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 grow in our reliance upon God’s providence and confidently entrust all our needs to God who loves us

For all who exercise authority: that they may use their power in the service of others and surrender any desire to profit from their positions

For healing of racial divisions: that God will help us recognize all people as our sisters and brothers before the one Father who gives life to all

For widows and single mothers: that they may find encouragement in the Christian Community and receive the support they need to be faithful disciples

For all in this community of faith: that we may generously share the gifts that God has given us and use them wisely in the service of God and neighbor

For refugees, outcasts, and the forgotten of society: that hearts may be opened to their struggles and our communities motivated to work to ease their suffering

For all who are facing starvation: that God will open the hearts of many to assist the people in South Sudan, Yemen, Haiti, and Afghanistan, and break the bureaucratic structures that impede food delivery

For the Bishops of the United States: that God will give them wisdom and inspire them to lead the Church to greater unity and love 

For all who have been widowed: that they may know God’s comforting presence and experience the care and concern of friends and family

For all who have died, particularly those who died in service to our nation: that God will bring them into the fullness of life in God’s presence

For all who are sick, particularly those with chronic illnesses or memory loss: that God’s healing love will give them strength, relieve their suffering, and renew their spirits

For a spirit of gratitude: that we may be thankful for all the resources and blessings of the earth and strive to preserve them for future generations

For all in public service: that the Spirit will help them to serve with honesty, faithfully use their skills to address the pressing issues of the day, and protect them from danger and threats

For all who are discerning their vocation: the Spirit will help them hear God's loving invitation and give them the courage to respond generously

For all dioceses that are in planning processes: that the Good Shepherd will guide them in providing great pastoral care for all communities of faith