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 cooperate in the ministry of Jesus in offering forgiveness and accepting suffering in being disciples each day

For the grace of forgiveness: that we may be moved to forgive all who have injured us and show concern and compassion for them

For greater integrity: that we may both speak and live the virtues that are planted deep within our hearts so that we may be authentic witnesses to God’s reign

For a transformation of our hearts: that through the Cross of Christ, our understandings of power, success, and glory may be changed and that we may place ourselves more fully in the service of God

For each of us: that we may live our lives fearlessly while recognizing that our goal is union with Christ in paradise

For Christian unity: that Christ will shepherd us into one family where we can work together to bring forth Christ’s reign and defeat the powers of darkness in society

For Pope Francis and all leaders of the Christian community: that they may be both effective leaders and wise shepherds of God’s people

For the leaders of our nation: that they may recognize the source of their authority and be guided by God’s wisdom in promoting justice and advancing the well-being of all members of society

For healing of our nation: that God will heal the divisions within our nation, guide us toward a greater respect for one another, and a renewed commitment to our common values

For all who are imprisoned, particularly those condemned to death: that the Spirit of God will lead them to conversion and through Christ into paradise

For all who will be traveling this week: that God will guide them safely on their journeys and that their visits with family and friends will strengthen and renew them

For a renewed reverence for God’s creation: that we may respect and care for all that God has created so that all God’s people may be blessed by God’s handiwork

For all who struggle with life’s demands, particularly the poor, the homebound, and those with mental illness: that God will sustain them and touch the hearts of many to be compassionate friends

For all who are grieving: that they may know God’s presence with them and experience the love and compassion of others

For all who are approaching death: that they may entrust themselves into God’s loving embrace and be healed of all their wounds and sinfulness

For all who have died: that Christ the first born from the dead may welcome them into the fullness of life where sorrow and pain exist no more