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

Joe Milner

For the Church: that, through our words and deeds, we may be a Light to those who are searching for direction and a sign of hope for those seeking to begin again

For God’s blessing on the New Year: that God will fill the coming days with health of body, mind, and spirit; renew the gifts of the Spirit within us, and inspire us with new ways to share our gifts and resources with others

For greater trust: that, like the Wise Men, God’s Light may guide us through the unknown of the coming days as we rely more deeply on God’s love and care for us

For a spirit of wonder: that our hearts may be filled with joy as we recognize God’s many gifts to us in our relationships, our opportunities, and our freedoms

For all who have fled war zones, disasters, persecution, or discrimination: that God will help them to establish new lives and experience justice and respect in their new communities

For catechumens and candidates: that their search for Christ and a Christian Community may lead them to an ever-deepening experience of Emmanuel

For all who do not know God: that they may perceive the signs of God’s love in their lives and like the wisemen, be persistent in searching for God who is the source and fulfillment of their lives

For a renewal of prayer in our lives: that we may make time for God each day of this year and be attentive to God’s invitations and promptings in our hearts

For greater unity and cooperation within the human family: that God will heal the wounds between various groups, open hearts to the talents of every person, and help us work together against violence, drug abuse, and poverty

For those bound by fear: that God will free their spirits, help them to trust God’s providence, and open a vision of the future for them

For the members of Congress: that God will give them clear understanding of the issues in our society, courage to address them, and helpful insights to improve the common good

For all who have experienced abuse: that God will heal their pain, guide them to healing resources, and give them strength

For all who are ill: that God’s healing love will restore them to wholeness and strengthen them throughout the coming year

For the people of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and the Palestinian territories: that God will ease their burdens, open opportunities for them, and establish peace and justice in the Holy Lan