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 be ambassadors of Christ, bringing God’s message of compassion, mercy, and salvation to all who are wounded or alienated

For the grace of freedom: that we may be bound by neither our sins nor our self-righteousness but be free to receive and celebrate God’s goodness each day

For a spirit of conversion: the Spirit will guide us in surrendering our weaknesses to God, help us to turn more fully toward God, and to follow the path of the Gospel every day

For new understanding: that we may recognize God’s love for us is not based on our deeds or achievements but on God’s free and generous choice

For patience: that God will sustain us as we await the fulfillment of God’s promises to lead us to life and bring us to wholeness

For freedom from our resentments: that we may surrender our resentments to God who frees us from hurts and teaches us to love

For all who are preparing to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation: that they may surrender all their brokenness to God and encounter God’s abundant love

For all who have left or become alienated from their community of faith: that God will touch their hearts and help us to reach out and welcome them into our faith community

For young people who have run away from their families: that God will protect them from harm and give them the courage to make contact again

For healing within families: that God will heal the wounds of words and actions so that families may work together and support one another

For all who are ill: that God's renewing love will strengthen and comfort all who are facing surgery or who have been hospitalized

For all the Elect: that God will help them recognize the blindness that clouds their vision and give them a new awareness of God's presence in their lives

For Refugees: that God will guide them safely to find new homes and help them enrich their new communities with their gifts and talents

For government leaders: that God will give them the wisdom to understand the needs of those they serve and inspire within them fresh ideas to advance the common good

 For Peace and an end to warfare: that God will change hearts of those advancing violence, help them to recognize the value and dignity of each person, and open new opportunities for dialogue