and share our struggles and fears honestly with God
For sincerity in our fasting: that our Lenten disciplines will help us make room for God in our lives and increase our compassion for others
For all who are called to the Easter Sacraments: that they may continue to open their hearts to God and be drawn ever closer to Christ
For all who are held unjustly: that God will free captives and heal their wounded bodies and spirits
For all civil officials: that God will give them the wisdom that is needed to fulfill their duties and guide them in promoting policies that help the voiceless and powerless in society
For the leaders of every nation: that God will free them to share their knowledge and resources with people and countries that are burdened by poverty and natural disasters
For greater care for all living beings: that inspired by God’s covenant with every living creature, we may be good stewards of the eco-systems that support life in all its forms on earth
For all who are suffering: that those exposed to the cold may find warmth and those who are recovering from natural disasters may receive the strength and resources that they need
For Peace: that God will disrupt the plans of those pursuing violence and open their hearts to finding non-violent means to settling disputes and righting injustices