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 allow Christ to bring forth abundant life within us and guide us in using our gift of life for God’s glory

For a listening heart: that we, who have been called by name, may hear the voice of the Good Shepherd and respond confidently to God’s invitations

For all who minister in the church: that they will faithfully help others find Christ by the witness of their lives, the truth of their words, and the integrity of their actions

For Pope Francis and all pastors: that they may faithfully imitate Christ in accompanying the people of God on their journey and encouraging their growth toward wholeness

For all Christians: that we who have been called to follow Christ may lift to God those who cause us to suffer and refrain from threatening, insulting, and judging them

For all who will be confirmed this spring: that the Spirit will help them recognize that they are the daughters and sons of God and guide them in using their gifts for the good of others

For all who are discerning a call to ministry: that they will recognize God’s invitation, open their hearts to God who loves them, and follow Jesus in laying down their lives for others

For students who are taking final examinations: that they may recall all that they have learned this semester and that God will help them clearly express it and use it in their lives

For all who work to restore life and bring healing, for medical personnel, for counselors, and for chaplains: that God will guide them as they journey with those in pain and preserve them from harm

For healing in mind, body, and spirit: that the wounds of Christ will restore to wholeness all who are suffering

For government leaders: that God will give them insight and courage as they develop plans to both preserve the health and safety of society and to reopen the economy

For all who are suffering from natural disasters: that God will be a shepherd to them, guide them to the assist that they need, and sustain them as they recover

For all who are facing famine: that God will speed the assistance that they need and open the hearts of many to assist them

For all who are unemployed: that God will help them to find the resources that they need and open new opportunities for them to use their gift

For all who have died, particularly those from Covid-19: that the Good Shepherd will welcome them into the fullness of life