These ideas are designed to be starting points for the prayers of a particular community of faith.

Joe Milner

For the Church: that, as friends of Jesus, we may love as Jesus loved, welcome all whom God calls into our community, and be instruments of healing in the world

For openness to change: that our hearts may be attentive to the Holy Spirit, who continues to lead us to change through growth and new opportunities

For unity in the Body of Christ: that God will help members of the Church reconcile the divisions that exist over differing traditions and grant us a deeper understanding of the values that each person holds

For greater trust and collaboration: that God will show us ways to work together in sharing the Good News and in breaking down the barriers that divide believers from different races, cultures, and social standing

For wisdom and understanding: that God will teach us how best to love and support those to whom we are committed so that we may nurture and encourage them into fuller life

For the courage to lay down our lives for one another: that we may allow God to cleanse us of pride and strengthen us to love as Jesus did

For all who lay down their lives for others each day: that God will renew and strengthen parents, those who care for the sick and dying, and those who serve in public safety

For all who need love: that God will strengthen us to show God’s love to those who have been abused, neglected, who are homebound or in nursing homes

For all those whom we find difficult to love: that God will touch our hearts to recognize them as sisters and brothers who, like us, are loved by God

For generosity of heart: that God will open all who have an abundance of resources to the needs of those struggling to live and show them ways to assist them effectively

For all who are held unjustly: that God will free and heal those caught in human trafficking, enslaved, or held hostage

For students as they finish the semester: that they may stay focused, clearly express what they have learned on papers or in tests, and find employment this summer

For all suffering from famine or drought: that God will provide an abundant growing season and good rainfall so that the basic needs of the human family may be met

For a new awareness of our responsibility for the earth and its resources: that the Spirit will strengthen our resolve to care for God’s creation and ensure resources for future generations

For peace: that God will open a path to decrease international tensions, end conflicts in areas of warfare, and free the human family from the threats of nuclear violence