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 presence and action of God in the loving and merciful deeds around us and be open to God’s invitations to extend the reign of God through our words and deeds

For the gift of patience: that God will help us to trust so that we may wait through various challenges and allow God to show us a new path to proceed

For insight and a new vision: that we may not limit the actions of God but be open to how God touches us through people, experiences and unexpected events in our lives

For a deeper understanding of Jesus: that we may come to know Christ more fully and comprehend his love and care for us

For greater awareness: that through the reflections of Advent, we may show deeper love toward spouses, family members, and all who are significant in our lives

For Pope Francis, as he celebrates 50 years as a priest and his birthday: that God will continue to bless him and draw the church to greater faith and unity under his leadership

For the grace of compassion: that we may have concern and understanding for all who make our lives difficult

For all who struggle with doubt, who question if Jesus is the one: that their eyes and hearts may be opened to the marvelous things which God does within and around them

For all who suffer for their faith, for imprisoned or persecuted Christians, for prisoners of conscience, and for those who suffer discrimination: that God will sustain them, give them hope and relieve their suffering

For the members of Congress: that the Spirit will guide their work and help them to recognize the truth in all the issues before them

For healing of our bodies, minds, attitudes, and spirits: that God will heal and make whole all the sick, wounded, and broken areas within us so that we may more fully be instruments of God’s love

For those who are caught in their own expectations: that God will break their bonds and open their vision to all that is possible through God’s love

For all who go without essentials each day, are suffering from the weather or recovering from natural disasters: that God will provide for their needs, give them strength to face their challenges, and open the hearts of many to assist them

 For all displaced persons, refugees, and migrants: that God will protect them from harm, open doors for them, and guide them to new homes

 For healing of the earth: that God will renew and restore God’s gift of creation and help us to respect the harmony that God established

 For an end to war and healing for the nations:  that violence and bloodshed may end, the innocent be sheltered, terrorism ended, and peace be established in the hearts of all