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 instruments of God’s mercy and compassion by sharing what the forgiveness that we have received with others

For forgiveness and healing in the Church:  that God will heal the wounds that have weakened the Body of Christ and renew our spirits to further the mission of Jesus

For the grace to forgive: that God will help us to forgive those who have injured us and to pray for them and their needs

For conversion of our hearts: that God’s covenant love will empower us to be instruments of non-violence and learn to turn the other cheek when we are injured

For freedom of heart: that the Spirit will free us from returning evil for evil and instead guide us in confronting evil with love and mercy

For all who have been our enemies, whether politically, economically, or personally: that we may let go of hurts and grudges, and seek a new understanding of them

For all who suffer violence on city streets or in their homes: that they may rise above their wounds and be sources of hope and encouragement for others

For new eyes and hearts: that the Spirit will help us to recognize those in need as our sisters and brothers and give us the courage to respond to them as friends

For freedom of spirit: that we may share our resources generously with those who are in need even as God has freely shared with us

For all who have never experienced forgiveness: that they may encounter the free and healing gift of forgiveness through someone who loves as Jesus taught

 For healing of racial and ethnic hatreds: that all people may see the value and dignity of each person as a child of God

 For all who are alienated from the church: that God will heal their hurts and help them to find welcome and acceptance in our communities

 For all who have experienced abuse: that God will heal their memories, their emotions, and their physical wounds so that they may be free to love and share life with others

 For all who are suffering: that God will free those unjustly held, bring justice to the oppressed, hope to those who are grieving, and healing to the sick

For Peace: that God will guide world leaders to end nuclear weapon proliferation and use their resources to end famine, disease, and oppression