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 extend God’s love to all who are on the fringes of society, invite them to come and see Jesus, and find acceptance friendship in the Christian community

2. For the grace to risk all for Christ: that like Zacchaeus, we may risk popularity and pride to connect with Christ in our lives

3. For the gift of joy: that we may rejoice as we experience Jesus with us on our life journey

4. For the ability to forgive: that we may show ourselves as children of God through forgiving those who have wronged us and reaching out to them with concern and kindness

5. For the grace of conversion: that we may accept God’s generous love, return to the path of life and be renewed through God’s mercy

6. For a spirit of stewardship: that we may protect and care for all creation which God has made and which reflects God’s glory

7. For one another: that God will bring to fulfillment in us every good purpose and virtue that God has planted deep within us

8. For all who are burdened by fear and anxiety: that the Spirit will free them, help them to recognize that God is with them, and fill their hearts with peace

9. For all who have lost their way in life, particularly for youth who have run away or who have entered the drug culture: that we may reach out to them and offer them a way home to God, to their families and to their true selves

10. For catechumens and candidates for full communion: that God will guide their search and help them to welcome Christ more fully into their hearts

11. For all who have grown wealthy through unjust means: that Christ may visit their hearts and show them opportunities for change and a new path to pursue

12. For all who are ill: that God will bring healing to all who are sick, renewal of hope to all who find life difficult and strength to all who serve their needs

13. For members of Congress: that they may sincerely seek the truth and impartially evaluate it

14. For peace throughout the world: that God will protect all who are at risk because of warfare, gang activity, or violence on city streets

15. For all who have died particularly our family members, our friends, and our fellow parishioners: that God will welcome them into the eternal banquet