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

Joe Milner

For the Church: that we, whom Jesus has called friends, may remain in his love and be instruments of love and healing in the world

For unity in the Body of Christ: that God will show us ways through all the divisions and breakdown all the barriers that divide believers from different races, cultures, and social standing

For all mothers and those who have shown us a mother’s love: that God will watch over them, bless them with every good gift, and fill their hearts with peace

For all who long to be mothers: that the God of tender mercy will hear the yearnings of their hearts and give hope to those struggling with infertility, awaiting adoption, or grieving the death of an infant.

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 those who care for the sick and dying, parents with young children, and those who serve in public safety

For all who need love: that God will strengthen and inspire us with ways to show God’s love to those who are homebound or institutionalized and those who have been abused or neglected

For all those whom we find it 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 help them recognize ways to reach out to them

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

For students as they finish the semester: that they may stay focused, clearly express what they have learned, and find employment for the summer

For the struggling with Covid-19, particularly in India: that God will heal the sick, give strength to caregivers, open minds to the vaccine, and bring an end to the pandemic

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 give them courage and wisdom to those working to end the spread of nuclear weapons and protect all the human family from extinction