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 the length and depth of God’s love for us and reach out to all who have become estranged from God or the Christian community

For the grace of repentance: that we may recognize from whom we have wandered and turn towards the Good Shepherd’s outstretched arms of forgiveness

For the grace to forgive: that the love of God will free our hearts to forgive all who have injured us

For the ministers of the Gospel: that they may spend themselves in seeking out and searching for the alienated, estranged and despairing so that they may share the Good News of God’s love and mercy

For a renewed understanding of the sacrament of reconciliation: that we may be open to God’s gift of mercy and unbounded forgiveness

For all who are alienated from themselves, from others, or from God: that God’s love may break the walls of separation, warm the coldness of isolation and lead them to a new beginning

For all run away and missing children: that God will guide and protect them, and open the path for them to return home

For families that are alienated or in conflict: that God will remove the barriers and heal the hurts that have caused division

For all recovering from floods, wildfires, or hurricanes, particularly the people of the Bahamas: that God will give them strength, heal their wounds and fears, and speed the resources that they need to rebuild their lives

For all young people beginning religious education programs: that the Spirit of God will touch their hearts and open their minds to the Gospel message this year

For healing of our common home: that God will guide us in purifying the air and cleaning the water so that all may live in healthy environments

For those inquiring or searching for God: that they may find a welcoming community which will support them in their search and share the Gospel with them

For healing in society: that God will heal the wounds caused by prejudice and discrimination, and open our hearts to gifts that each community brings to society

For an end to violence: that God will guide national and local leaders in developing policies to end violence in neighborhoods and community centers

For peace: that God will turn hearts from violence and terrorism and help people to use their energy to defeat poverty and disease