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 be a people of virtue and profess with both our words and deeds God’s love for and presence with the human family

For all disciples of Jesus: that we may put on the mind of Christ and open the gates that isolate and protect us from all who are suffering or who disturb our complacency

For listening hearts: that we may hear the cry of the prophets and the message of the Gospel so that we may understand people and situations as God does

For compassion: that we may see and hear the sufferings of our sisters and brothers who are enslaved by poverty and sacrificially respond to their need

For all who are chained by their possessions: that God will free their hearts and open them to value life, relationships, and service

For all who live in complete poverty, particularly orphaned children, those who live on garbage piles, and for those recovering from natural disasters: that God will open new possibilities for them and open our eyes to see the needs that exist

For a deepening ability to hear the voice of God: that our minds and hearts may recognize the Word of God spoken to us in the Scriptures, through our relationships, and in the events of our lives

For a closing of the abyss between rich and poor in our cities, nation, and the world: that we may use our time, talent, and treasure to develop new opportunities for the poor and marginalized around us

For all who care for the poor and needy: that God will guide them to recognize the person who is before them and help them to share God’s love with them

For the upcoming pan-Amazonian Synod of Bishops: that the Spirit will guide them in renewing the faith and the structures of the faith communities so that all may be fuller disciples

For safety and courtesy on roadways: that God will help all drivers to be attentive on the roads and have patience with those who make mistakes

For healing in our cities and neighborhoods: that Spirit of God will free us from the shackles of racism and guide us in finding new ways to promote the common good

For the work of the United Nations: that God’s spirit will help nations overcome suspicion, find new understand and opportunities to cooperate, and bring an end to violent conflicts

For all who are suffering from climate change, particularly the people of island nations and the Artic regions: that God will guide us in finding ways to stabilize the environment and protect those who are at risk

For peace: that God will touch hearts and open minds so that leaders may advance through the gates of peace and end the abyss of bloodshed, terrorism, and destruction that divides the human family