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

Joe Milner

1. For the Church: that we may introduce others to Christ through virtuous lives, loving deeds, and truthful words

2. For the grace of recognition: that we may quiet our hearts and minds so that we may perceive God’s presence and invitations through the words of scripture and our daily experiences

3. For the transformation of our attitudes: that we may always remember that we belong to Christ and use our minds to seek the truth, our hearts to love, and our physical abilities to serve others

4. For all who are discerning their life’s calling: that they, like Samuel, may say: “Speak Lord, your servant is listening” and use their gifts and talents to serve God and the needs of others

5. For Christian Unity: that we who are the Temple of God and Body of Christ may grow in our understanding of each other and cooperate in announcing God’s love and forgiveness as we work to overcome evil and injustice

6. For the healing of the human family: that the Spirit of God will heal the wounds of prejudice and racism, and build communities of trust and

7. For greater respect for human life: that God will bring forth a greater appreciation of the gift of human life within all hearts and give wisdom to those facing difficult decisions

8. For all parents: that God will give them patience in raising their children, wisdom in guiding them, and love that will heal all strained moments

9. For a spirit of stewardship: that we may care for and maintain God’s creation so that God may be honored by its beauty and the uses of its resources

10. For students as they begin a new semester: that God will inspire them in making good decisions and in dedication to their studies so that they can enrich the human community

11. For the release of all prisoners held unjustly, particularly those in the Gaza – Israel and Ukraine – Russia conflicts: that their dignity may respected and that they may be returned to their homelands and loved ones quickly

12. For all who are suffering: that God will heal the sick, particularly those with the flu or RSV, protect the homeless from the cold, and comfort the grieving

13. For all who are bound by additions: that God will free them from the drugs, alcohol, pornography, or violence which holds them and guide them into the freedom that comes with being a child of God

14. For healing of our nation: that God will heal the divisions in our country, guide all elected officials in fulfilling their duties, and protect them from harm

15. For all who have died, particularly those who have died in school and domestic shootings; that they he Christ’ invitation and stay with him forever